PEM® self-clinching SH™ nuts and HFLH™ studs from PennEngineering® can successfully install in high-strength thin steel sheets to provide permanent threads for mating hardware in automotive component attachment applications. Continue reading →

New PEM® PreTect™ thread masking plugs from PennEngineering® will protect internal threads of self-clinching nuts and standoffs during paint and powder coating processes. The pre-installed silicone masking plugs – supplied already in place – have been designed for self-clinching blind standoffs, thru-hole standoffs, and nuts in thread sizes #4-40 to ¼-20 and M3 to M6. Plugs can be augmented for thru-hole fastener types with a specially engineered stretched polyester film offering thread protection on the side opposite the plug. Plugs and film can be removed easily using a fine tip tool when processes are completed.

All self-clinching fasteners provide permanent and reusable load-bearing threads in metal sheets too thin to be tapped or where extruded or stamped threads would be impractical. Usually installed during the fabrication process – before an assembly would undergo painting or powder coating – self-clinching fasteners become integral components. The new plugs and film ensure that paints or powder coatings will not impact the thread integrity of installed fasteners as assemblies move through production.

The plugs and film can reduce labor requirements by eliminating any need to manually mask fastener threads in advance of coating processes or subsequently clean contaminated threads. They have been engineered to withstand temperatures up to 482ºF and 250ºC and fasteners with the feature can be installed automatically to achieve additional production economies.

Detailed specifications, drawings and 3D models of fasteners with plugs and film, and performance data (Bulletin STP) can be viewed and downloaded for free at www.pemnet.com.

SI® inserts from PennEngineering® permanently install in plastic assemblies to provide durable and reusable metal threads for mating hardware and allow for repeated disassembly and re-attachment whenever required. By promoting quick and easy access to an assembly, SI inserts offer highly practical joining solutions in contrast to fixed and unyielding methods, such as adhesives or rivets. Continue reading →

PEM® SFN™ spinning flare nuts from PennEngineering® become permanently captivated upon installation in thin metal sheets and, when paired with a self-clinching stud or other fixed externally threaded hardware, can eliminate all loose fasteners (including flange nuts) in attachment applications. These one-piece, flanged hex nuts additionally will spin freely in a sheet enabling quick attachment to mating hardware. Their use ultimately promotes savings in assembly time and costs. Continue reading →

ATLAS® SpinTite® blind threaded inserts from PennEngineering® provide strong, permanent, and reusable threads in thin sheet materials where only one side is accessible for hardware installation. Installation is performed from the accessible “front” side using spin-spin tooling technology. The inserts then become permanently mounted on the “back” side to accept a mating screw for final component attachment. The “blind” installation capability especially suits applications such as tubing, extrusions, and others where access to the back side is either limited or nonexistent. Continue reading →

PEM® TSO4™self-clinching threaded standoffs from PennEngineering® offer reliable fastener solutions to securely stack or space components in ultra-thin stainless steel assemblies. These hardened stainless steel fasteners clinch into stainless sheets as thin as .025” / 0.63mm and become permanent parts of an assembly. The standoffs ultimately will reduce the amount of required hardware in an assembly, promote thinner and lighter designs, and minimize typical handling issues associated with loose hardware. Continue reading →

New stainless steel PEM® TK™TackSert® pins from PennEngineering® introduce ideal alternatives to screws for attaching thin panels in assemblies. They can securely attach panels of any material to base panels manufactured from common casting materials (such as AZ91D) or plastics (such as ABS and printed circuit boards). Unique design features promote reliable performance in service.

PEM TK TackSert pins deliver multiple advantages over screws by eliminating any need for mating threads from tapped holes or inserts and the rework frequently required due to screw cross-threading and driver bit “cam-out.” Patches intended to prevent fastener loosening in service are unnecessary.

Among pin design features, a tapered tip assists in pin location to enable easier alignment into a base panel, a specially engineered diagonal broaching knurl (instead of threads) creates a firm interference fit without hole-tolerance issues, and a low-profile head minimizes protrusion on the attached panel.

The pins are offered in a variety of lengths and can successfully attach sheets with thicknesses from .067” / 1.7mm to .185” / 4.7mm, depending on pin length. For plastic bases, simple press-in installation without using heat or ultrasonics is performed by preparing properly sized mounting holes in the top sheet and base panel, placing the pin through the hole in the top sheet and into the through or blind mounting hole of the base panel, and then applying sufficient squeezing force using punch and anvil until the head of the pin contacts the top sheet. Pins can even be installed automatically for high-volume jobs.

Detailed specifications, fastener drawings and 3D models, and performance data (Bulletin TK) can be viewed and downloaded for free at www.pemnet.com.

Founded in 1942, PennEngineering (Danboro, PA, USA) is a global leader in the fastening industry with technical and manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia supported by a global engineering-focused sales force and a worldwide network of authorized distributors.