Captive Panel Fasteners
PEM® offers a wide range of captive panel fasteners that are well-suited for server applications, especially in terms of secure, captive, and tool-less access to panels, covers, and modules. They are commonly used in server racks, chassis, and enclosures to attach metal panels or other thin material components where vibration resistance, and ease of maintenance are important. They are designed to help keep parts to a minimum and eliminate risks associated with loose hardware that could fall out and damage components. Panel Fasteners are an ideal choice for use in datacom/telecom applications where installation footprints are limited and where fastening and unfastening is often required.
The fastener retainer features a proprietary shoulder that ensures complete and reliable installation through a positive stop mechanism. Its anti-cross threading technology corrects off-angle thread mating for proper alignment during installation. Offering design flexibility, it is available in three mounting styles: self-clinching, flaring, and floating, along with a wide range of standard cap options to meet various application requirements.
Panel Fastener Key Benefits:
- Prevent hardware loss (important for modular server design).
- Tool or tool-less access, based on configuration.
- Customizable with captivation style, driver type, color indicators.
- High reliability under vibration (e.g., data center airflow fans).
- RoHS-compliant and available in various platings.
- MAThread® to prevent cross-threading.
Typical Server application areas:
- Server chassis covers
- Drive bays and hot-swap trays
- Network switch enclosures
- Rear access panels in rackmount systems
PEM® Type PF11M™ / PF12M™ Large knob, Spring Loaded, Captive Panel Screws
PEM® Type PF11MF™ / PF12MF™ Flare Mounted, Captive Panel Fasteners
PEM® Type PF11MW™ / PF12MW™ Flare Mounted, Floating Captive Panel Screws
PF11M™, PF12M™, PF15M™, PF11MW™, PF11MF™, PEM C.A.P.S.® Captive Panel Screws
Description: Spring-loaded, self-clinching, floating and flaring captive panel screws. Best For: Server trays, modules, and panels that require frequent access.
Features:
- Remains attached to panel—prevents loss.
- Tool-accessible (Phillips or Torx).
- Vibration-resistant and durable.
- Available with MAThread® anti cross-threading technology.
Material Options: Standard selection of knobs include knurled, semi-smooth or smooth metal caps and plastic OEM C.A.P.S.® (Colored Access Panel Screws)
Panel Thickness: as thin as 0.79mm
Installation: Self-clinching, Flare-mounted, Floating
PFC2™ and PFS2™ Captive Panel Screws
- Spring-loaded panel fastener for tool or hand operation
- Screw assemblies remain captive for each mounting and removal
PFC4™ and PFC2P™ Recessed-Head Captive Panel Screws
- Fully concealed-head for tool only access
- Comply with UL 60950 standards
- Available with MAThread® anti cross-thread technology
PF7M™ and PF7MF™ Captive Panel Screws
- Smallest footprint, spring-loaded panel fastener for limited access applications
- MAThread® anti cross-thread technology
- Installs flush on back side of panel
- Available with Torx® recess
PF7M
- Self-clinching style provides high pushout resistance
- Does not require special hole preparation
PF7MF
- Appropriate for close centerline-to-edge applications
- Does not require high installation force
- Installs into any panel hardness
PFHV™ Captive Panel Screws
- Compact, low profile design for limited access applications
- Low-cost captive screw design to replace loose hardware
- Two screw lengths
- Universal slot/Phillips recess standard with available Torx® recess
- Available with MAThread® anti cross-thread technology
- Ideal for tight centerline-to-edge requirements
SCBR™, SCB™, SCBJ™ Captive Panel Screws
- Permanently captivates into sheets as thin as .040” / 1.02mm
- Lowest cost captive screw design to replace loose hardware
- Available with self-retracting SCBR, axial float SCB or jacking feature SCBJ
- Appropriate for close centerline-to-edge applications
REELFAST® SMTPFLSM™ Surface Mount Captive Panel Screws
- All metal captive screw assembly installs in one piece utilizing pick and place method
- Combination drive, Torx® slot
- Solderable finish
REELFAST® SMTPF™ Surface Mount Captive Panel Screws
- Retainer installed using conventional surface mount techniques
- Simply snap screw into a retainer to complete assembly
- Black ABS knob standard
- Optional molded-through colors are available
- Available with Torx® recess
- Retainer: Packaged on 330mm recyclable reels of 400 pieces. Tape width is 24mm. Supplied with Kapton® patch for vacuum pick up. Reels conform to EIA-481.
- Screw: Packaged in bags. Retainers and screws are sold separately.
PFAP & PFQT toolless Panel Fasteners
PFAP
- Automatic lock design for limited access application.
- Available with custom color plastic knob
- Fast installation and removal of sliding components
- Quickly attaching two panels
- Small / compact size
- Customizable colors
- Global for local
- Achieves rapid positioning with one-second fixation/unlocking.
One handed operation even in confined spaces - Forms one piece with the main structure.
Wide range of applications, specs can be customized.
PFQT
- Tool-free installations
- Spring compliance enhances vibration resistance, ensuring positive locking.
- Cost-effective
- Design flexibility in actuation
- Ideal for panel and cover attachment
- Reduce service time for equipment disassemblies and reassemblies
- Used for parallel positioning