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Introduction to Threaded Inserts
Threaded inserts, also known as threaded bushings or threaded sockets, are internally threaded components designed to provide reusable, high strength threaded holes in materials or workpieces. Threaded inserts enable durable and removable threaded connections without the need to directly tap the base material.
What Are Threaded Inserts?
A threaded insert consists of an external body with threads on the outer surface and corresponding internal threads in a precision tapped hole through the center. The external threads allow the insert to be screwed into a previously prepared hole in a base material, while the internal threads provide a reusable, accurately sized tapped hole for bolts or screws.
Threaded inserts are installed by screwing them into a slightly undersized hole in the target material. Installation techniques include:
- Mechanical - Using hand tools or power drivers to install the inserts
- Ultrasonic - High frequency vibrations install the insert into plastics
- Thermal - Heated inserts melt their way into plastics upon cooling
- Molded-in - Inserts placed in molds and overmolded during part production
Benefits and Uses of Threaded Inserts
Threaded inserts provide several important benefits:
Reusable Strong Threads
The internal threads in inserts are made from wear-resistant materials and allow for repeated assembly/disassembly without damaging the base material.
Durable Thread Repair
Inserts can reinforce damaged threaded holes or provide stronger threads in softer materials like plastics and aluminum.
Vibration Resistant
Inserts help prevent loosening of bolted joints in materials subject to vibration or shock loads.
Weight Savings
By avoiding tapped holes, inserts allow for thinner wall sections in lightweight materials.
Common applications for threaded inserts include:
- Plastic injection molded components
- Sheet metal enclosures and chassis
- Machined parts and fixtures
- Electronic equipment housings
- Automotive interiors and assemblies
Threaded inserts deliver reusable and robust threaded connections for a variety of applications across many industries. Their specialized design makes them a versatile and often indispensable fastening component.
Types of Threaded Inserts
Threaded inserts are available in a variety of types and styles to suit different installation requirements, base materials, cost considerations and performance needs.
Hexagonal Threaded Inserts
Hexagonal or hex shaped inserts are the most common style. The hex profile resists rotation during installation and allows engagement with hex shaped installation tools. Hex inserts come in thread sizes from #4 to 1” and larger. They are suitable for most general purpose applications.
Cylindrical Threaded Inserts
Cylindrical or round inserts lack the hex shape and are perfectly cylindrical. They typically rely on resistance from a tight host hole for anti-rotation. Cylindrical inserts allow for a flush exterior surface after installation. Common in electronic enclosures and other cosmetic applications.
Threaded Inserts
Externally threaded inserts do not require tapping of the host hole. The external threads tap their own internal threads into the base material upon screwing in. Suitable for thin-walled materials and sheet metals where a tight fit is needed.
Solid Threaded Inserts
Solid threaded inserts are a continuous piece of material rather than wrapped or coiled wire. The solid metal construction provides maximum strength and resistance to vibration/shock loads. Used in critical high-strength connections.
Flanged Threaded Inserts
Inserts with a flange or collar protruding from the top surface. The flange provides a large bearing surface against the host material for improved pullout resistance. Useful where inserts may be subject to frequent removal/reinsertion.
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Knurled Threaded Inserts
Inserts with a diamond knurled or serrated external surface for extra grip against rotation. The knurling allows installation without adhesives or tight tolerances on the prepared hole diameter.
Key Locking Threaded Inserts
Inserts with external projections, tabs or keys that act like barbs to provide resistance against rotation and pullout forces. Prevent movement from vibration in critical applications.
In addition to these common styles, many other designs exist including self-tapping, self-locking, liquid locking, and inserts for specific material types or installation methods.
With the variety of insert types available, engineers can select inserts tailored to their functional requirements, material constraints, cost targets and performance goals.
Threaded Insert Materials
Threaded inserts are manufactured from a range of materials to provide different characteristics in terms of strength, corrosion resistance, cost, weight, thermal properties and compatibility with host materials.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is the most common and economical material used for threaded inserts. It offers high tensile strength and hardness. Plain carbon steel inserts have no corrosion resistance and require plating or coating if exposed to moisture.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance while maintaining high strength. More costly than carbon steel but ideal for harsh environments. Common grades are 303, 316 and 416 stainless.
Brass
Brass inserts have moderate strength with excellent corrosion resistance. Brass is non-magnetic and has lubricious properties that allow smooth threading. It is heavier than steel but costs less than stainless steel.
Aluminum
Aluminum inserts are lightweight with good corrosion resistance. Not as strong as steel but cheaper. Often used with aluminum components or where weight savings are critical.
Plastics
Plastic inserts made from engineered thermoplastics can provide weight savings, electrical insulation, and resistance to corrosion and chemicals. Lower strength limits use to non-critical connections.
Exotic Alloys
Specialized alloys like Inconel or Hastelloy can offer ultra-high strength and resistance to extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals. Used in demanding aerospace, chemical and industrial applications.
Plating and Coatings
Steel inserts are commonly plated or coated to improve corrosion resistance and aesthetics without affecting strength. Common platings include zinc, cadmium, and zinc nickel. Organic coatings and paints also applied.
Choosing the optimal insert material involves balancing factors such as cost, strength, weight, corrosion protection, and compatibility with the assembly materials and operating environment. Consult manufacturers when uncertain about the best material for an application.
Threaded Insert Sizes
Like other threaded fasteners, threaded inserts are produced in a wide range of standard sizes. Selecting the proper insert requires matching the internal thread size to the mating bolt or screw, and choosing an appropriate external thread and body size based on the application.
Internal Thread Size
The internal thread diameter must match the external thread on the mating fastener. Standard imperial sizes include:
- #4, #6, #8, #10, 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", etc.
Metric insert thread sizes are designated by the thread pitch including M3, M4, M5, M6, etc.
External Thread Size
The external threads tap into the host material to mount the insert. Common imperial sizes include:
- #5, #7, #10, 1/4"-20, 5/16"-18, 3/8"-16, 7/16"-14, 1/2"-13, etc.
Metric external threads are sized based on the insert's internal thread diameter.
Body Size
The body provides a bearing surface against the host material. Typical parameters include:
- Insert length
- Body diameter
- Flange diameter (if flanged)
These dimensions help determine the required hole size for installation and the insert's strength.
Determining Proper Size
Consider factors like grip range, strength, host material thickness and installation method. Also ensure the insert size suits tap drill availability. Standard insert sizes allow matching commercial installation tools.
For critical connections, test installed insert strength to verify required performance. Consult manufacturers if unsure about proper sizing.
With standard options available, designers can select optimal insert sizes to meet the demands of each unique application.
Installing Threaded Inserts
Properly installing threaded inserts requires using the right techniques and tools for the job. Good practices will ensure the inserts provide their full strength and security in the application.
Drilling Holes
The first step is accurately drilling holes for the inserts. Use sharp drill bits suitable for the material. For example, avoid standard twist drills in fiberglass. Peck drill deep holes to clear chips. Allow for 75% thread engagement as a minimum. Deburr holes thoroughly after drilling.
Tools for Mechanical Installation
Manually installing inserts requires an insert driver or hex wrench to engage the hex body. Apply firm pressure axially when driving the insert to reach full depth smoothly. Use adequate lubrication. Variable-speed electric drivers allow better control of insert speed.
Heating Tools for Thermal Inserts
Thermal insert tips must be uniformly heated to around 500°F to melt the inserts into plastic components. Electric cartridge heaters or mini ovens work well. The heat source must align centered on the insert tip.
Ultrasonic Insertion Systems
Ultrasonic insertion systems utilize high-frequency vibrations to install threaded inserts into plastics. The ultrasonic hammer contains a tuned transducer that drives a threaded horn. Special tooling matches the insert size.
Optimizing Installation Process
Take measures to optimize the installation process. Regularly lubricate running taps and drivers. Inspect inserts for damage before use. Ensure inserts are perpendicular to the part during insertion to prevent cross-threading. Conduct test runs to dial-in any necessary adjustments.
Confirming Proper Installation
Check that inserts are fully seated at the correct depth after installation. Verify alignment and test the strength by threading in fasteners by hand. Perform pullout force testing if needed. Microscopic inspection will show no gap between the external threads and hole walls.
Following proper techniques and using appropriate tools will result in robust, reliable threaded insert installation.
Applications for Threaded Inserts
Threaded inserts are used across many industries to create reusable, durable threaded holes in parent materials. Typical applications take advantage of inserts' strengths and mitigate limitations of tapped holes.
Plastic Components
Inserts allow plastic parts like housings and enclosures to be frequently disassembled without damaging the threads. Inserts strengthen the connection and distribute loads over a larger surface area.
Sheet Metal Assemblies
Installing inserts in sheet metal panels enables repeated assembly while avoiding the poor thread forming of thin material. The inserts reinforce the threads and prevent pullout.
Machined Parts and Fixtures
Precision fixtures and parts can utilize inserts to create accurate, strong threaded holes. Inserts allow thinner walls versus tapping and protect internal dimensions and alignments.
Electronics Equipment
Inserts mounted in aluminum and plastic electronics housings provide durable, EMI-shielded threaded ports for cable glands and connectors.
Thread Repair
Damaged or stripped threads in critical components can be restored by installing inserts. The reinforced threads meet original strength requirements.
Vibration Resistance
Securing threaded fasteners in applications with vibration or shock loads benefits from the locking effect of inserts.
From consumer products to industrial machinery, threaded inserts solve a range of fastening challenges. Their unique advantages make them a versatile threaded hole solution across many demanding applications.
Benefits of Threaded Inserts
Threaded inserts offer significant advantages over traditional threaded holes and other fastening methods. Their specialized design provides unique benefits that make them an optimal solution for many applications.
Reusable Strong Threads
The internal threads of inserts allow repeated assembly and disassembly without wearing or tearing out like tapped threads in parent materials. The reusable threads withstand frequent use.
Superior Thread Protection
Inserts protect delicate internal dimensions and alignments in parts and precision fixtures by avoiding directly tapped holes. This enables thinner walls and weight savings.
Durable Thread Repair
Damaged, corroded or stripped threads can be restored by installing inserts. This repairs the threads to full strength versus costly part replacement.
Load Distribution
Inserts spread fastener loads over a larger surface area in softer materials like plastics. This prevents concentrated stresses and creep around the threads.
Vibration Resistance
The locking effect of inserts prevents threaded fasteners from loosening under vibration or shock impacts better than tapped holes.
Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel and plated inserts avoid corrosion issues experienced with tapped holes exposed to moisture and chemicals.
With benefits like these over standard nuts and bolts, it is clear why threaded inserts are an indispensable component across many industrial and commercial applications.
Benefits of Amazon Prime for Buying Threaded Inserts
For engineers, manufacturers, and others who regularly purchase threaded inserts, having an Amazon Prime membership can provide significant advantages and conveniences.
Free Two-Day Shipping
Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping on millions of items, including standard stock threaded inserts. This provides faster delivery so you can receive your threaded insert orders quicker without paying extra shipping fees.
Free One-Day and Same-Day Delivery
For more time-sensitive projects, Amazon Prime also includes free one-day and same-day delivery on qualifying orders over $35. This ensures you can get threaded inserts delivered urgently when needed.
Free Returns
If you ever need to return threaded inserts purchased through Amazon Prime, you can do so for free. The flexible return policy makes buying threaded inserts risk-free.
Purchase Protection
Amazon Prime offers purchase protection on qualifying orders. If your threaded inserts are damaged or lost in transit, you can receive a full refund or replacement.
Prime Early Access
Members get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals for threaded inserts and other fasteners. This allows you to take advantage of limited-time discounts before others.
Business Purchasing Benefits
With Amazon Prime's business programs like Business Prime and Amazon Business, companies can streamline purchasing of threaded inserts with benefits like easy approval workflows and consolidated billing.
Utilizing Amazon Prime for threaded insert orders provides significant conveniences and savings for any size of business. The program pays for itself by improving purchasing efficiency and delivery speed.
The Basics Of Threaded Inserts For Plastics
Threaded inserts for plastics are cylindrical metal parts with a threaded hole in the middle and a serrated outer wall to increase the connection strength. They provide reusable threads and secure tight threaded joints. There are different types of threaded inserts for plastics, including press-in inserts, molded-in inserts, and heat/ultrasonic inserts. Press-in inserts are ideal for use in softer plastics and provide a reusable thread to meet the tightening torque requirements of a threaded joint. Molded-in inserts are installed during the molding process, eliminating the need for secondary steps or installation equipment. Heat/ultrasonic inserts are installed using heat or ultrasonic energy to melt the plastic and create a bond with the insert. The key insert features include knurling that provides torque out resistance and a hex-shaped body that provides rotational torque resistance. However, there are some disadvantages to using threaded inserts for plastics, such as longer cycle times, higher costs, and the possibility of plastic getting into the threads. Overall, threaded inserts for plastics are a reliable and effective solution for creating strong and reusable joints in plastic parts.
Top products in 🔧 Threaded Inserts
- Introduction to Threaded Inserts
- What Are Threaded Inserts?
- Benefits and Uses of Threaded Inserts
- Reusable Strong Threads
- Durable Thread Repair
- Vibration Resistant
- Weight Savings
- Types of Threaded Inserts
- Hexagonal Threaded Inserts
- Cylindrical Threaded Inserts
- Threaded Inserts
- Solid Threaded Inserts
- Flanged Threaded Inserts
- Knurled Threaded Inserts
- Key Locking Threaded Inserts
- Threaded Insert Materials
- Carbon Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Brass
- Aluminum
- Plastics
- Exotic Alloys
- Plating and Coatings
- Threaded Insert Sizes
- Internal Thread Size
- External Thread Size
- Body Size
- Determining Proper Size
- Installing Threaded Inserts
- Drilling Holes
- Tools for Mechanical Installation
- Heating Tools for Thermal Inserts
- Ultrasonic Insertion Systems
- Optimizing Installation Process
- Confirming Proper Installation
- Applications for Threaded Inserts
- Plastic Components
- Sheet Metal Assemblies
- Machined Parts and Fixtures
- Electronics Equipment
- Thread Repair
- Vibration Resistance
- Benefits of Threaded Inserts
- Reusable Strong Threads
- Superior Thread Protection
- Durable Thread Repair
- Load Distribution
- Vibration Resistance
- Corrosion Resistance
- Benefits of Amazon Prime for Buying Threaded Inserts
- Free Two-Day Shipping
- Free One-Day and Same-Day Delivery
- Free Returns
- Purchase Protection
- Prime Early Access
- Business Purchasing Benefits
- The Basics Of Threaded Inserts For Plastics
