CA LC U L AT I O N S D ES I G N A PPL I CAT I O N S B . 3 .

Fastening with metal screws

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Contents

1.

Introduction

7.

2.

Requirements for
Basic types
3.1 3.1.1

screwed joints

Securing screwed joints 7.1 Joint with thread-forming 7.2 Joint with thread-cutting
and metric
screws

14
screws

14

15

3.

3.1.2 3.2
3.3 3.3.1 3.3.2

3.3.3

of screwed joint Joint with self-tapping screws Thread-forming screws Thread-cutting screws Joint with quick-fix nuts Joint with metric screws Joint with screw and nut Joint with threaded bolts anchored in plastic Joint with threaded inserts
anchored in

8.
4 5

Design
8.1 8.2

notes

15
15

Joint with self- tapping screws Joint with metric threaded inserts
and metric threaded bolts

5 5 5 9.

16

Calculation

examples

17

10.

Applications

19

plastic

11.

Explanation of symbols

21

4.

Critical parameters for screwed joints

4.1

12. Literature

21

Screwed with

joint thread-forming
screw

screws

4.1.1

Nominal and

diameter d

4.1.2

engagement Thread bite t

screw

length

4.1.2.1 Thread 4.1.2.2 Thread

4.1.2.3

4.1. 2 .4

depth h pitch P Thread angle a Receiving hole diameter dK

8 8
8

8 9

4.1.2.5 Outside diameter D of moulded bosses

4.1.3

strength Ks of the plastic

Shear

and tensile

strength Kz
10

4.1.4 4.2

Relaxation modulus Er of the Screwed joint with Screwed

plastic

11

4.3

thread-cutting screws joint with threaded

11

inserts
11

and threaded bolts Behaviour under

5.1 5.2

5.

of screwed joints steady stress Joint with self-tapping screws Joint with threaded inserts
stresses

12
12

13

6.

Permissible
6.1

for screwed joints

13 13
13

Driving

6.2

torque MA Axial force Fperm.

1.

Introduction

2.

Requirements for screwed joints

joints
are

For detachable

fastening of plastic components, metal joints frequently employed option. These provide a high-strength joint capable of withstanding continuous stresses safely even at relatively high service temperatures. By using additional sealing elements (O-rings for example), leak-tight joints can also be
screwed
are a

obtained.

designed to fix components perma nently a position relative to each other. To achieve this, a pre-stressing force is required which is applied by tightening the screws and must be maintained at an adequate level for a long period of time. This prestressing force must be greater than the forces occurring in the normal functioning of the components and must
Screwed
in certain

also be greater than random stresses which could arise for instance in transporting or handling the parts. For this reason, metal screws are normally oversized so that

generally required. Strength testing joint is however necessary if the metal screw is anchored directly in the plastic part and hence the lower mechanical properties of the plastic determine the strength of the joint.
not

strength testing is

of the screwed

joints should be easy and cheap to make. This requirement is particularly well fulfilled by screws which tap their own thread in the plastic part (self-tapping screws).
Screwed

Hostaform Acetal copolymer (POM)

Hostacom
Reinforced

polypropylene (PP)

registered

trademark

3.

Basic types

of screwed joint

Fig.

2:

Thread

designs

of different

thread-forming

screws

3.1

Joint with self-tapping screws

Injection moulding of the internal thread increases mould

generally lengthens cycle times. For this reason, thread-forming and thread-cutting screws are an advan tage. They are screwed into a cylindrical receiving hole so forming the internal thread.
costs

and

3.1.1

Thread-forming screws
the internal thread

-v-v^r^r^rvr_j j i*
P

For

forming
as

by

mechanical

displace

sheet metal

screw

DIN 7970

ment

of material

thread

(fig. 1), screws with a sheet metal screw specified in DIN 7970 or wood screw thread as
are

specified
Fig.

in DIN 7998

suitable.

AA 7V_J\_A_^V

1 : Screwed

joint

with

thread-forming

screw

wood

screw

DIN 7998

/T^ A_J_J\_^L

special screw for plastic parts (e. g. Spax screw)

In

addition, there

are a

whole series of

special

screw

d!

outside diameter

( without taking

into

account

the

designs developed
ABC
Fa.

for

joining plastic

parts, for

example

manufacturing tolerances for the nominal diameter d)

d2 receiving hole diameter
P

pitch
thread

Spax screw Altenloh, Brinck

angle

&

Co., D-58256

Ennepetal
These

PT

screw

Fa. E.

Jger GmbH
screw

&

Co., D-57319 Bad

Berleburg

Plastite

Vertrieb].

H.

Krumb,

D-61440 Oberursel

special designs differ from sheet metal and wood in having a smaller receiving hole diameter and consequently a greater thread depth. The thread angle of these screws is 30 to 45 compared with the 60 for sheet metal screws. Fig. 2 shows the thread designs of various thread-forming screws.
screws

An essential

requirement

for this method of

is

internal thread is that the

plastic i.e. that it will accept plastic deformation without crack ing. Furthermore, the stressed (deformed) regions of the plastic parts should not be liable to environmental stress cracking. Hoechst engineering plastics satisfy this require
ment.

forming the sufficiently tough,

Fig.

4: Screwed

joint with quick-fix nut (principle)

^%
rv~^

3.1.2

Thread-cutting screws

plastics such as the reinforced partially crystalline thermoplastics, thread-forming screws are not so suitable. Thread-cutting screws on the other hand can be used to advantage. The most suitable are thread-cutting screws as specified in DIN 7513 and sheet metal screws with cutting notches or a cutting edge in the first turns of the thread (e. g. Knipping notched screw, Fa. A. Knipping GmbH, D-51643 Gummersbach), fig. 3.

For less ductile

^^

^<^

Fig.

3: Sheet metal
turns

screws

with

the first

of the thread

cutting notches in (left) and with a cutting

edge (right)
As the
screw

is driven in, the claws press

so

thread

root

and

permit

against the vibration-resistant, selfcan

locking joint. If the nuts are suitably designed, they be pre-fitted to the plastic part as captive fasteners.

3.3

Joint with
Joint with
5: Screwed

metric

screws

3.3.1

screw

and

nut

Fig.

joint

with

screw

and

nut

3.2

Joint with quick-fix

to

nuts

In addition

direct

screwing

into the

plastic

part, sheet

metal

screws

quick-fix
D-79539

nuts

may also be used in combination with (e. g. A. Raymond, Befestigungselemente, For direct
as

Lrrach; United Carr GmbH, D-67677 Enkenbach-Alsenborn; Mecano Simmonds GmbH,

D-69123

Heidelberg).
two

steel have

These parts made from spring claws matched to the thread pitch, fig. 4.

screwing into the plastic part, metric screws specified in DIN 13 are not so suitable because of their relatively shallow thread depth. They should therefore

preferably

be used in combination with metal

nuts or

threaded inserts.

Fig.
to

6: Screwed

take the

joint with additional supporting sleeve pre-stressing force

Fig.

7: Screwed

joint with moulded-in

or

subsequently

installed threaded bolt

Fig.
tate

5 shows

screwed
the

assembly,

undercut

recess

joint with screw and nut. To facili nut frequently snap-fitted into an as a captive fastener.
is

Fig.

8: Screwed

joint

with moulded-in

or

subsequently

installed threaded insert

plastic parts deforming as a result of the screw pre-stressing force with consequent loss of pr-stress, a thin metal sleeve can additionally be fitted in the receiving hole, fig. 6. Its length should correspond to the sum of the wall thicknesses of both plastic parts. This solution is an advantage for parts exposed to temperature variations.
To prevent

3.3.2

Joint with threaded bolts anchored

a

in plastic

Fig.
tion

7 shows

screwed

joint

with threaded bolt. The

threaded bolt is either inserted in the mould before

moulding
means

and moulded in
a

or

sonic

into

receiving hole

injec by ultra after moulding. In

embedded of the bolt in the
in

the latter

method, the

outer contours to ensure

seating region are profiled the plastic part.

good anchorage

3.3.3

Joint with threaded

inserts anchored in plastic

In the screwed

joint shown
e.

in

insert is either moulded in

or

fig. 8, too, the threaded subsequently installed in

means.

the

plastic

part,

g.

by

ultrasonic

Fig.
-

9:

Examples
or

of suitable threaded inserts for:

4.

Critical parameters

moulding-in a
ultrasonic heated tool insertion
e

mechnical anchorage d, f (with external thread)

(a), b, c (expansion-type),
joint

for screwed joints

A vital factor in

is the

determining the strength of a screwed pre-stressing force applied by driving in the

section, the parameters which determine the

b, d, f sold by Kerb-Konus-Vertriebs-GmbH,
D-86854
c,
e

screw.

In this

sold

Amberg by Bllhof & Co.,

D-33649 Bielefeld

permissible driving torque (pre-stressing force) and the permissible forces which may be exerted on the screwed joint in service are discussed.

4.1

Screwed joint with

Nominal
screw

thread-forming screws

4.1.1

diameter d and screw

engagement
The
threaded insert
as

length L

specified

in

DIN 16 903

strength of a screwed joint (pull-out force F or strip ping torque M) is directly proportional to a shear-stressed cylindrical area calculated from the nominal screw dia meter d and screw engagement length L, fig. 10.
F,M~jr-d-L (1)

Fig.

10: Screw engagement

length L

CM

cylindrical

area

Fig.

9 shows

examples of different threaded inserts.

-T-d-L

The

screw

engaged
thread

engagement length L is the in the plastic from the lowest

length of screw fully engaged

4.1.2.2 Thread pitch P

to

the top of the

receiving

hole.

The thread
consecutive

pitch
-

P which is the distance between

two

4.1.2

Thread bite

turns a along depth h the space available to accommodate the displaced plastic i.e. a high thread pitch P permits a correspondingly deep thread bite t.
-

of

thread determines

with

thread

The

strength

of

screwed

joint

is

directly dependent

on

the thread bite t, fig 11. A deep thread bite means high strength. With thread-forming screws, the thread bite obtained when the
screw

4.1.2.3 Thread

angle

is driven in

depends

on

the When the

screw

following Fig.

dimensions:

is driven into the

cylindrical receiving

11: Thread bite

hole, the thread penetrates the plastic like a wedge and so forms a mating thread. The penetration depth and hence
the thread bite
t

(fig. 11)

increases with

decreasing

thread

'

angle

a.

Table 1 :
screws

Comparison
a

of critical

screw

dimensions for
mm

with

nominal diameter of 3.5

^\^

Dimension

Outside diameter

Thread

Thread

Thread

depth
h

pitch
P

angle
K

d,
Screw type

^v
screw

[mm]
3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.4

[mm]
0.45

[mm]
1.27 1.6 1.63 1.58

[]
60

sheet metal

wood
ABC PT

screw

0.55
0.7 0.78 0.45

60 40
35 60

Spax

screw

screw screw

Plastite

1.27

4.1.2.1 Thread

depth

4.1.2.4

Receiving hole diameter dK

hole diameter dK has
t
a

The greater the thread

depth

The
on

receiving

decisive influence

the achievable thread bite of the

which determines the

d,-d2
=

(2)

joint. Fig. 12 plots the curve for pull-out force F and stripping torque M as a function of receiving hole diameter. Suitable receiving hole diameters are shown

strength

in table 2.

fig. 11, the greater the space available to accommodate the displaced plastic. A high thread depth h permits a deep thread bite t and hence high joint strength.

4.1.2.5 Outside diameter D

Fig.

12: Pull-out force F and

stripping torque

of moulded bosses

as a some screwed joints, it is necessary to drive the thread-forming screw into a relatively thin flat plastic part, fig. 13 a. In this case, the greatest possible thread

function of

receiving hole

diameter ds.

With

F,M

bite should be obtained because this

resistance
screw

ensures

against expansion of the plastic frequently, however, a boss provided to take the screw, fig. 13 b. In this case, the thread bite t additionally depends on the outside dia
is driven in. More
meter

the greatest part as the is

D;

diminishes with decrease in D.

Kg.

13:

Receiving holes for thread-forming screws

ds

Table 2: Recommended

receiving

hole diameter dK for

thread-forming

screws

Screw type

Sheet metal
screw,

ABC

Spax

^^^^
Material

screw,

^^\^

wood

screw,
screw

PT

screw

Plastite

D' Hostaform C 52021 Hostaform C 27021 Hostaform C 13021 Hostaform C 13031 Hostaform C 13021 RM Hostaform C 9021 Hostaform C 9021 K Hostaform C 9021 M
!____.

dK

0.8 d $
f]
.

dK

0.75 d

r
k
<
<

1
>

rTn J
(

i
N

/
!
^

r>

S
~*\\

**

Hostaform C 9021 TF Hostaform C 9021 GV 3/10

\\J
\N
\\

Hostaform C 9021 GV 3/20 Hostaform C 9021 GV 3/30 Hostaform C 2521

Hostaform C 2552 Hostaform T 1020

\N
1

^ N> $S
\
L\
\ \

\\

1
The outside diameter D also has direct influence

\\

$>
,

on

the

Hostaform S 27063 Hostaform S 27073 Hostaform S 27064 Hostaform S 9063 Hostaform S 9064

dfC

strength of the joint. Depending D, the following types of failure the joint is overloaded, fig. 14:
-

on

the outside diameter

may be observed when

shearing
tensile

of the internal thread

area

Hostalen PPN 1060

Hostacom Ml U01 Hostacom M4 U01 Hostacom M2 N01
Hostacom M4 N01

fracture of the boss in the circular

stress.

under

The type of failure which engagement

engagement

occurs

is determined

by

screw

Hostacom M2 N02 Hostacom G2 N03

length length
2.5d

L.

If,

as

recommended, the

screw

is

Hostaform C 9021 GV 1/30

Hostaform C 9021 GV 1/40
Hostacom G2 N01

dK

0.85 d

dK

0.8 d

(3)

Hostacom G3 N01
Hostacom G2 N02

then in the
an

the boss fractures up to outside diameter of D < 2.5 d. If, on the other hand
event

of

overloading,

*d

nominal

screw

diameter

D > 2.5

d, then the internal thread shears (fig. 14).

Table 3 : Characteristic values for

Fig.

14:

Types of failure

in screwed

joints with

moulded bosses
a

thread Ks and fracture of the boss Kz

dK
F

0.8

d,

2.5

d,
D

D
=

2.5

shearing of the internal (determined for d, and D > 4 d)

=

Shearing of the internal thread in the cylindrical

area

AI

d L
area

outside diameter of the boss, inside diameter of the screw, L screw engagement

pull-out force,

length
^x.
Material characterF
K

Failure of the boss in circular

A2=-f-(D*-<P)
A,

F
r-

^v ^SVV

istic

Ks~;r.d.
D>4d

[N/mm2]

*Z-(D2-d2)
D<2.5d

values

^S.
Material

D 20C

2.5d
80 C

[N/mm2]
20 C

_\ 20C

80C

80C

Hostaform C 52021 Hostaform C 27021

Hostaform C 13021
Hostaform C 13031 Hostaform C 13021 RM Hostaform C 9021 Hostaform C 9021 K Hostaform C 9021 M Hostaform C 9021 TF Hostaform C 9021
GV 3/10
47 28 40
24

50

30

Hostaform C 9021
GV 3/20

Hostaform C 9021
GV 3/30

Hostaform C 2521

Hostaform C 2552 Hostaform T 1020 Hostaform S 9063 Hostaform S 27063 Hostaform S 27073 Hostaform S 9064
30 18 25 15
32 19 40 23 33 20 42 25

Hostaform S 27064 Hostaform C 9021

GV 1/30
50 35 46 33 55
-

Hostaform C 9021
GV 1/40

Hostalen PPN 1060

Hostacom Ml U01

24

11

20

26

14

4.13

Shear

strength Ks and tensile strength Kz of the plastic

of the screwed

Hostacom M4 U01 Hostacom M2 N01 Hostacom M4 N01 Hostacom M2 N02

26 14 22 12

26

14

The

joint is proportional to the material characteristic values KS (shear strength) and KZ (tensile strength) determined directly at the joint.

strength

Hostacom G2 N01 Hostacom G2 N03 Hostacom G2 N02 Hostacom G3 N01

28

19

24

16

28

19

These values

correspond

to

the shear

strength

and tensile

strength 0B of the material but vary in magnitude since additional influences are involved such as:
-

multi-axial

stress at

condition in the moulded boss

root

notch effect

the

of the internal thread.

Using the

material characteristic values Ks and Kz given in table 3, the strength of the joint can be roughly estimated in advance.

10

Fig.

15: Stress distribution

decay in pre-stressing force with time can be calculated approximately from the reduction factor curve shown in fig. 16. In reality, the relationships are better than that because owing to friction in the engaging surfaces, some thing approaching a hydrostatic (tri-axial) stress condition (all-round compression) exists in which stress relaxation
The
is reduced.

4.2

Screwed joint with

thread-cutting screws

For this type of

as

for

joints

with

joint, basically the same factors apply thread-forming screws (see chart 1).
To calculate

However, the boss outside diameter D has less effect

on

thread bite

t.

joint strength,
are

the charac

teristic values KS and KZ from table 3

used.

Chart 1: Effect of critical parameters on screwed joints with self-tapping screws

strength

of

Fig.

16: Reduction factor for the

decay

in

pre-stressing
Increase in

force with time

Effect
joint

on
i

strength
t t
t

100

Nominal

screw

diameter D

increase increase

Screw engagement

length

Thread bite

increase increase increase increase

Outside diameter D of boss

I
3 -d

strength Ks Tensile strength KZ

Stress duration

Shear

t t
1

decrease

20

4.3
1010 101 102 103
10"

Screwed joint with threaded inserts and

threaded bolts
h
105

Stress duration

For this type of

on

joint,

the shear-stressed

joint strength basically depends cylindrical surface (see section 4.1.1)

too,

Hostaform C b Hostacom G3 N01

a c

Hostacom M2 N01

plastic part and the threaded insert or bolt. This is calculated from the outside diameter and length of
between the the metal insert. Because of the variation in insert

Depending
and hence

on

the

magnitude

of the outside diameter D

the type of failure, the joint strength is determined with Ks or K2. If D > 2.5 d then the internal
on

profiles possible to give a material characteristic value KS as for the thread-forming screws. To obtain a rough estimation of pull-out forces, the shear strength
(see fig. 9), it is
not

values

TB

shown in table 4

can

be used.

thread shears in the

event

of

an

overload and the

joint

strength is cylindrical

calculated from the characteristic K 5 and the

area

teristic value Kz and circular

A] (fig. 14a). If D < 2.5 d, the charac area A2 are used (fig. 14b).

4 .1.4

Relaxation modulus Er

of the plastic

The
a

pre-stressing force applied during assembly exerts compressive stress p on the plastic part in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw (fig. 15). This compressive stress diminishes in the course of time
as a

result of

stress

relaxation.

11

Table 4: Shear
Material

strength TB

at room

temperature

5.
[N/mm2]

Behaviour

Shear

strength

TE

of screwed joints under steady stress

Hostaform C 52021 Hostaform C 27021

Hostaform C 13021

5.1

Joint with self-tapping screws

17 shows the

Hostaform C 13031 Hostaform C 13021 RM Hostaform C 9021 Hostaform C 9021 K Hostaform C 9021 M Hostaform C 9021 GV 3/10 Hostaform C 9021 GV 3/20 Hostaform C 9021 GV 3/30 Hostaform C 2521
43
a

Fig.

of screwed

stripping torque and pull-out force joints made with various screw sizes. Curve
curve

is for Hostaform and

b for the Hostacom

grades.

The upper limit of the curve b range represents the glass fibre reinforced grades G2 N02 and G3 N01, the lower
limit the talc-reinforced

Hostaform C 2552 Hostaform T 1020

Hostaform C 9021 TF Hostaform S 9063 Hostaform S 27063 Hostaform S 27073 Hostaform S 9064 Hostaform S 27064 Hostaform C 9021 GV 1/30
Hostaform C 9021 GV 1/40
80 26 36 33

apply
values

with and
as a

screws

grades. These loading limits also good approximation to PT screws, ABC Spax Plastite screws, which all give somewhat better

rule.

Fig.

17:

Failure

curves

for screwed

joints with

sheet

metal

screws

a in Hostaform b in Hostacom

HostalenPPN 1060
Hostacom Ml U01
Hostacom M4 U01
Hostacom M2 N01 18

Hostacom M4 N01

Hostacom M2 N02 Hostacom G2 N01 Hostacom G2 N03

Hostacom G3 N01 Hostacom G2 N02

43

2.2

2.9

3.5

4.2
screw

4.8

6.3

mm

Nominal
2 4 6

diameter d
10 14

ISO No.

12

5.2

Joint with threaded

18 shows the

inserts

6.

Permissible

stresses

torque and pull-out force for threaded inserts embedded in Hostaform by various

Fig.

stripping

for screwed joints

Experience has shown that it is best to select the permis sible driving torque MA and the permissible axial force Fperm. using the overload curves in section 5.

means.

It

can

be

seen

that threaded inserts which

are

moulded in

holding and press-fitted

Fig.

ultrasonically installed have the greatest power, followed by inserts placed by heated tool
or

inserts.

18: Failure

curves

for screwed

joints

with threaded
6.1

inserts embedded in

injection

moulded parts made

Driving torque MA

from Hostaform

Threaded insert as specified in DIN 16903 Sh. 3, moulded in, and Hit-Sert 2 or Sonic Lok threaded insert, installed ultra sonically or by heated tool.
Banc-Lok self-locking threaded insert, press-fitted with 0.3 interference and expanded by turning the screw.
nun

driving torque MA must be great enough for the connecting parts to be in full and secure contact and for a sufficiently high pre-stressing force to be created. This requirement is met if the driving torque MA is selected
The
as

follows:

Dodge self-locking threaded insert, press-fitted with interference and expanded by turning the screw.

0.05

mm

Hostaform

(basic grades
0.25
to

and modified
M

grades)
(4)

aa

Threaded insert as specified in DIN 16903 Sh. 3, moulded in, and Hit-Sert 2 or Sonic-Lok threaded insert, installed ultra

MA
Hostacom

0.3

sonically.
ab Hit-Sert 2 threaded insert, installed

by heated tool.

MA
M
=

0.35

to

0.4

M
17 and

(5)
18).

stripping

torque

(figs.

6.2

Axial force

Fperm.

t
t
C/

joint is under a constant continuous experience has shown that about 25 to 30% of the pull-out force shown in figs. 17 and 18 can be permitted,
When the screwed
stress,

i.e.

Fpern,

0.25

tO

0.3

(6)

fi

=U

3000

2000

1000

M3

M4

M5

M6

Internal thread in threaded insert

13

7.

Securing screwed joints

Joint with thread-forming screws

Fig.

19:

Compressive

stresses

arising from

temperature variations

7.1

When

thread-forming screws are driven into a cylindrical receiving hole, the material in the thread region under goes plastic deformation and in adjacent outer regions elastic deformation. This results as with press-fit joints (see also B.3.4 Design calculations for press-fit joints) in a radial pressure pr being exerted on the screw (fig. 19). This decreases with time according to the relax
-

ation modulus Er but does

pressure
ensures a

not

reach

zero.

The radial

plastic
of the

which

generally

friction grip between the screw and prevents accidental detachment

screw

joint

even

if the axial

force is

zero.

A decrease in the axial force

driven in
are

is

produced when the screw is particularly likely when stressed plastic parts
to

Fig.

20:

Spring

lock washer

temperature variations. When there is a increase, expansion of pan A is largely pre temperature vented by the metal screw, fig. 19. The compressive
stress

exposed

Type

A dished

Type

B wavy

p#

causes

thereby produced partly relaxes and partly lateral displacement of the material (<=> fig. 19).
part A is free to contract and in an unfavourable case may

On
so

subsequent cooling,
compressive

the

stress

return to zero.

To maintain

a friction grip in the axial direction when the joint is exposed to temperature variation, it is necessary to incorporate spring elements into the joint. Spring lock washers as specified in DIN 137 (fig. 20) and DIN 6769 (fig. 21) are suitable.

Standard designation for a spring lock washer, spring lock washer A 10 DIN 137

type A

size

10:

Spring rings as specified in DIN 127 produce a relatively higher loading pressure because of their smaller contact area and should therefore only be used in conjunction
with
a

Fig.

21 : Conical

spring

lock washer

washer.

-*\S

O-rings

and other elastic

sealing

elements

can

be used in
burr-free

r
i
-O

combination with

spring

elements.

T3

1
Standard designation for a conical spring lock washer of nominal size 8, made from spring steel (F St): conical spring lock washer DIN 6769-8-F St

14

7.2

Joint with thread-cutting and metric screws

case

7")?fpt7

OteS

In the

of

thread-cutting
joint
is

and metric

screws,

acciden
Practical trials have shown that
screws can

tal detachment of the created

is

prevented by

the friction

through the axial force of the screw. When the joint exposed to temperature variation, the axial screw force is maintained by spring elements (see section 7.1).
Another successful way of securing the duce an adhesive into the screw thread.
screw

joints with thread-forming

be detached and reassembled up to about 15 times without loss of strength. This assumes that the
screw

is

to

intro

is

always driven into the same internal thread. This normally the case when the screw is driven by hand.
is

With

thread-cutting screws on the other hand, frequent detaching and reassembling of the joint is not recom

mended because the internal thread may be broken.

Joints

with threaded inserts

or

threaded bolts

can

be

detached any number of times.

8.1

Joint with self-tapping screws

For

the dimensions shown in

cylindrical receiving holes with fig. 22 are recommended. Some times in practice, triangular or square holes are also pro vided to minimize the screwing torque. This solution can be an advantage for hard, brittle plastics with unfavour able sliding properties (e.g. polystyrene, thermosets etc.). Thread bite is slightly reduced but this can be offset by a greater screw engagement length. In deciding on the

self-tapping

screws,

location of

bosses,

care

should be taken

to

avoid material

accumulation

(fig. 23).

Fig.

22:

Receiving hole for self-tapping

screws

Fig.

23:

Avoiding material accumulation

in moulded

bosses

a on a

wall, b in

a corner

0.80

to

0.85 d

sink marks
Alternative
r~

sink marks
avoid material accumulation

designs to

alternatives

alternative 2

15

8.2

Joint with

metric threaded inserts and

When

threaded insert is
x

to

be

metric threaded bolts

hole interference
In each case,
care

of about 0.4

ultrasonically installed, a mm should be provided.

to ensure
or

should be taken

In

dimensioning

bosses

to

take threaded inserts and

edge

of the threaded insert is level with

that the top projects above

threaded bolts it should be remembered that, when the inserts are moulded in, a minimum wall thickness is
is

the top edge of the boss so that the axial force is intro duced directly into the threaded insert, fig. 25.

required to provided

prevent cracking. An adequate wall thickness if the outside diameter D is at least 1.6 times

the diameter dB

(fig. 24),
dB

i.e.

D 1.6

(7)

Fig.

24: Boss for

threaded insert

Fig.

25:

Arrangement for a threaded insert

dB

outside diameter of threaded insert

**

1.6

to

1.8

ds-V
<^

=Q

dB

!"
t
0

*
\

dfl -x

*-

SA s^svn

16

9.

Calculation

examples

Example 1
The top of
a

Hostacom G3 N01 is
pump

dishwasher pump (fig. 26) made from to be detachably fastened to the sheet metal
screws.
=

resulting from deformation of the O-ring; The groove depth is selected to be 80 % of O-ring thick ness in line with the recommendations of the O-ring manufacturer. To compress the O-ring by the required amount, a force of 1.5 N per mm length is required. The length of the O-ring is
Force F2
L
=

housing with eight

O-ring

jt-

140

mm

seal; average diameter of sealing groove dN 140 mm; delivery pressure of pump 0.7 bar 0.07 N/mm2; maxi
=

440

mm

operating temperature 80C; average housing wall thickness 2.5 mm. What would be a suitable screw size?
mum

Thus the force F2

440

mm

1.5 N/mm

F2
The total force
to

660 N

Fig.

26: Dishwasher pump

(diagram)

be taken

by

the

eight

screws

is

Ftotal

F2

F2

*tf_
Ftotal
Each
screw

1080 N + 660 N
1740 N

has

to

take

force of

;;

217 N.

Permissible

long-term

screw

load
=

Fperm.:

Given that the

outside diameter of the boss D

11 mm, the ratio

I)

11
=

2.6 > 2.5

4.2

(section 4.1.3),

-IF
For trial purposes, sheet metal screws no. 8 (nominal 4.2 mm) are chosen. A boss outside dia diameter d
=

i.e. in the

event

of

an

overload, the internal thread will

characteristic value
80 C

shear. The

appropriate material
to

according

table 3

at

is

Ks
The
area

19 N/mm2.

meter

D of 11 mm,

receiving

hole diameter dK of 3.6

mm

under shear

stress

is

(in accordance with table 2) and screw engagement length L of 10 mm are chosen. The force acting on the
screw

A,
AI
Thus the

d
4.2

Jt

L
n

is

compared
to

with that
on

term

in order

decide

its

permitted over suitability.

the

long

mm

10

mm

132 mm2.

Force FI It is

resulting from the delivery pressure: assumed for safety's sake that the delivery

pull-out
=

force

acts on

the entire pump top surface. The surface

A

pressure area is

A!

Ks
19 N/mm2

132 mm2 2508 N

^-- (140 mm)2

15400 mm2

If

we

permit

25 % of this value

as

the maximum

con

With p

0.07

N/mm2, the force

=

tinuous load (see section 6.2)

F,

A
15400 mm2

0.07 N/mm2

Fperm. Fperm.

0.25

2508 N

627 N

F!

1080 N

then the actual load the

(217 N) is substantially smaller than

permissible.

17

Example 2 slideway made from Hostaform C 9021 is thread-forming screws. At one point, there is not enough space to provide a boss the screw must be driven directly into the 6 mm wall (L 6 mm). What would be the pull-out force of a no. 10 screw (d
A
car sun

Example 3
A
car

roof

tailgate handle
as

made from Hostaform C 9021 is

which
are

to

be fastened with

fixed with M 6 the

screws

driven into moulded-in

threaded inserts

specified
be?
the

in DIN 16903. What should

driving torque
to

4.8

mm)

at a

temperature of 80C?

According

fig. 18,

stripping

torque of
m.

moulded-

in M 6 threaded insert is about 10 N

According to

When

overloaded, the joint will fail by shearing of the

so

internal thread

that the load characteristic

section 6.1, the permissible driving torque for Hostaform is about 25% of this value. Thus the driving torque

should be

Kg

28 N/mm2

MA
from table 3
For the
screw

0.25 2.5 N

10 N
m

applies.
calculated from the
screw

MA
diameter d and

area

engagement

length
L
mm

AI
A]
the

it
n-

d
4.8

mm

90

mm2,

pull-out
F
=

force
A

Ks
28 N/mm2

90 mm2

2520 N

18

10.

Applications

Screwed

joint between
screws

the

housing
4
x

and top of

head

lamp

washer unit made from Hostaform C 9021 with

BZ
no.

sheet metal

9.5 DIN 7972

(cutting

edge

in the first thread

turns).

Screwed joint between the pump housing and top of a dishwasher pump made from Hostacom G3 N01 with

EJOT-PT

screws

14.

M8-M

knurl

with threaded inserts M 8

Cooling water filter made from Hostaform C 9021 x 12 installed by heated tool the filter housing and screwed between for the joint the engine block of a ship's engine.
19

siF\

Screwed
screw

Hostacom M4 N01 with B No. 10

x

joint on a truck heater housing made from quick-fix nut and sheet metal
19.

with threaded bolts for the 5 M 10 ffioulded-jn screwed x joint between the handle plate and car doer.

Handle

plate made from Hostaform C 9021

Itmi

20

11.

Explanation of symbols
Unit

12. Literature

H.

Schmidt,

H. Rber: Verbinden

von

Kunststoff-

Symbol
A!

Explanation cylindrical (fig. 14a)

circular
area

formteilen durch Metallschrauben, VDI-Z, No. 13,

1972, p. 967
mmz

in moulded bosses
H. Schmidt: Form- und

mirr

area

in moulded bosses

(fig. 14b)
d
mm

kraftschlssige Verbindung von ausgewhlten Baugruppen, Industrie-Anzeiger, No. 95, Issue Kunststoffe Maschinen, Verarbeitung, Anwendung" (No. 11), 15. 11. 1974
-

nominal

screw

diameter
H.

di
d2

mm

outside diameter of
root

Groberndt,

K.
-

screw

fr

Thermoplaste

Ociepka: Selbstformende Schrauben Gewindeprofile und Auslegen der

No. 6, 1979, p. 344

mm

diameter of

screw

Einschraubtuben, Kunststoffe,
DIN 13

dB

mm

outside diameter of threaded insert

Metric ISO thread

(threaded bolt)
dK
D
mm

receiving
bosses

hole diameter

DIN 7970

Thread and
screws

screw

ends for sheet metal

mm

outside diameter of moulded

DIN 7998

Thread and Threaded

screw

ends for wood

for

screws

Er
F

N/mm2
N N

relaxation modulus of the

plastic
DIN 16903

pull-out force, permissible

the
screw

failure load

bushings

plastic mouldings

i^perm.

axial force in

mm

thread
shear

depth
of the

Ks

N/mm2

strength

in moulded bosses

plastic (table 3) plastic (table 3)

Kz

N/mm2

tensile

strength

of the

in moulded bosses
L M
mm

screw

engagement

length

N-m N-m

stripping

torque

(fig. 17, 18)

MA
P

driving

torque

N/mm2

compressive stress, delivery pressure

thread

P
t

mm

pitch

mm

thread bite

mm

receiving hole interference f

ultrasonic installation of threaded inserts

thread
TB

angle
between the

N/mm2

shear

strength

part and threaded insert

plastic (table 4)

proportional

to

approximately equal

to

21

Engineering plastics Design Calculations Applications

Publications
A.
so

far in this series:

Engineering plastics A. 1.1 Grades and properties A. 1.2 Grades and properties A. 1.4 Grades and properties A. 1 .5 Grades and properties
A.2. 1

Hostaform Hostacom Hostalen GUR

Celanex,

Vandar, Impet Calculation principles

Hostaform
calculation
-

A.2.2

Characteristic values and Characteristic values and

examples
-

A.2.3

Hostacom
calculation

examples

B.

B. l 1
.

Design of technical mouldings Spur gears with gearwheels made from

Hostaform, Celanex
B.2.2 Worm gears with

and Hostalen

GUR

worm

wheels made from

Hostaform
B.3.1

B.3.2
B.3.3

B.3.4
B.3.5 B.3.7

Design calculations for snap-fit joints in plastic parts Fastening with metal screws Plastic parts with integrally moulded threads Design calculations for press-fit joints Integral hinges in engineering plastics Ultrasonic welding and assembly of engineering plastics

C. Production C.2.1 Hot

C.2.2

C.3.1

C.3.3

C.3.4

C.3.5

of technical mouldings system Indirectly heated, conductive thermally torpedo Hot runner system Indirectly heated, thermally conductive torpedo Design principles and examples of moulds for processing Hostaform Machining Hostaform Design of mouldings made from engineering plastics Guidelines for the design of mouldings in engineering plastics Outsert moulding with Hostaform
runner
-

22

In this technical information

brochure, Hoechst aims

to

provide useful information for designers who want to exploit the properties of technical plastics such as Hostaform. In addition, our staff will be glad to advise you on materials, design and processing.
This information is based
on our

present
not

state

of knowl

edge products
strued

and is intended

to

provide general
It should

notes on our
con

and their

uses.

therefore be of the

products guaranteeing specific properties or their suitability for a particular application. Any existing industrial property rights must be observed. The quality of our products is guaranteed under our
as

described

General Conditions of Sale.

Applications involving the use of Hostaform and Hostacom are developments or products of the plastics processing industry. Hoechst as suppliers of the starting material will be pleased to give the names of processors of plastics for technical applications.

Copyright by Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft

August
1996/3 rd edition

Issued in

23

Hostaform , Celcon Celanex Impet

polyoxymethylene copolymer (POM)

thermoplastic polyester (PBT)

thermoplastic polyester (PET)

Vandar

thermoplastic polyester alloys

Riteflex Vectra

thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE-E)

liquid crystal polymer (LCP)

Fortron
polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)

Celstran , Compel GUR

long fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFRT)

ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (PE-UHMW)

Europe
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Americas
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