In the world of precision manufacturing, the quality of your finished product is as good as the components that go into it. It’s not just about the machinery or the technology; sometimes, it’s about the smallest pieces that hold everything together—literally! Among these vital components are threaded inserts like Keenserts and helical inserts. But do you know what’s equally crucial? The type of metal you pair with these inserts.
In this article, we’ll delve into the ideal metals that best pair with Keenserts and helical inserts, thereby aiding your purchasing decisions for precision manufacturing projects.
What are Keenserts and Helical Inserts?
Before diving into the types of metals suitable for these inserts, it’s essential to understand what Keenserts and helical inserts are and why they are crucial in precision manufacturing.
Keenserts are heavy-duty, keyed-threaded inserts used in materials like metal, plastic, or carbon fiber. They are widely recognized for their high pull-out strength, which makes them ideal for applications that involve high levels of torque or vibration.
Helical Inserts, commonly known as Helicoils, are wire inserts that provide high-quality internal screw threads that resist heat and corrosion. These are commonly used in softer materials like aluminum or plastic to increase thread strength.
Criteria for Selecting Metals to Pair with Inserts
The criteria for choosing the metal for pairing with Keenserts and helical inserts can be broken down into:
- Strength: The metal should complement the high pull-out strength of Keenserts or the thread strength of helical inserts.
- Corrosion Resistance: You wouldn’t want your inserts to last longer than the metal they’re installed in, would you?
- Temperature Resistance: For applications exposed to high temperatures, the metal should have good thermal stability.
- Cost-effectiveness: While performance is crucial, it shouldn’t break the bank.
Best Metals to Pair with Keenserts and Helical Inserts
1. Stainless Steel
One of the most versatile and commonly used metals, stainless steel provides an excellent balance of strength and corrosion resistance. This makes it a go-to choice for many precision manufacturing tasks that require Keenserts or helical inserts.
2. Titanium
Known for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio, titanium is another excellent option, especially for aerospace and automotive applications. It pairs well with Keenserts, offering superb pull-out strength.
3. Aluminum Alloys
When it comes to helical inserts, aluminum alloys are often a top pick. The inserts effectively offset aluminum’s softness, thereby providing enhanced thread strength. However, be cautious when using aluminum with Keenserts in high-stress applications.
4. Carbon Steel
For budget-conscious projects that don’t require exceptional corrosion resistance, carbon steel serves as a viable option. It pairs adequately with both Keenserts and helical inserts for indoor applications.
5. Nickel Alloys
For environments that are highly corrosive or exposed to extreme temperatures, nickel alloys like Inconel provide a high-performance yet costly option. They are particularly beneficial for pairing with helical inserts in chemical and aerospace applications.
Choosing the right metal to pair with Keenserts and helical inserts is not just a checkbox in your precision manufacturing project; it’s an integral decision that impacts durability, efficiency, and overall quality. Be it stainless steel for its versatility or titanium for high-stress applications, the proper pairing will not only optimize performance but also extend the life of your final product.
So, the next time you’re involved in a purchasing decision for your precision manufacturing needs, remember that the devil is in the details—or in this case, in the inserts and the metals you pair them with.
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.