Product Function: Screw Head Protection & Flush Finish
When installed, the screw passes through the insert and threads into the underlying component. The screw head seats into the insert's counterbore, fully recessed and protected. The insert itself becomes a permanent part of the assembly, offering ongoing protection throughout the product lifecycle.
Key Functional Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Head Protection | Shields screw head from impact, abrasion, and tool damage |
| Corrosion Barrier | Reduces exposure of screw head to moisture and chemicals |
| Flush Finish | Creates smooth surface with no protruding hardware |
| Tamper Resistance | Recessed head discourages unauthorized removal |
| Wear Reduction | Prevents screw head from contacting adjacent components |
Cold Heading Manufacturing Process
Our inserts are produced via cold heading, a high-precision forming process that delivers superior mechanical properties:
| Process Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Grain Flow Continuity | Cold working preserves material grain structure, enhancing strength |
| Dimensional Precision | Tight tolerances maintained without secondary machining |
| Material Efficiency | Near-net shape forming minimizes waste |
| Surface Quality | Smooth finish reduces need for additional processing |
| Consistency | High-volume capability with repeatable geometry |
Material Options (Customizable)
| Material | Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel (10B21 / 1018) | High strength, cost-effective, heat-treatable | General industrial, machinery, furniture |
| Stainless Steel (304 / 316) | Corrosion resistance, non-magnetic | Marine, food equipment, outdoor applications |
| Alloy Steel (4140 / SCM435) | Enhanced toughness, fatigue resistance | High-cycle, heavy-duty equipment |
| Free-Cutting Steel (12L14) | Excellent machinability, consistent quality | High-volume production |
Surface Finishes Available
| Finish | Carbon Steel | Stainless Steel | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc Plating | Standard (72–120 hrs salt spray) | Not applicable | Indoor, general protection |
| Zinc-Nickel | 500–1,000 hrs salt spray | Not applicable | Outdoor, automotive, high corrosion |
| Black Oxide | Cosmetic, oiled finish | Available | Decorative, light-duty |
| Passivation | Not applicable | Standard | Corrosion enhancement |
| Electropolishing | Not applicable | Available | Bright finish, cleanability |
Screw Compatibility
| Insert Size | Compatible Screw | Screw Head Type | Counterbore Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| M5 Insert | M5 countersunk head | 90° flat head or socket flat head | Fully recessed below surface |
| M6 Insert | M6 countersunk head | 90° flat head or socket flat head | Fully recessed below surface |
| M8 Insert | M8 countersunk head | 90° flat head or socket flat head | Fully recessed below surface |
The counterbore geometry is precisely engineered to match standard countersunk head dimensions, ensuring full head seating with consistent recess depth.
Installation Method
The insert is designed for permanent installation into the host component:
Hole Preparation: Host component receives a counterbored or counter-sunk hole matching insert outer diameter
Insert Placement: Insert positioned into prepared cavity
Securing Method: Retained via press-fit, adhesive, or mechanical staking depending on application
Screw Installation: Countersunk screw installed through insert into underlying threads
Head Recession: Screw head seats fully within insert counterbore, protected below surface
| Parameter | M5 Insert | M6 Insert | M8 Insert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible Screw Size | M5 | M6 | M8 |
| Outer Diameter | 9.0 – 11.0 mm | 10.5 – 13.0 mm | 13.0 – 16.0 mm |
| Overall Height | 4.5 – 6.0 mm | 5.0 – 7.0 mm | 6.0 – 8.5 mm |
| Counterbore Diameter | 9.0 – 9.5 mm | 10.5 – 11.5 mm | 13.0 – 14.5 mm |
| Counterbore Depth | 2.5 – 3.5 mm | 3.0 – 4.0 mm | 3.5 – 5.0 mm |
| Wall Thickness | 1.0 – 1.5 mm | 1.2 – 1.8 mm | 1.5 – 2.0 mm |
| Material Options | Carbon steel, stainless, alloy | Carbon steel, stainless, alloy | Carbon steel, stainless, alloy |
| Manufacturing Process | Cold heading | Cold heading | Cold heading |
| Surface Finish | Zn, Zn-Ni, Black Oxide, Passivation | Zn, Zn-Ni, Black Oxide, Passivation | Zn, Zn-Ni, Black Oxide, Passivation |
| Hardness (Carbon Steel) | 25–35 HRC | 25–35 HRC | 25–35 HRC |
Dimensions are representative; custom geometries available per customer specification.
Customization Capabilities
| Custom Feature | Options |
|---|---|
| Screw Size | M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10, or custom thread sizes |
| Outer Profile | Round, hex, square, knurled, or flanged |
| Counterbore Angle | 82°, 90°, or custom per screw head type |
| Material | Carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, brass |
| Surface Finish | Any specified plating or coating |
| Installation Feature | Knurls, undercuts, or retention grooves for press-fit |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Industrial Machinery | Protects screw heads in high-vibration, high-wear environments |
| Furniture Assembly | Creates flush, finished appearance for visible fasteners |
| Automotive Interiors | Recesses screw heads for clean trim finishes |
| Electronic Enclosures | Protects fasteners from shorting or debris |
| Medical Equipment | Creates smooth, cleanable surfaces with no protruding hardware |
| Consumer Products | Enhances aesthetic finish and protects fasteners from damage |
Dimensional Inspection: 100% go/no-go gauging for critical counterbore dimensions
Material Certification: Chemical and mechanical properties documented per batch
Hardness Testing: Verified per customer specification
Coating Verification: Thickness and adhesion testing for plated finishes
Lot Traceability: Complete manufacturing history maintained
Packaging Options
Bulk cartons: 1,000 – 10,000 units
Custom kitting: Pre-sorted quantities per assembly requirements
Anti-corrosion packaging available for coated products
