Micro fastenings are very tiny screws which are utilised in micro sized components and very small products, such as computer hardware, eyeglasses and mobiles. These extremely small fasteners can work as proficient, cost-effective, and lastingly reliable solutions, enabling quicker manufacture of fixtures ranging from palm held consumer electronics to medical equipment. For this reason as technical knowledge develops in such areas, as does the requirement for trustworthy micro fastenings.
The micro fasteners market is growing rapidly. Current trends suggest increasing demands for smaller and thinner products to meet the needs of advancing technology. Typically most micro fastenings suppliers stock sizes from M1 to M3 with various lengths to accompany these sizes. However, as the need arises, it is possible to supply both 0.6 and 0.8mm subject to the volume being economic to produce.
Micro fasteners offer performance, production, and serviceability advantages that other fastening and joining methods cannot. They install permanently where designed, can minimise the need for supplementary hardware, and can simplify the production process, especially when installed automatically.
Several self-clinching micro fastener types and styles have been introduced (and more are to come) that fit especially well in hand-held and other wireless devices. Threaded versions, such as self-clinching micro standoffs, can provide strong, permanent, and reusable load-bearing threads in metal sheets as thin as 0.40mm. Thread sizes have been developed as small as M1.0 and fastener lengths range between 2mm and 3mm. Non-threaded fastener types, such as self-clinching micro pilot pins, can work as posts or pilots for locating, positioning, and alignment applications and will install in panels as thin as 0.5mm. All become integral parts of an assembly by clinching permanently in place, will not loosen or fall out, and never have to be handled again.
The screws are available in slotted, recessed, socket and six lobe recess head types. They are typically made from stainless steel and brass in self finished or plated forms. Increasingly, Titanium is becoming more popular due to its light weight and high strength.
Micro fasteners can be used in a wide range of applications including electronic and computer components, eyewear glasses, mobile phones and other hand held devices, watch mechanisms and medical equipment.
Specialists in micro screws such as Newstar Fastenings, based in the Thames Valley, export micro fastenings world wide. They are able to supply to all recognised standards such as DIN, ISO, ANS and JIS. They also have the capability to produce screws from customer specific drawings.
The methods to which most fastenings are made is either by cold forging from cold forming wire, using a single/ multi spindle machine or using CNC computer controlled lathes out of hexagon or round bar . There are many secondary further processes which are then used to ensure the screw reaches quality standards.
As technology continually develops, demand worldwide for such specialised products is increasing in all materials and sizes. Speciality micro fastening companies are ideally placed to meet increasing demands and to supply such increased volumes.
New Star Fastenings by bh06als specialises in micro fasteners for all applications and uses.
For high quality micro screws there’s a whole range at newstarfastenings.com.