A customer from Sioux Falls, SD emailed and asked me what the torque spec is for our enclosure screws, and also for the mounting boss screws. Here’s what I told him:The torque spec varies by product.I know this wasn’t exactly helpful so I gave him a little more in-depth description.Polycase carries enclosures with brass inserts that use a machine screw thread. Brass inserts work well when you have to remove the cover multiple times. However, for the majority of our enclosures, the screws thread directly into plastic. For these enclosures we use a high-low style thread, which is specifically designed for low-density materials such as plastic. The benefits of a high-low thread over a traditional thread forming screw are:
- Reduced drive torque
- Enhanced resistance to thread stripping
- Improved pullout strength
- Reduced risk of cracking the enclosure
The hi-low threaded screw is a thread forming screw as opposed to a thread cutting screw. Thread forming screws are superior to thread cutting screws for plastic applications because this type of screw has a course pitch to the thread. This gives the plastic a place to flow in between the threads and increases pullout and stripping performance.Why does this matter? You need an enclosure that is designed properly to insure the best performance for your product. If an incorrect screw is specified it can lead to premature stripping of the plastic. Over-torque can strip out the threads on the screw towers or bosses. It can also cause the head of the screw to be pulled through the plastic causing a cosmetic defect, or worse, a functional defect.I’m here to answer these types of questions for you. Whether you’re a Polycase customer, prospect, or just someone who has enjoyed reading my witty blog posts: drop me a line, ask me a question, leave me comment. I’m here to address your questions or concerns.
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