Movies and TV shows consistently promote lead characters who are able to complete their mission with little or no help from others. In the world of fastening, self-tapping screws fit this role better than any fastener, as they have the ability to create mating threads in metallic and nonmetallic base materials. By eliminating the tapping process, these fasteners (thread-cutting, thread-rolling and thread-forming screws) help manufacturers save money and increase production.
“The performance of self-tapping screws was much less important in the early 20th century, when thread-cutting screws were first introduced, than it is now,” explains Gene Simpson, vice president of quality and engineering at Semblex Corp. “Today’s thread designs provide manufacturers with high-performance joints in every application, including those that involve mating parts made of engineered plastics and light metals, like magnesium.”