1. Material Selection
Common materials for pan-head internal hexagon three-combination screws include carbon steel, stainless steel, etc. Carbon steel has the advantages of low cost and high strength, making it suitable for general industrial environments and the installation of indoor conventional equipment. However, it should be noted that ordinary carbon steel is prone to rust in humid and corrosive environments. In such cases, carbon steel screws with special surface treatments (such as galvanizing, black oxide coating) can be considered to improve their rust resistance.
Stainless steel stands out for its excellent corrosion resistance. For example, the commonly used 304 stainless steel can maintain good performance in general humid and weak acid-alkali environments; 316 stainless steel has even better corrosion resistance, making it suitable for extremely harsh environments such as strong acid-alkali and high salt spray. Equipment like chemical machinery and marine engineering facilities often use 316 stainless steel screws.
2. Size Adaptation
Choosing the correct screw size is crucial. First, regarding the diameter, ranging from small specifications such as #2 and #3 to M2-M10 or even larger sizes, the selection should be based on the thickness, strength of the connected components, and the required fastening force. For instance, connecting thin circuit boards inside electronic devices may only require small-diameter screws of #4-#6; while connecting heavy metal components in mechanical manufacturing requires large-diameter screws of M6 or above.
In terms of length, it is necessary to ensure that after the screw is screwed in, it can firmly connect the components without being too long to protrude, which may cause safety hazards or affect the appearance. Generally, the length of the screw should be 2-3 thread pitches longer than the total thickness of the connected components to meet the requirement of effective fastening.
3. Considerations for Surface Treatment
Surface treatment not only affects the appearance of the screw but also determines its protective performance. Galvanizing is a common treatment, including blue-white zinc plating, colored zinc plating, black zinc plating, etc., which can provide a certain level of rust resistance. Among them, colored zinc plating has relatively stronger corrosion resistance and is widely used in ordinary outdoor facilities; black zinc plating has a more textured appearance and is often used in products with appearance requirements.
Coating treatments such as Dacromet and Geomet have better salt spray resistance and high temperature resistance, which can effectively extend the service life of screws in harsh environments. They are suitable for scenarios such as automobile chassis and power transmission towers that are exposed to wind, rain, and high-temperature operations for a long time. In addition, there are electrophoretic coating, Teflon coating, etc. The former can improve the decorativeness and protection of the screw, while the latter has a low friction coefficient and non-stick property, making it suitable for connecting mechanical components with special friction
4. Structure and Performance Matching
The pan-head design provides a large pressure-bearing area, which distributes pressure evenly, prevents damage to the surface of the connected components, and is suitable for connecting fragile materials such as wood and plastic. The internal hexagon socket, when used with an Allen wrench, has high torque transmission efficiency, can withstand large fastening forces, and has excellent anti-slip and anti-disassembly performance, meeting the needs of high-precision assembly and safety.
In the three-combination structure (screw, spring washer, flat washer), the flat washer increases the contact area and enhances the connection stability; the spring washer uses elastic deformation to generate friction, achieving effective anti-loosening and performing well in vibrating environments. If the application scenario has severe vibration, more attention can be paid to the quality of the spring washer, and products with good elasticity and moderate hardness should be selected.
5. Reference Standards and Certifications
When purchasing, it is necessary to ensure that the product complies with relevant national standards or industry standards, such as GB/T 818 (Standard for Cross Recessed Pan Head Combined Screws). Standardized products have more guarantees in terms of dimensional accuracy and mechanical performance. At the same time, check whether the product has quality certifications, such as ISO quality management system certification and RoHS environmental certification. Products with certifications indicate that they meet the corresponding requirements in the production process and environmental indicators, and their quality is more reliable.
6. Brand and Supplier Selection
Priority should be given to brands with a good reputation and high popularity. Such brands usually pay attention to product quality control and are equipped with advanced production technology and strict testing procedures. A reliable supplier should have sufficient inventory to meet procurement needs in a timely manner and provide comprehensive after-sales services, such as return and exchange guarantees and technical consultation, to facilitate timely solutions when problems arise during use.
When purchasing pan-head internal hexagon three-combination screws, comprehensively considering the above factors and balancing the pros and cons can help select the most suitable product for one's own needs, ensuring the stable connection and long-term reliable operation of the equipment.