A tapping screw is a type of screw that can create its own threads while being fastened into a pre-drilled hole. In English, it is called a “Tapping Screw” and is commonly used to secure thin materials such as metal, plastic, and wood. It is widely utilized in various fields, including construction, machinery, and household appliances.

Overview of Tapping Screws

Features and Main Applications

A tapping screw is a screw that can form threads in a material as it is driven in. (Even without a pre-threaded hole, the screw itself can create threads and secure the material.) The main difference between a tapping screw and a drill screw is that a tapping screw requires a pre-drilled hole (made with a drill or bit). In a standard process, a pre-drilled hole would typically need tapping to create internal threads, but a tapping screw can create threads in the material as it is driven in. The main head types of tapping screws include pan head, flat head, and truss head.

Strength

Tapping screws are mainly made from iron or stainless steel. When a tapping screw is driven into a material, resistance occurs, which reduces the fastening force, leading to lower axial force. Compared to machine screws, tapping screws generally have lower axial force.

The Role of Tapping Screws

Role in Assembly

Tapping screws are primarily used to fasten materials such as wood, thin steel plates, aluminum alloy plates, and plastic sheets. Since they are suitable for thin materials, they offer a wide range of applications. By eliminating the need for pre-threaded holes or insert nuts, they help reduce fastening costs and improve work efficiency.

Types of Tapping Screws

Tapping screws have six different thread types:

・Type 1A
The coarsest pitch among tapping screws.
Used for wood, hardboard, thin steel plates (1.2mm or less), asbestos, etc.

・Type 2B0
The first 2 to 2.5 threads from the tip are tapered.
Used for thin steel plates (5mm or less), plastic, hard rubber, etc.

・Type 2B1
A modified version of Type 2 tapping screws with the first quarter of the tip removed.
Used for thin steel plates (5mm or less), plastic, non-metal materials, hard rubber, etc.

・Type 3C0
The first 2.5 to 3 threads from the tip are tapered.
Can be used for structural steel, cast iron, and non-ferrous metals, suitable for thicker materials compared to Type 2 screws.

・Type 3C1
A modified version of Type 3 tapping screws with the first quarter of the tip removed.
Used for structural steel, cast iron, and non-ferrous metals.

・Type 4AB
Features a pointed tip like Type 1 screws but with the same pitch as Type 2 tapping screws.
Used for thin steel plates (5mm or less), thick plates, non-metal materials, plastic, hard rubber, etc.

In Conclusion

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