The Ultimate Guide To Screw And Lock Washer Combinations

Washers are thin, disc-shaped plates with a hole in the middle, usually made from metal or plastic. They are used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or a screw, over a larger surface area. They are often used in combination with nuts and bolts or screws to prevent damage to surfaces, reduce friction, and prevent loosening. There are three main types of washers: plain washers, spring washers, and lock washers. This article will focus on screw and lock washers.

Lock washers are designed to prevent bolts from loosening over time. They are used in machines or equipment that produce heavy vibrations to ensure the bolt stays in place. They have a coiled design, which allows them to exert downward tension and secure the bolt. There are two basic types of lock washers: spring action (or split) washers and tooth washers.

SEMS screws with pre-assembled washers

SEMS screws, also known as Assemblies Type Screws, are screws that come with pre-assembled, free-spinning captive washers. They are available in a variety of materials, including steel and stainless steel, and with multiple finishes like zinc-plated, yellow zinc-plated and black oxide. SEMS screws are versatile and can be used in a wide range of industries, from automotive to electronics, offering reliable performance and simplified installation.

One of the main benefits of SEMS screws is the reduction in assembly time. By eliminating the need for separate parts, SEMS screws streamline the assembly process, making it quicker and more efficient. This is particularly advantageous in manufacturing processes, such as in the Aerospace Avionics sector, where they have revolutionised assembly by reducing component assembly time, inventory count, and the risk of losing components.

The combination of the screw and washer into one fastener also improves the ease of assembly and reduces the chance of errors or failures, especially in products with small dimensions. The pre-assembled nature of SEMS screws ensures permanent assembly, eliminating the risk of misplacing washers and the potential safety hazard of washers being dropped into the assembly.

SEMS screws are available in various head and drive options, including Pan Phillips, SHCS Allen Cap, and Hex Head with Phillips, and can be customised to suit specific applications. They are an excellent choice for any application that requires a screw and washer, providing a high-quality fastening solution with increased productivity and reduced assembly time.

SEMS screws for manufacturing

SEMS screws (or SEM screws) are machine screws with lock washers pre-attached, combining two separate parts into one pre-assembled, low-cost fastener. They are versatile and can be used in any application where a screw and washer are required. The screws feature attached washers in several style options: internal, external and split lock washers; square cone washers; and double washers. They are available in steel and stainless steel, with various finishes such as zinc-plated, yellow zinc-plated, and black oxide.

SEMS screws offer several benefits that have revolutionised assembly manufacturing processes, particularly in the aerospace and avionics sectors. They reduce assembly time by eliminating the need to assemble individual components, and they also reduce the risk of losing loose parts during assembly. This, in turn, helps extend product life and ensure reliable performance. Additionally, SEMS screws are compatible with automated production equipment.

The use of SEMS screws can drastically reduce the number of components in an assembly. For example, in an electrical connector assembly, the total number of fasteners required can be reduced from 16 to 5, simplifying ordering and stock management while also reducing the chance of Foreign Object Damage (FOD).

SEMS screws are ideal for industries ranging from automotive to electronics, offering reliable performance and simplified installation. They are also suitable for applications such as avionic communication systems, flight control systems, electronic engine control systems, and missile and ground munition systems.

SEMS screws for insulation

SEMS screws (or SEM screws) are machine screws with lock washers pre-attached, combining two separate parts into one pre-assembled, low-cost fastener. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of industries, including automotive, electronics, energy, and agriculture.

SEMS screws are ideal for insulation because they offer a simplified installation process, saving time and effort. The pre-assembled nature of these screws eliminates the need for individual component assembly, reducing the risk of losing loose parts during installation. This feature is particularly advantageous when working with insulation, as it streamlines the process and ensures efficiency.

SEMS screws are available in various materials, including steel and stainless steel, with multiple finishes such as zinc-plated, yellow zinc-plated, and black oxide. They feature attached washers in several style options: internal, external, and split lock washers; square cone washers; and double washers. The double washer variant is commonly used in the electronics industry but can also be applied in other sectors.

When using SEMS screws for insulation, you benefit from their adaptability, permanence, and fast installation. The washers remain securely attached under the screw head, ensuring reliable performance and extending the product's life. With a wide range of size and style combinations available, you can easily find the perfect SEMS screw for your insulation project, regardless of the specific application or industry.

SEMS screws for electronics

SEMS screws, also known as Assemblies Type Screws, are machine screws with pre-assembled washers that help save assembly time and reduce the risk of losing small parts. They are ideal for use in the electronics industry, as they simplify installation and provide reliable performance.

SEMS screws come in a variety of styles, including internal, external, and split lock washers, square cone washers, and double washers. The double washer screws are commonly used in electronics, but they are also suitable for automotive, energy, and agricultural applications.

These screws are available in different materials such as stainless steel and steel, with various finishes like zinc-plated, yellow zinc-plated, and black oxide. They are compatible with automated production equipment and can be used with different head styles, including hex, hex washer, and pan head.

The versatility of SEMS screws lies in their free-spinning lock washers, which not only reduce assembly time but also eliminate the need for separate parts. By combining the screw and washer into a single pre-assembled unit, SEMS screws offer a low-cost, fast, and adaptable fastening solution for a wide range of applications.

SEMS screws for automotive

SEMS screws, also known as machine screw threads, are screws with a permanently attached washer. They combine two separate parts into one pre-assembled, low-cost fastener. The washer helps to keep the screw from loosening and distributes the load from the nut or bolt. SEMS screws are available in a variety of materials, including steel, stainless steel, and zinc, and with multiple finishes, such as zinc-plated, yellow zinc-plated, and black oxide.

SEMS screws are commonly used in the automotive industry due to their versatility, simplified installation, and reliable performance. They are ideal for automotive applications as they eliminate the assembly of individual components, reducing the loss of loose parts during assembly and saving time. SEMS screws are compatible with automated production equipment, making them suitable for high-volume automotive manufacturing.

SEMS screws with machine screw threads are available in various sizes and head styles, including hex, hex washer, pan head, and Phillips head. They are designed to be quickly installed, permanent, and easily adaptable to many applications. The attached washer ensures that it won't go missing, extending product life and maintaining reliable performance.

When choosing SEMS screws for automotive applications, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the project, such as the material, finish, and size needed. SEMS screws are available in a wide range of options to meet the diverse needs of the automotive industry, from small-scale repairs to large-scale manufacturing.

Frequently asked questions