As the saying goes, your machine is as good as the parts used in its composition. When you choose substandard and low-quality parts for your machines, you are going to face problems every other day. Your machine will lose its efficiency, and most probably its life span. Therefore, it is very important to choose the best quality parts for your machinery and equipment.
One such part that holds an integral position in holding your engines, pulleys, and vacuum systems are the shoulder screws. Shoulder screws hold your equipment while allowing mounting, sliding, pivoting, and the general joining of the components together. The machines in which shoulder screws are used require efficiency in their work. Therefore, you must select the right type of shoulder screws.
While selecting shoulder screws, you have to keep in mind a few things. The application of shoulder screws will decide what kind of specifications you are looking for: screw’s head, shoulder, thread, and material composition.
Screw Head
The screw heads can be of different types.
- Slotted
- Phillips
- Square
- Robertson
- hex
What type of head you want depends on the application and machinery. The diameter of the head is normally twice the height of the head. The difference between the shoulder and head of the screw varies from 30% to 50% depending on the type and use of the screw.
Screw Threads
Screw threads are ring-like engravings on the shoulder of the screw. These threads go into the machine and hold the two parts together. The neck of the thread is the region where threads start on the shoulder. This region has a slight cut that allows the screw to sit firmly at the joining point. This region of the screw is also the weakest part, a little mismanagement can cause the screw to break or fracture at this point. The length of the threads depends on the use of the screws. You can also get custom-made thread lengths to meet your requirement.
Composition Of The Screw
The material with which a shoulder screw is composed varies depending on the use of the screw. However, the main component in composition is steel. The most common type of material with which shoulder screws are made are:
- 303 Stainless Steel
- 316 Stainless Steel
- 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
- Titanium
- Monel
- Brass
- Aluminum
You should keep in mind the usage and type of your machine before selecting the type of shoulder screw.
The Cleaning Process
Along with the make and type of shoulder screws, it is also important that the parts you are choosing are clean. Any dust, girt, or dirt accumulated on the shoulder screws may cause hindrances in the efficiency of the machine. Make sure that you choose a provider who uses vacuum cleaning technology for industrial-scale parts. Vacuum cleaning ensures that the screws and bolts are thoroughly cleaned and do not have any extra material that can reduce the efficiency of their working. Cleaned parts do not have germs or grime residues, such as oils and other lubricants. You can use them without risking the efficiency of your machines.