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PEM® is one of PennEngineering’s leading brands and has been a trusted partner of HTF for over 30 years. They are leaders in the fastening industry and manufacture many cutting-edge products utilizing self-clinching, broaching, flaring, surface-mount, and weld technology to provide strong, reusable, and permanent threads and mounting points in thin sheet metal or P.C. board materials. HTF is proud to highlight PEM® Captive Panel Screws.
What Are PEM® Captive Panel Screws?
Captive panel screws are fasteners made to attach metal panels or other thin materials in applications where repeated access is necessary. The PEM® brand of captive panel screws is produced to keep parts to a minimum to reduce the risk of loose hardware that could fall out and damage other components. The different parts of captive panel screws are made from stainless steel, aluminum, hardened carbon steel, brass, and plastic. The material used depends on the application of the project and the strength requirements.
Installation Types
The three main types of captive panel screws are self-clinching, flare-mounted, and floating. Each of the installation types has the same look above the panel. Let’s explore them in a bit more detail.
Self-Clinching
The self-clinching captive panel screws install flush on the back side of the panel or sheet and are available in three screw lengths.
Flare-Mounted
The flare-mounted captive panel screws also install flush into the back side of the panel or sheet. They can be installed into any panel hardness, painted panels, and most any thin material. The flare-mounted captive panel screws do not require high installation force and are appropriate for close centerline-to-edge applications.
Floating
The floating captive panel screw compensates for mating hole misalignment. Additionally, it can be installed into any panel hardness.
Structural Design
The PEM® Captive Panel Screws are designed with a shoulder-on retainer to provide a positive stop during installation. They also have an anti-cross-threading feature, designated with an “M” in the part number, which eases assembly, aligns components, improves assembly line productivity, prevents jamming, and slides through clogged internal threads.
There are a variety of caps available for the captive panel screws. All metal caps are available with knurled, smooth, or semi-smooth options. There are also options for black metal and custom-color plastic caps. Drive configurations include Phillips/Slot (standard for metal caps), Phillips, Torx/Slot, Slotted, or Torx.
Advantages of Captive Panel Screws
PEM® Captive Panel Screws make replacing loose hardware easy and are a cost-effective solution. They save on costs by reducing needed components, shortening the installation time, and preventing the risk of equipment damage from loose parts. The captive panel screws come in several designs with many options for customization of caps, screw lengths, drive types, and materials.
Industrial Applications
Captive panel screws have many applications across several industries. In industrial settings, they are used for mechanical, electrical, and electronic applications. Often they are used to secure panels, enclosures, and other components. Commercial uses include construction, maintenance, and repair.
The automotive industry is another major user of captive panel screws. It is very important that any automobile equipment cut down on the potential for damage from loose parts. Captive panel screws can be found in door panels, dashboards, and seats. All areas that experience the vibration of the panels need to be secured with reliable components.
Captive panel screws can be found in the medical industry as well. They are used in a variety of applications, such as medical equipment, instruments, and devices. Finally, we have telecom/datacom applications such as racks and cabinets.
HTF and PEM®
HTF is proud to bring you PEM® Captive Panel Screws in a variety of materials to serve your industrial application needs. The options for captive panel screws are customizable to the needed application down to the knurls, material, and color of the caps. HTF stocks PEM’s entire line of products, and our team is equipped to provide you with same-day shipping as long as your order is placed by 3 p.m. Eastern. Reach out today!
