Leading Plastic Fastener Manufacturers

Plastic fasteners come in various plastic materials, colors, fastener head designs, and panel sizes. Plastic fasteners are growing in popularity in various commercial, industrial, and consumer products based on their environmental, heat transfer, optical weight, chemical, and electrical qualities. A wide range of design criteria is satisfied by plastic materials, including those for strength, stiffness or flexibility, heat resistance, low-temperature resistance, chemical and resistance to corrosion, sealing ability, toughness, and superior electrical qualities. In addition, the cost of typical plastic fastener materials is frequently lower than that of their metal counterparts.

Types of Plastic Fasteners

Non-Threaded Plastic Fasteners

As the name implies, non-threaded plastic fasteners lack a thread component. Some non-threaded plastic fasteners include grommets, washers, rivets, pin fasteners, retention rings, inserts, spacers, clips, harnesses, clamps, wire bundlers, and ties. There are both generic plastic fasteners and others categorized by product families- a group of items produced by the same company and often designed to only work with other items created in their product line.

Threaded Plastic Fasteners

Fasteners made of plastic with threads, such as nuts, bolts, and screws, have helical ridges that help them adhere. These widespread fasteners contain threads pre-cut into the shaft, which enables the component to grip any material securely. Continuous-thread studs with two nuts and threading from one end to the other are frequently utilized for flange bolting. Screws and bolts made from nylon, polypropylene, and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) are the most popular kinds of threaded plastic fastener materials. Heated thermoplastic is injected into molds to manufacture these plastic fasteners with the desired component's shape and size. Again, threaded plastic fasteners may be generic or brand-specific.

Considerations When Choosing Plastic Fasteners

Several factors: can impact a fastener's capacity to deliver satisfactory performance

• Thread engagement
• Length of engagement

We discuss these elements in greater detail below.

Thread Engagement

The flank depth that the application substance fills is known as thread engagement. It's frequently stated as a percentage. For example, thread engagement would be zero percent in a hole with a diameter equal to the main diameter of the threads. It should start with a hole size that offers 75% to 80% thread engagement in moderately stiff materials. Performance is not increased by a hole that engages the thread more than 100% of the time. However, because the hole's walls must enlarge to make space for the screw, the drive torque needed will rise.

Length of Engagement

The length of engagement measures the length of interaction between a fastener and accompanying mating material (for example, a nut and bolt). The lead thread's length, which is typically roughly half the fastener diameter, is not included in the length of interaction because its smaller size reduces any performance advantages.

Uses of Plastic Fasteners

An example where plastic fasteners are used is in aerospace. As a lighter material than metal, these fasteners help aircraft take flight. Circuit boards are another common place where plastic fasteners are employed. Electronics are frequently spaced, secured, guided, and supported by plastic circuit board hardware. Since plastic provides electrical insulation, which metal fasteners do not, it is evident that plastic is the material best suitable for fasteners used for these purposes. Most fastener designs lock into place through the electronic board circuit panel holes, and unlocking them is as simple as squeezing the locking mechanism. Additionally, hose clamps are nylon fasteners used to secure a hose to a nib or barb in industries. These are frequently utilized with automobile components and home appliances like washing machines.

Advantages of Using Plastic Fasteners

• Plastic fasteners do not rust. Metal fasteners are vulnerable to deterioration and rust with very few exemptions, especially in wet or salty environments. Metal fasteners' strength decreases as they rust, increasing the likelihood of completely breaking. However, plastic fasteners never rust or corrode; some types of plastic fasteners (including PET, Isoplast, and PVC) are especially ideal for salt-water environments because of their incredible strength-to-weight ratio, inability to absorb water, and resistance to corrosive elements.
• Plastic fasteners are inexpensive. The automotive sector extensively uses plastic screws and bolts because they are less expensive than metal equivalents. If they're sturdy enough to handle all the stresses experienced by automobiles, the material difference shouldn't be apparent in other applications. Plastic fasteners are the best option for saving money if a project calls for many fastening devices.
• Plastic fasteners are adaptable. Plastics are preferred in applications where weight, thermal, environmental, and electrical qualities are crucial for end use. Depending on the project's needs, they can satisfy a wide range of design criteria and even simplify them. Occasionally, a single plastic fastener can replace many metal components.
• Plastic fasteners come in every shape. In addition to standard sizes, plastic bolts, nuts, and screws are offered in almost every size imaginable.
• Plastic fasteners are maintenance-free. Metal fasteners must be painted or coated, which can readily chip off over time. Since plastic fasteners won't need these coatings, they are perfect for tasks with visible nails or screw heads.

Choosing the Correct Plastic Fastener Manufacturer

For the most positive outcome when purchasing plastic fasteners from a plastic fastener manufacturer, it is important to compare several companies using our directory of plastic fastener manufacturers. Each plastic fastener manufacturer has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to directly communicate with the manufacturer for more information or request a quote. Review each plastic fastener business website using our patented website previewer to quickly learn what each business specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple plastic fastener companies with the same form.