What Is an Ultra Low Profile Screw?
Ultra Low Profile Screws are screws with extremely thin heads. They are sometimes called ultra-low head screws or slim head screws.
Ultra Low Profile Screws include cross-hole, hexagon socket, hexagon bolt, etc. In addition to coarse-grained screws, tapping screws are also commercially available.
Uses of Ultra Low Profile Screws
Ultra Low Profile Screws are used for screw fastening in areas where the screw head should not protrude. They can be attached to sheet metal parts, resin-molded parts, machined parts, etc., regardless of the part in question.
A countersunk screw is a screw in which the screw head does not protrude at all. However, when using a countersunk screw, it is necessary to countersink the part to which it will be attached. Depending on the processing method of the part, pan-finishing may add one more processing step to the part, thus increasing the cost. Also, when countersunk screws are used on thin sheets such as sheet metal, the dimensional limitation of the sheet’s thinness makes it impossible to ensure a sufficient countersunk shape.
Ultra Low Profile Screws are used in such areas, but not in places where even the slightest protrusion is unacceptable.
Principle of Ultra Low Profile Screws
The advantages of using Ultra Low Profile Screws include the following:
- Can be used in areas with small spaces. Ultra Low Profile Screws can be used in areas where normal screw heads would interfere with other parts. This allows for the downsizing of equipment.
- Ultra Low Profile Screws can be used for screw fastening in exterior parts of the equipment so as not to spoil the appearance of the equipment. This is because the protrusion of screws on covers and garment surfaces is less noticeable.
- Since the screw heads are thin, weight can be reduced. For weight-sensitive units, the use of Ultra Low Profile Screws may also be considered to reduce weight.
- This can be used for parts that cannot be countersunk. For parts that require mounting adjustments, it is common to use long holes for mounting. However, it is not possible to use long holes for countersunk firings. Ultra Low Profile Screws can also be used for thin sheet metal parts.
The disadvantages of Ultra Low Profile Screws are as follows:
- Because the screw head is thin, the strength of the screw is low. Care must be taken when fastening in areas where large forces are applied.
- Because the screw heads are thin, the cross holes and hexagonal holes for screwdrivers and hexagonal wrenches are shallow, leading to the screw heads being easily lapped due to the limited clearance. It is not suitable for parts that are to be attached and detached repeatedly.
It is necessary to understand these disadvantages before use.