Go Back

Nylon/PP Threaded Inserts and Fasteners

Nylon and polypropylene threaded inserts and fasteners are non-metallic hardware for joining components. Threaded inserts (plastic bushings with internal threads) can be molded into or pressed into plastic parts, creating durable screw threads without metal inserts. Similarly, nylon or PP nuts and bolts serve as all-plastic fasteners. These parts are lighter and corrosion-proof. Nylon fasteners (like nylon nuts with a nylon locking insert) are especially valued in electronics for their electrical insulation and ability to prevent vibration loosening.

Product Inquiry

Key Features

  • Non-Conductive Insulating Hardware: Nylon fasteners provide electrical insulation, preventing shorts.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Unaffected by moisture, chemicals, or salt air.
  • Broad Range: Includes helical threaded inserts for plastics, self-threading screws, locking nuts, standoffs, spacers, and rivets.
  • High Strength (Nylon): Good tensile and shear strength for many structural applications.
  • Self-Locking Options: Nylon lock nuts with embedded nylon rings resist loosening under vibration.

Benefits

  • Lightweight: Reduces overall weight of assemblies, important in transportation and appliances.
  • No Galling: Plastic threads won’t gall like metal, making for smoother torque.
  • Reusable: Nylon lock fasteners can often be used multiple times with minimal wear.
  • Cost-Effective: Less expensive than specialty metal hardware in corrosive or high-volume uses.

Applications

  • Electronics: Circuit board mounting standoffs, insulating bushings for PCB screws.
  • Pipelines and Valves: Plastic flange fasteners in chemical pumps or filtration systems.
  • Medical Equipment: Non-metallic screws and nuts in devices where MRI compatibility or corrosion is an issue.
  • Consumer Products: Nylon bolts in appliances, furniture assemblies, or fixtures.

Technical Specifications

  • Materials: Nylon 6/6 (common), Nylon 6, Polypropylene (for less load-bearing needs).
  • Thread Standards: Metric (M#), UNC/UNF for standard compatibility.
  • Strength: Nylon 6/6 can achieve tensile strength ~8,000 psi (≈55 MPa).
  • Temperature: Nylon fasteners: –40°C to +85°C typically; PP: –20°C to +80°C.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

  • Electrical Safety: Nylon fasteners are inherently insulative and corrosion-proof, ideal for sensitive electronic enclosures.
  • Chemical Compatibility: Polypropylene inserts can be used in contact with aggressive fluids where metals fail.
  • Vibration Damping: Plastic hardware absorbs shock and vibration without loosening.