New Developments in Mechanical Fastening of Thermoplastics: Aluminum Self-Tapping Screws Trump Steel

In this current paper, we will try to increase the understanding of the engineering community regarding the usefulness and applicability of aluminum made self-tapping screws in fastening of various automotive thermoplastic parts.

Utilization of the light alloys for manufacturing of fasteners for plastics applications allowed us to manage the stiffness considerations, short-term (strength) and long-term (life) performance of the assembled plastic parts.

The results presented in this study will help designers, technologists, plastics and fasteners developers and manufacturers, to optimize mechanical performance of assembled automotive thermoplastic parts, where self-tapping screws will be used.