Why Heli-Coils Are Our Top Choice for Reliable Threaded Inserts
Threaded inserts can be a game changer for both new designs and part repairs. At Accurate CNC, we frequently use these small but mighty components to develop cost-effective, durable parts. Curious about how threaded inserts work and why we utilize them so frequently? Keep reading to understand the basics of threaded inserts and discover how they can enhance your next machining project.
The Role of Threaded Inserts in Prototyping and Repairs
Threaded inserts are small hardware components used to provide strong, reliable threads in materials that are too soft or weak to hold threads on their own. Many customers who work with plastics or 3D-printed prototypes might not immediately realize the importance of threaded inserts. It’s a common misconception that the plastic itself can be threaded, however, plastic threads are rarely strong enough for long-term use, and would quickly strip.
Softer materials such as aluminum and plastics don’t hold up well to the force applied by threaded hardware, especially with repeat use. Threaded inserts can serve as a much stronger alternative, and they’re particularly beneficial for parts subjected to frequent wear and tear. For products created by 3D printing, threaded inserts are often necessary to ensure durability and reliability.
But this isn’t the only reason for using threaded inserts. Inserts can be used to replace stripped threads in the process of repairing a part. This can help to create significant savings when the only alternative would be to re-make an entire part.
The Benefits of Choosing the Right Threaded Inserts
There are a wide variety of threaded inserts available on the market, but at Accurate CNC, we are particularly fond of Heli-Coils. This particular brand of helical threaded inserts has proven highly effective for most threaded insert applications we encounter at our shop. While there are a variety of other helical threaded inserts available, we consistently choose Heli-Coils for their reliability and performance.
Heli-Coils are not only a popular choice at our Idaho machine shop but are also widely favored by engineers across various industries. They are typically the go-to choice to reinforce threads in aluminum, and it's common to see drawings annotated to specify Heli-Coil inserts for all tapped holes.
Heli-coils are our default design choice for low-cost manufacturing because they can be a cost-effective way to manufacture your part. Press-fitting inserts into aluminum is an alternate option, but that is a more complex – and often more expensive – manufacturing process.
Heli-Coils can also be an excellent way to fix stripped holes. A customer recently brought in a part with several stripped holes, rendering it unusable. Remanufacturing the entire part would have been costly and time-consuming. Heli-Coils offered a simple and affordable fix, saving our customer valuable time and money.
While Heli-Coils are an excellent choice for many applications, they are just one type of threaded insert available. We offer a variety of options at our CNC machine shop, including the following, which we typically have in stock:
Press Fit Threaded Inserts: This type of insert is designed to be pressed into a pre-drilled hole, where they securely grip the surrounding material without the need for additional fasteners or adhesives.
Pull Out Resistant, Screw to Expand Inserts: These inserts expand as they are screwed into place, providing a strong, secure grip in softer materials and preventing pull-out under stress.
Heat Press Inserts: These are inserted into a preheated hole, allowing them to expand and secure themselves in place.
Enhancing Your Projects with Threaded Inserts
Whether you are designing a new product or fixing an existing one, threaded inserts can be a game changer in enhancing strength and extending the life of your parts. If you’re unsure whether your project could benefit from the addition of threaded inserts – or if you have any other questions about your project– talk to us today.