Differences In Thread Fit - 1A/2A/3A & 1B/2B/3B

Thread fit measures the looseness of fit between male and female threads.  For external threads the three fit classes are 1A/2A/3A and for internal thread (for example in hex nuts) 1B/2B/3B.  The higher the class number the tighter the fit - 3A/3B fit therefore is the tightest and presents the greatest risk when the parts require any type of plating or additive finish.  In our experience parts that require 3A/3B thread fit are at greater risk of not passing the Go/No-Go gauge test after electroplating, especially at smaller diameters.  Typically this happens because more of the plating material is added to the part at it's extremities, making a consistent plating thickness difficult to achieve and thereby compromising the tight fit tolerance at the end of the screw where the gauges engage.

Custom Aluminum Cap Nuts - 3/8-16 Acorn Nut Manufactured Per Samples Provided

Our customer required matching custom aluminum cap nuts for renovation of a historical building and only had a few samples to work from without any dimensional drawings.  We used those samples to recreate the pictured replicas using plain aluminum material with 3/8-16 internal thread.  500 pieces were produced for our customer's need and were provided together with custom aluminum .403" X 1.38" fender washers at 2,000 pieces.

Custom Grade 5 Automotive Screws - Tricky 1/4-32 Thread With Nylon Thread Locking Patch

These custom grade 5 automotive screws are exactly the same dimensionally as the 1/4-28 version shown in one of the previous posts but with two specific distinctions: the thread had to be 1/4-32 instead for this 2,500 pcs batch and the lead time had to be FAST.  To accomplish this the hex socket drive was broached instead of cold heading, the marks of which you can see at the very bottom of the hex recess.  That allowed us to save weeks of lead time and we also expedited the thread lock application process as well as all the transit in between processes.  Level III PPAP paperwork is provided with the parts per our customers original request and requirement.

Custom Painted Screws In White - #6 X 1/2" 18-8 Stainless Steel Type A Sheet Metal Screws With Matching White Paint

Fresh out of the oven these custom painted screws in white are finished off with flat sealant to provide the matte white finish our customer desired.  We created a matching paint to paneling samples provided by our customer and ran approximately 20,000 pcs in this first run.  Parts are individually racked, spray painted, heat treated to ensure longevity, and then finished off with the sealant to adjust the gloss level.  Lead times depend on the quantities and type of paint used but we can typically turn around parts within 3 weeks or as fast as 3-4 days with an expedited option if we have the paint material in house.

Custom Stainless Steel Standoffs - M3 X 12MM X 4.15MM Across The Flats

Pictured here is one of the custom stainless steel standoffs we supply our drone manufacturing customer.  Production is done in the USA in 18-8 stainless steel material, with passivation as the final step in the production process.  Lead times vary depending on the quantity required and rush options are typically available upon request.  When usage volumes exceed 25K pieces or so we typically switch production to one of our overseas partners to optimize cost per piece.

Custom Aluminum Round Spacers - 4.3MM X 50MM X 9.3MM Made in the USA

We supply a large number of standard off the shelf electronics hardware but get really excited about the custom sizes for the more interesting applications.  Pictured here are one of the custom aluminum round spacers we supply a drone manufacturer, along with a smaller custom spacer and a hex standoff to be shown in our next few posts.  Made in the USA at approximately 5,000 pcs these aluminum standoffs measure 4.3MM X 50MM X 12.30MM (OD) with a tolerance of +/-.01MM.  Lead time for the initial release is typically at 6-10 weeks depending on the current work flow and seasonality.

Custom 6-Lobe Wood Screws - 316 Stainless Steel Material With Custom Shape Head

These are custom 6-lobe wood screws made in 316 stainless steel material measuring 1.888" in length +/- .005".  #10-13 thread tapping thread pitch is rolled after the custom shaped head is cold formed and T20 6-lobe drive incorporated.  Production is done domestically at approximately 50,000 pcs per run and the total quantity was provided to our customer in 2 batches with the first shipment containing 18,000 pcs.

Custom Stainless Steel Shaft Collars - 1" Stackable Mounting Collars

We supply a large number of different custom and standard off the shelf shaft collars to our long time customer base, primarily on revolving 12-month blanket purchase order basis.  These particular 1" custom stainless steel shaft collars however we supplied to our customer at just 4 pieces.  Custom made to his specifications in the USA, we were able to ship them at a relatively quick turnaround.  Depending on the material, dimensional requirements, and existing backlog the lead times can vary drastically for these parts.

Custom Machined Nylon Pins - 1/2 Inch OAL

These are custom machined nylon pins we supply our industrial OEM customer.  They are manufactured overseas with a lead time of approximately 120 days from approved drawing/print.  Overall length is set at 1/2" and the OD drops from 5/16" on one side to 3/16" on the other narrow side.  The machined convex portion measures approximately 5/16 inches in length, leaving approximately 3/16 inches on the 5/16" OD section.  Plain acetal material was used without any dye.  Annual revolving blanket purchase orders are used with monthly releases - estimated annual usage is at 60,000 pcs.

Painted Wood Screws And Painted Countersunk Washers - #8 X 1-3/4" Phil Flat Wood Screws In Steel Zinc

This photo shows the painted wood screws and painted countersunk washers together with the paneling they are used on during the assembly process.  Our customer calls this color Pacifica Grey and we supply a number of other sizes for both the wood screw and the washer in this matching color.  All the parts are supplied on revolving annual blanket purchase order basis.  While this customer uses the countersunk washers with the flat head screws, others use a modified truss head screw for the same application.