Understanding the Different Types of Fasteners used in CNC Machining--cncmass.com(prototype development Salome)

Introduction:
Fasteners play a crucial role in the world of manufacturing, especially when it comes to CNC machining. These essential components ensure that parts and materials are securely held together during the machining process and offer structural integrity once the final product is assembled. This article aims to shed light on the various types of fasteners commonly employed in CNC machining, their significance, and production techniques.

1. Screws and Bolts:
Screws and bolts are perhaps the most recognizable fasteners in CNC machining. They are cylindrical rods with external threading that secure two or more components together. Screws typically penetrate through a pre-drilled hole while bolts pass through holes with nuts tightened onto the threaded portion. Techniques like thread cutting or rolling are used during the production process to create precise threads on the surface of these fasteners.

2. Nuts:
Nuts are internally-threaded fasteners designed to mate with screws or bolts. When utilized in CNC machining, they provide additional support by holding tightly against a workpiece. Common nut variations include hexagonal (hex), square, wing, and lock nuts. Production methods for producing nuts often involve machining operations such as turning, milling, and drilling.

3. Washers:
Washers are flat, disk-like fasteners placed underneath the head of a screw or bolt. They distribute the load evenly across the joint surface while preventing damage to the underlying material. Washers can be flat or have specific shapes like spring washers that provide flexibility to withstand vibrations. Manufacturing processes for washers may include stamping, laser cutting, or waterjet cutting depending on the desired size and shape.

4. Rivets:
Rivets are permanent fasteners widely used in CNC machining to join metal sheets, plates, or structures where welding is not feasible or desirable. They consist of a cylindrical shaft with a head, which is inserted into pre-drilled holes and permanently deformed to form a secure joint. The production of rivets involves stamping or cold forging, followed by trimming, heat treating, and surface finishing processes.

5. Anchors:
Anchors are fasteners used to securely attach objects to materials that cannot support the weight or load directly. CNC machining incorporates various types of anchors such as expansion anchors (with wedges), hollow wall anchors, and concrete anchors. These fasteners are manufactured using techniques like drilling, cutting, and welding, depending on the type and application requirements.

6. Pins:
Pins are cylindrical or tapered fasteners used in CNC machining to align two separate components accurately. Common pins include dowel pins, taper pins, and roll pins. Dowel pins ensure precise alignment of machined parts while taper pins provide effective locking mechanisms in rotating assemblies. Production methods for pins involve precision machining processes like grinding and honing.

7. Clips:

Clips, also known as retaining clips or spring clips, are versatile fastening components commonly utilized in CNC machining applications. They hold panels, cables, and other objects firmly in place within an assembly. Spring clips exert pressure against mating surfaces, ensuring a tight fit. Their manufacturing process usually consists of metal stamping operations, forming the desired shape through progressive die pressing.

Conclusion:
Understanding the different types of fasteners is crucial when it comes to CNC machining. Each variant serves a unique purpose, be it joining, securing, or aligning components together. By selecting the appropriate fasteners and employing efficient manufacturing techniques, manufacturers can ensure strong, reliable, and durable connections in their CNC-machined products. CNC Milling