Feature

Self-clinching standoffs for ultra-thin stainless steel assemblies

New PEM Type TSO4 self-clinching stainless steel standoffs from PennEngineering provide a fastener for stacking or spacing components to (or from) ultra-thin stainless steel panels.

27/04/2014 13:46:00

These specially hardened stainless steel fasteners install reliably and permanently into stainless steel sheets as thin as 0.63mm with only a single mating screw required for final component attachment. They ultimately enable lighter designs by minimising hardware count and offer the added benefit of corrosion resistance.

The fasteners are available in several styles, including thru-threaded or blind threaded versions, and in various lengths with thread sizes from #2-56 through #6-32 and M2.5 through M3.5.

The fastener’s thread design at the barrel end minimises the length of the required mating screw and thread-type variations can be specified creating oversized fastener bodies to achieve increased bearing surface, wall thickness, and performance.

The standoffs mount simply and quickly by pressing the fastener into a round hole in the host sheet and applying sufficient squeezing force using a standard press to embed the standoff’s head flush in the sheet and complete the process.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.