Advanex
Advanex Europe, a Nottinghamshire based manufacturer, has developed the industry accredited KATO CoilThread. KATO Coilthread comes in either Tanged or Tangless versions and is used in various sectors including automotive, rail, defence, aerospace and medical device development. The M2 Tangless version is currently the smallest, Tangless threaded insert in the world (suitable for 2 mm bolts).
Paul Clifford, Managing Director explained: “We wanted to help our customers become more efficient in their product assembly and have designed a product that reduces installation time, provides full traceability and is compliant with the key aerospace, military development standards. Our newly developed M2 Tangless inserts are widely used in the manufacture of electronic equipment and components. Through extensive research and development we are confident in the time and cost savings that can be generated compared to conventional Tanged inserts. As there is a growing trend for smaller electronic equipment, the benefits of using Tangless compared to tanged inserts become more prevalent, as traditional issues of tang loss within micro parts are eradicated.”
Both the Tanged and Tangless threaded inserts are made from cold-rolled stainless steel wire (AS7245), work hardened to a tensile strength above 200,000 psi and a hardness of Rc 43-50. The finished surface is extremely smooth which helps to virtually eliminate friction-induced thread erosion. The stainless steel that is used to make KATO CoilThread can resist harsh environmental conditions and is suitable for many applications. KATO CoilThread can withstand temperatures ranging from -320F to 800F (-195.6C to 426.7C).
When using KATO CoilThread a tapped hole is prepared using a standard drill bit which is then countersunk. The hole is then tapped using an STI (Screw Thread Insert) tap. The Tanged or Tangless insert is then installed into the tapped hole. In a free state, the insert is bigger in diameter than the tapped hole. The inserting tool “pre-winds” the insert to a smaller outside diameter allowing it to enter the tapped thread. When the insert is released from the tool, the insert springs outward, anchoring itself into the tapped hole. For Tangless inserts the installation process is simple. Partially thread the insert onto the tools’ mandrel. The unique bi-directional design means no time is needed to orientate the insert. Align the insert with the tapped hole and press the trigger on the electric tool. After that it’s automatic – the insert goes in, the tool comes out and the job is finished. It is very costly to install a Tanged insert into a blind hole, break-off, remove and account for the tang. Some customers estimate this cost as high as 30p per tapped hole. Loose tangs not removed can cause costly damage and production down time to expensive electronic and mechanical components. By using Tangless inserts the need for break off is eliminated saving valuable time, resource and money.
Furthermore, Tangless inserts are easily removed without damage to the customer’s expensive components. It is also possible to adjust the installation depth of a Tangless insert if it were installed too deep or too shallow. This adjustment is not possible with Tanged inserts. A range of tooling has also been developed for insertion and extraction. The tooling range is available in hand, air and electric versions depending on customers’ needs and demands.
KATO Coilthread is sold via an extensive European distribution network, which is steadily growing year on year. In addition to the M2 Tangless the inserts are available in a range of metric and unified sizes (M2 up to M12 and 2-56 up to 3/8-16).
The development of the world’s smallest, Tangless insert is testament to the knowledge and expertise of the team that has been delivering Tangless inserts to the market for over 20 years. Research is ongoing to produce an even smaller Tangless insert for further micro applications.