Advanced solution for fast and reliable assembly in metal tapped holes

Solve vibrational loosening problems and help align screws in pre-tapped holes

Assemblies using pre-tapped holes often face the dual challenge of preventing vibrational loosening—typically requiring additional locking elements such as adhesives or patches—and achieving precise alignment during installation.

POWERLOK® screws are engineered to deliver robust resistance against vibrational loosening in tapped holes, providing immediate and continuous all-metal locking action—eliminating the need for locking elements and maintaining integrity across severe operating conditions.

Installation onto pre-tapped holes can present alignment challenges—especially when nut members are made from soft metals such as copper or aluminum, or in automated and robotic assembly lines.  Misalignment in these scenarios can lead to failures that can compromise joint performance.

In the sections below, you will find detailed solutions to common thread misalignment problems, including cross-threading, false threading, and component misalignment.

How to avoid misalignment in pre-tapped metal hole assemblies?

Cross-threading problem

Cross-threading is a frequent assembly issue that occurs when the screw and the pre-tapped female thread are misaligned during installation. When this happens, there are two failure outcomes:

If the female part is made from very hard metal, the assembly will become blocked.
If the female thread is made of a softer metal or light alloy, the threads can be damaged, which often leads to thread stripping.

Horizontal installations increase misalignment risk because gravity causes screws to tilt as they enter the hole.

Solutions

MATpoint^®

Adding MATpoint® to screws eliminates the risk of cross-threading, enhances assembly reliability, reduces scrap and rework costs, and protects component integrity - making these screws ideal for automated, high-speed, and critical applications.

POWERLOK^® thread

POWERLOK^® screws are proven solutions for assembling components exposed to severe vibration and expansion/contraction cycles in all-metal tapped holes, without the need for extra locking elements. The locking action remains stable at high operating temperatures.

Ready to boost product performance and assembly efficiency?

False threading

False threading can occur even when the screw and nut are well aligned. This issue often originates from imperfections in the female threads particularly when those threads are formed by rolling rather than cutting.

Depending on the hardness of the nut, this can result in:

The screw may block, preventing further assembly.
The female threads may be deformed or damaged, leading to thread stripping and compromised joint integrity.

Solutions

MATpoint^®

MATpoint^® slides past peak defects in nut threads, eliminating the risk of false threading and ensuring faster, more reliable assemblies with a lower risk of rework or scrap.

POWERLOK^® threads

POWERLOK^® screws provide excellent resistance to vibration-induced loosening and eliminate the need for additional locking elements. The locking action is not affected by high temperatures.

Facing misalignment issues in your assembly?

Cover misalignment problem

Component misalignment can occur in systems involving large parts or multiple covers that must be joined:

If the cover is made of a soft material (e.g. plastic, aluminum or cooper), the screw threads may cut into the material.
In the case of harder covers (e.g., steel), the screw can be damaged or deflected, increasing the risk of cross-threading or even leading to mechanical jamming.

Solutions

MATpoint^®

MATpoint® rounded threads allows the screw to glide across misaligned holes, ensures full, reliable engagement even in challenging assembly conditions, while protecting both the screw and component threads from accidental damage.

POWERLOK^® threads

POWERLOK^® screws provide immediate and continuous locking action, maintaining clamping force and offering exceptional vibration resistance without the need for additional locking elements. The locking action remains stable at high operating temperatures.

Ready to boost product performance and assembly efficiency?

POWERLOK^® + MATpoint^®

The industry's first fastener to prevent both cross-threading and vibrational Loosening

Using POWERLOK^® combined with MATpoint^® delivers significant performance and productivity benefits, especially where misalignment and orientation difficulties are present.

Recommended applications:

Automated and robotic assemblies
Nut members are made from soft metals such as copper or aluminum
Installation in horizontal position
Components with high electrical grounding requirements
Plastic injection molded covers, especially where multiple covers must be joined
Assemblies involving heavy screws, such as those with washers or longer screws

How POWERLOK^® + MATpoint^® enhance your product and assembly process?

Product

Superior vibrational loosening resistance in pre-tapped holes.
Loosening resistance remains stable at high temperature.

In soft alloy applications, misalignment can cause chips.
Chips can represent serious problems in hydraulic, optical or electronic applications.

Allows repeated insertions and removals without losing locking effectiveness, and eliminating the risk of cross-threading.

Assembly process

No need to reduce assembly speed or opposite turn to ensure alignment.

Compatible with technical cleanliness (unlike metric screws with patch).
No contamination of feeding system (as adhesive patch does).

No cross-threading, false-threading or component misalignment.
No stripping.
Less line stoppages and scrap reduction, result in higher productivity.
Eliminates the need for additional locking elements (such as mechanical or adhesive patches).

Experience the POWERLOK^® + MATpoint^® advantage—Ask for a sample now