Preventing Vibration Loosening: POWERLOK® screws vs Metric patched screws

Vibration loosening is a common challenge in metal tapped hole assemblies. POWERLOK® screws are the proven solution, providing instant locking over the entire thread length. But superior vibration resistance is just the beginning; here is how they compare to traditional metric patched screws (DIN 267-27/28):

Feature POWERLOK® Screws Metric Patched Screws
Extra cost for locking elements ✔ None ✖ Requires patches, locking washers or nuts.
Torque stability ✔ Consistent assembly process ✖ Varies with patch amount.
Locking action ✔ Locks along the entire screw length. ✖ Localized patch/adhesive area only.
High temperature stability ✔ Stable; maintains efficiency. ✖ Patches soften or weaken.
Reusability ✔ High; exceeds IFI and DIN standards. ✖ Limited or not possible.
Conductivity ✔ Excellent ✖ Reduced; patches are insulating.
Compatible with technical cleanliness ✔ Yes ✖ No
Feeder contamination ✔ No ✖ Yes; residue contaminates automated feeders.

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How POWERLOK® screws prevent vibration loosening

POWERLOK® screws provide reliable locking action along the entire length of the thread. This locking mechanism is completely independent of the base material and the operating temperatures reached during the assembly’s service life. Key features include:

DUAL-ANGLE™ thread form

30° thread overlapped to the standard 60° thread centralizes in the root of the nut thread, eliminating tolerance and providing “live-action” locking along the entire length of the screw.

TRILOBULAR® thread body section

  • Reduces friction during installation.
  • Prevents vibrational loosening by providing additional locking action.

How the locking action works?

The locking action is developed at the outermost radius of the torque arm of the screw body, whereas other locking screws develop their effective resistance at lesser radius points on thread flanks, down even to the thread root surface.

The threading behaviour

  • During installation, a certain torque is necessary to run-down the screw.
  • This results from interference created by the 30° crests during threading.
  • The prevailing torque achieved, helps resist vibrational loosening.

The FAQs of POWERLOK® screws

Will the locking crests damage or compromise the threaded hole?

POWERLOK® locks at the root of the nut, leaving the remaining thread intact. Testing results show that POWERLOK® preserves the nut's shear and pull-out resistance.

Will the locking effect decreases after repeated usage?

POWERLOK® is completely reusable, it exceeds industry standards IFI 52 and DIN267-28.

Does the torque increase due to the locking action?

It depends on the application, the torque could be higher in some degrees. But the increase remains manageable due to the TRILOBULAR® geometry.

Benefits

Cost-Effective Assembly

  • Requires no secondary locking elements
  • No risk of cross-threading
  • High pull-out resistance
  • Can be installed using standard tools

Reliable joint

  • Immediate and continuous locking action over time
  • Performance is not affected by temperature or nut materials

Reusability and compliance

  • Allows repeated insertions and removals without compromising its locking properties.
  • Contains no harmful chemicals and is fully PFOS compliant
  • For nut member <800 MPa strength - Ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications.

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