Learn About Custom Machining on Our Blog

April 12, 2022

Tips for Choosing Special Screws

The process of choosing the right screw for a particular application can sometimes be confusing due to the fact that there are so many different types of screws. All screws fall into four basic categories. They are head shape, driving method, material, and thread type. When ordering special screws, these four parameters should be kept in mind.Driving method refers to the tool and the head type that make it possible for special screws to be secured into the component that needs to be fastened. The most common driving method is slotted, which features a linear slot in the head of the screw, allowing it to be driven with a standard slot screwdriver. Phillips head involves a more aggressive screw type and features an x-shaped groove across the top of the screw head. This makes it possible to drive the screw in a more secure fashion.In choosing special screws, it must also… Read more »

November 18, 2021

What You Need to Know When Ordering Custom Bushings

Sometimes it is necessary to order custom bushings rather than using standard “off-the-shelf” bushings. Custom bushings can provide a number of benefits and resolve numerous problems. The design is easily tailored to meet specific conditions. Bushings may be a removable fixed cylindrical metal lining that is used for guiding, constraining or reducing friction.In approaching the design of a custom bushing, it is important to understand that there are various ways in which the design of a bushing may be approached. It is not uncommon for many companies to simply use whatever design has worked well in the past. The first question that should be asked is what type of bushing is needed for the relevant project. For instance, is a flanged or a sleeved bushing required for the task? After determining what type is required, it is important to determine whether the project requires a solid bushing, split bushing, full… Read more »

April 12, 2018

Are Custom Machine Screws Right for your Project?

Depending on the nature of the task at hand, custom machine screws may be necessary. Machine screws are a type of special fastener that features a uniformly threaded screw design that is typically 1/4 inch or less in diameter. These types of screws are specifically designed to be threaded into threaded holes or threaded nuts. Machine screws can be found in a variety of materials, configurations, sizes, and driver head types. Such screws are utilized for fastening various types of components in vehicles, electronic devices, tools, and machines. Machine screws are available in a wide array of materials, such as brass, steel, stainless steel, and nylon.Among the most important features of a machine screw is that the uniform threads make it possible to maintain the same diameter throughout the fastener’s length. By comparison, a tapered thread is designed to cut a distinctive thread into softer materials, such as plastic or… Read more »

June 20, 2017

How to Choose Machine Shops in Toronto

There can be a variety of circumstances in which the services of machine shops in Toronto may be needed. A machine shop is typically called upon in situations in which parts must be cut, fabricated, and finished in order for them to be prepared for their intended use. Additionally, machine shops may also be used in order to create new parts or provide repairs for existing parts and equipment.Machine shops in Toronto are most commonly called upon to machine parts for specific industries, including the automotive industry. With that said, a qualified machine shop should be able to produce parts or repair parts for any industry. Skilled workers utilize a variety of different types of equipment, including drill presses and lathes in order to produce the final parts to the client’s specifications.In selecting from among the various machine shops in Toronto, it is important to take a variety of factors… Read more »

March 29, 2017

Understanding the Different Types of Automotive Fasteners

While fasteners are used in a variety of industries, automotive fasteners are among the most common. Occupying an approximate 45 percent total market share, automotive fasteners are vital to the safe operation of vehicles. Although fasteners designed specifically for the automotive industry may occupy a large segment of the market, it is important to recognize that there are actually many different types of automotive fasteners, including bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, studs, and more. Each type of fastener functions in the same basic manner, in order to connect or hold to at least two objects together. The way in which they perform that task may vary. It must also be recognized that automotive fasteners may be constructed of various materials, including iron, stainless steel, nickel, brass, and aluminum.Automotive bolts are often referred to as threaded fasteners. This type of fastener features a head at one end. Such bolts are often inserted through… Read more »

January 25, 2017

Choosing a Shop to Handle the Production of Custom Fasteners

Fasteners that are produced for the specific needs of a client are commonly referred to as custom fasteners. Such fasteners are typically manufactured for factories and other industrial uses. Among the most common situations in which custom fasteners may be required include situations in which the environment is corrosive. This is due to the fact that such custom fasteners can be constructed from metals that are not corrosive in nature.In producing custom fasteners, it should be understood that various quality standards must be met. This is particularly true in industrial purposes. Custom fasteners are produced by a machine shop using specialized blanks.As part of the process of selecting a machine shop to handle the production of custom fasteners, it is important to ask several questions in order to ensure that the shop will be able to handle your specific needs. Among the most important questions to ask is the amount of… Read more »

November 23, 2016

Choosing the Right Nuts and Bolts in Toronto

The process of selecting the right nuts and bolts for Toronto projects may not be quite as straightforward as it would at first appear. There are actually many different shapes, sizes, and types of nuts, bolts, screws, and rivets that may be used. Nuts and bolts are quite similar in nature in that they are both used for fastening components together. This could be on a permanent or a temporary basis.While many structures, including those constructed of steel are supported by numerous other parts, in the end, they are commonly bolted together. As a result, it is imperative that the right bolt be selected for the job. Hex bolts are among the more common types of bolts, feature a basic shape, and offer a universal fastener application. This type of bolt is most commonly used in the auto and construction industries. A matching nut is typically required for use with… Read more »