Stripping of housing ports solution

[RnD bird]

Hello,

We are developing an IP66 enclosure (Aluminum extrusion) that has end caps fastened from the outside at both ends. Naturally there are end cap gaskets for sealing that will need constant good pressure.

The housing has 4 extruded C-shaped ports in which the stainless steel screws will self-tap.
The concern is that if the screws are turned too much, the metal in the ports strips.

I am not sure to what extent this will be a problem which would force us to either add a socket nut in the port or find other solutions, for example removing the ports and using an internal thick metal sheet fixed on the housing that has press fit nuts on which the end cap can attach.

For the moment I tested in an aluminum extrusion sample that we have, and even with the stripping, it seems the screw still stays horizontally where it should be, even though it is over-fastening while rotating clockwise.

Do you have experience in this area, specific socket nuts that would be at a very low cost (for 8 to 24 No6 screws) or any other classic alternatives?

Thank you!

 

[desertfox]

Hi RnD Bird

A sketch of your product might be helpful and I would add that I dont like self tapping screws, you could define a fastening technique by stating finger tighten the screws and then give half a turn with a screwdriver and this would give some level of tightening control. That said I have no idea how much force you need to seal the gasket and without more details on physical sizes of screws,gasket, components I can’t really add anymore.

Depending on the size of the components could you use ordinary fasteners and fit inserts in the stainless steel ports?

“Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater.” Albert Einstein