This section provides an overview for insert nuts as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 11 insert nut manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked insert nut companies as of November, 2024: 1.Bay Bolt, 2.Rainbow Nut and Bolt, Inc., 3.MF Supply.
Table of Contents
An Insert Nut is a material used to increase the strength of the fastening portion of a plastic material. Since resin is less strong than bolts, insert suts, which are mainly made of metal, are embedded in resin to strengthen the joint.
The outer surface of the insert nut is knurled so that it can be adhered to the resin, and the inner surface is a nut-threaded member.
Insert nuts are generally made of free-cutting brass or lead-free brass, which has excellent machinability and ductility. Aluminum or stainless steel may also be used. Resin inserts are also available and are used for automotive and other applications.
There are two methods of inserting insert nuts into plastic parts: inserting the insert nut when the plastic is molded, or inserting the insert nut after the plastic is molded.
Insert nuts have a wide range of applications for reinforcing fasteners of plastic parts. The main uses are for fastening parts of resin parts in automobiles, motorcycles, trains, aircraft, and other transportation equipment, smartphones, home appliances, and industrial machinery.
Particularly in the automotive industry, plastic parts are being used to reduce weight in order to improve fuel efficiency. In addition, environmentally friendly bioplastics are increasingly being adopted.
Insert nuts are widely used to fasten these plastic parts. Insert nuts themselves are also being developed made of high-strength resin, contributing to weight reduction.
In machine tools, insert nuts are often used in machining centers, NC machine tools, servo motors, and control panel housings for inverters, etc.
There are many types of insert nuts, depending on the combination of shape, material, and insertion method.
There are two types of insert nut shapes: standard type and flange type. The standard type is the most common type and the least expensive. The standard type is further divided into two types: single-sided and double-sided.
The single-sided type has a fixed mounting direction for press-fitting, while the double-sided type is chamfered on both sides so that it can be inserted from either side during press-fitting.
The flange type has a flange on one side and can be inserted in only one direction.
There are also different methods of inserting insert nuts into plastic members.
There are two methods of embedding insert nuts into resin: insert during molding and insert after molding.
Post-molding inserts are mainly used for thermoplastic resins that soften when heat is applied.
For thermosetting resins, which harden when heat is applied, post-molding inserts can also be used, although most of them are done at the time of molding.
1. Insert during molding
When molding a resin material, an insert nut is attached to the mold and the resin is poured into the mold. Although the insert nut needs to be assembled to the mold, the resin is melted and inserted around the insert nut, so it has excellent strength after cooling.
2. Insert after molding
There are three methods of inserting after resin molding: expansion method, press-fit method, and thermal press-fit method.
Expansion Method
Insert nut is press-fitted into the bottom hole of the resin member and fixed to the resin member by expanding the tip of the nut. After the insert nut is driven into the plastic member with a hammer, the tip of the insert nut is expanded by pushing the expansion plate downward using a special punch or other tool.
This method is characterized by the fact that it is not affected by the shape of the boss into which the nut is inserted on the material side, and it does not require a heat source.
Press-fit method
This is the most common method. A press or hammer is used to press-fit the nut into the plastic material without using a heat source. Although a larger boss diameter can prevent the boss from cracking, it is necessary to change to the thermal press-fit method depending on the resin material.
Thermal press-fit method
This method uses a heat source to press-fit the insert nut into the plastic part. The insert nut is set in the bottom hole of the part, and the nut is press-fitted while being heated by a soldering iron, ultrasonic welding machine, or thermal press-fit machine.
By applying heat to the insert nut, the heat is transferred to the resin material and softens it, allowing the insert nut to be easily press-fitted into place. Also, since the resin is melted as it is press-fitted, the melted resin is absorbed into the nut, increasing its strength. This method is not affected by the boss shape on the resin member side.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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nVent is a British full-service manufacturer of electrical connection and protection products that was established in London, England in 2018. The company designs, manufactures, installs, and services their various electrical and fastening solutions (e.g. heat tracing systems), enclosures, and thermal management products. These are marketed under a range of brands and trade dresses, including Hoffman, Caddy, and Erico. nVent’s extensive product portfolio is utilized in several industries including automation, power distribution, and telecommunications, as well as in the residential and commercial sectors.
Bay Bolt was founded in 1981 and is based out of Oakland, California. The company produces fasteners and other components according to ASTM and SAE standards from materials including medium carbon steel, Alloyed steel, and atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel. They are commonly used in construction, waterworks, and underground situations. The company’s spectrum of fastener products includes bolts, nuts, washers, screws, and socket products. The company’s threaded fasteners cover 19 styles of fasteners, many designs of nuts and washers, and over 8 head styles.
Micro Fasteners, Inc., founded in 1967 and headquartered in Easton, Pennsylvania, USA, is a manufacturer and distributor of a wide array of fastening products. The product varieties cover a broad selection of screws, nuts, bolts, and washers, catering to the needs of industries such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, and construction. The company produces optimal-quality fasteners that offer precision, durability, and stability, making them essential components for assembling various products and structures. It offers custom fastening products, and exports globally with ISO and CE certification.
Rainbow Nut and Bolt, Inc. was founded in August 1978 in Santa Ana, California. The company is a distributor of various fastening products including special finishing coating and reworking services. The company sells a complete line of fasteners including nuts, bolts, socket products, anchor products, and screws. The 16 materials available for refinishing include blue zinc, black oxide, and nickel. Reworking services including special cut to length, re-threading, re-tapping, drilling, and bending.
MF Supply is a stocking distributor for business, industry, and government. MF Supply specializes in fasteners, hardware, and safety supplies. MF Supply product categories include PPE & safety, brands and equivalents, custom made parts, dowel pins, electronic & panel hardware, inserts, metric, Mil-spec & domestic, nuts & washers, pins, precision shoulder screws, rivets & rivetnut inserts, screw driving tools, screws, self-clinching fasteners, socket products, spacers & standoffs, studs, and other products such as sealants, retaining rings, and screw driving tools.
Industrial Tools Agency (ITA) is an Indian ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of various fasteners that was established in 1976. Based in Bangalore, Karnataka, the company produces fastening tools and supplies such as socket and machine screws, nuts, pins, and anchors. These are used to secure or attach components and machines in the manufacturing operations of various industries, including the aerospace, energy and construction sectors. Along with its own products, ITA also stocks products from several brands including Unbrako, TVS Fasteners, Nordlock, and Helicoil.
Rivitech International is a manufacturer, wholesaler, and importer specializing in stainless-steel control panel pneumatic fasteners. The company embraces the challenges of business, allowing its team of professionals to explore various aspects such as marketing, strategic sourcing, accounts, branding, logistics management, and public relations. Specializing in a niche market primarily comprising stainless steel 304 and 316 grades, Rivitech International prioritizes products at affordable prices, giving them a competitive edge. Its product range includes blind rivets, weld studs, cage nuts, rosan nuts, nut inserts, and clinch studs.
J. C. Gupta & Sons was established in 1993 as a manufacturer and supplier of fasteners based in Bengaluru, India. The company makes JCPlas Plastite Screws, which are used for strong connections in plastics, and ALLEN Screws which are available in different coatings. There are also BAER Threading Tools, BAERCOIL and BAERFIX Thread Repair and Reinforcement inserts, taps and relevant tools, and various anchors and fixings and these tools have applications in the aerospace, mining, marine furniture, and construction industries just to name a few.
Hirosugi-Keiki Co., Ltd, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, is a manufacturer of electronic parts and mechanical parts. Its main products encompass spacers, terminals, plastic washers, plastic bushings, screws, pin headers, and mechanical parts like long pipes, precision shafts, and fiber tubes. These components are crucial for ensuring proper electrical connections and efficient operations in various electronic applications, as well as for the structural integrity, movement, and precision of various types of machinery and equipment. The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications and established its Yokohama plant in 2012.
Bralo is a globally competitive manufacturer and distributor specializing in rivets and insert nuts, providing comprehensive solutions across various industries, including industrial, automotive, construction, and renewable energy. For over three decades, the company has consistently invested in technological advancements, some of which have set industry benchmarks in fastener technology. Its success story is founded on efficient organizational practices and dynamic, entrepreneurial management. Presently, it boasts production facilities on three continents, a workforce exceeding 400 globally. Its extensive commercial network comprises nine delegations and numerous authorized distributors and dealers.
Aspen Fasteners was founded in 1961 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. Aspen Fasteners is a distributor for industrial fasters. Aspen Fasteners offers an extensive line in both metric and inch standards of anchors, bolts, nuts, screws, washers, rings, pins, pipe plugs, rivets, inserts, rods, studs, spacers, standoffs, panel fasteners, and tools including adapters, drivers anchor setting tools, keys, measuring tools, screwdriver insert bits, and screwdriver power bits. Material types include aluminum, brass, copper, iron, lead alloy, monel nickel copper alloy, nylon, phosphor bronze, plastic, silicon bronze, stainless steel, steel, and zinc.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Bay Bolt |
20.4%
|
2 | Rainbow Nut and Bolt, Inc. |
14.3%
|
3 | MF Supply |
12.2%
|
4 | Rivitech International. |
8.2%
|
5 | BRALO |
8.2%
|
6 | Hirosugi-Keiki Co., Ltd. |
8.2%
|
7 | nVent |
8.2%
|
8 | Micro Fasteners, Inc. |
6.1%
|
9 | Aspen Fasteners Inc. |
6.1%
|
10 | Industrial Tools Agency |
4.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the insert nut page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 5 | 50.0% |
India | 3 | 30.0% |
Japan | 1 | 10.0% |
Spain | 1 | 10.0% |