Captive Panel Screws: The PEM® Revolution in Fastening
Eliminating loose hardware, minimizing risk, and securing efficiency in high-performance applications.
Consistency Through Captivity: Why PEM® Screws Matter
PEM® brand captive panel screws are meticulously designed to help keep parts to a minimum and **eliminate risks** associated with loose hardware that could fall out and damage sensitive internal components, particularly in high-end electronic assemblies. These fasteners are the ideal solution for applications where subsequent access is necessary for maintenance or upgrades.
Core Benefits Across PEM® Captive Screws
- Eliminates Loose Hardware: The screw remains captive in the panel, preventing drops, loss, and component damage.
- Positive Installation Stop: Features like a shoulder on the retainer provide a positive stop during installation, ensuring consistent compression and proper seating.
- Anti Cross-Threading: The optional MAThread® feature (designated with an “M”) eases assembly, prevents jamming, and improves assembly line productivity.
- Versatile Actuation: Available with various knobs (knurled, smooth metal, plastic C.A.P.S.®) and tool recesses (Phillips, Slot, Torx®).
Featured PEM® Captive Panel Screw Families
PF11™, PF12™, PF15™ Series: The Versatile Standard
This family offers three installation types: **Self-clinching, Flare-mounted, and Floating**. All share a consistent aesthetic profile above the sheet and offer standard selection of knurled, semi-smooth, or smooth metal caps, or colored plastic C.A.P.S.®.
Case Study: Telecom/Datacom
The **PF12M™** with a special retainer was used in a high-end router, installing into cast stainless material. The added convenience of the MAThread® anti cross-threading feature provided a critical value-added option that boosted assembly line productivity.
PF30™, PF50™, PF60™ Series: Low-Profile & Gasket Control
These low-profile screws satisfy functional and cosmetic requirements. The PF50/PF60 variants are available with Torx® recess and MAThread®.
Case Study: Industrial – Concrete Density Gauge
A special extended-shank **PF30™** was used to prevent the over-tightening of a concrete density gauge assembly. This precise control ensured the gasket functioned properly, preventing moisture ingress in harsh outdoor construction sites.
PFC4™ and PFC2P™: Recessed-Head for Concealed Access
Designed for **tool-only access**, these screws feature a fully concealed head and comply with UL 60950 standards, enhancing security and aesthetic appeal. The PFC4 installs into stainless steel sheets.
PF7M™ and PF7MF™: Smallest Footprint, Spring-Loaded
This series offers the **smallest footprint** spring-loaded panel fastener for limited-access applications. It features MAThread® technology and installs flush on the back side of the panel. The PF7MF is suitable for close centerline-to-edge applications.
Case Study: Telecom/Datacom – Server Heat Sink
This customer needed the smaller size of the **PF7MF**, and the convenience of the MAThread® feature, to improve their heat sink assembly.
SCBR™, SCB™, SCBJ™: Lowest Cost, High Security
These captive screws offer the lowest cost design to replace loose hardware, permanently captivating into sheets as thin as 1.02mm. Options include self-retracting (SCBR), axial float (SCB), or jacking feature (SCBJ).
Case Study: Commercial – Automotive Charging Station
The **SCB™** was chosen for an electric car charging station enclosure to hold the top cover plate due to concerns about high voltage and the risks associated with loose hardware.
Advanced Installation and Positioning Solutions
REELFAST® SMTPFLSM™ & SMTPF™: Surface Mount Technology
The **REELFAST®** series allows for one-piece installation utilizing the standard pick-and-place surface mount method (SMTPFLSM™) or by snapping the screw into a retainer installed via conventional SMT techniques (SMTPF™). This is crucial for electronic assemblies like CT scanners and workstation motherboards, preventing board damage often caused by press-in methods.
PTL2™ and PSL2™: Spring-Loaded Plunger Assemblies
These assemblies serve as positioning pins for sliding components (e.g., drawer slides, equipment consoles). They allow for fast installation and removal, and the reverse side of the sheet remains flush when the plunger is retracted, ensuring no interference.
Case Study: Medical Equipment Mount
The **PSL2™** replaced a hook-and-knob system on a universal equipment mount, allowing for quicker assembly and disassembly with **no loose hardware**.
Stop Dropping Screws. Start Streamlining.
Contact Astra Industrials to integrate PEM’s precision captive panel solutions and secure your high-performance electronic enclosures.
Inquire About PEM® Solutions
