Taper-X
PSM Taper-X insert is designed for use in 8° tapered holes in plastic components. It provides high pull-out and torque resistance and includes a flange to prevent plastic from escaping or flowing past the insert. Taper-X can be installed either with heat or ultrasonic energy, and its design is self-aligning, making it a reliable, robust threaded insert solution.
Advantages
- Designed for use in an 8° tapered hole
- High pull out performance
- High torque resistance
- Flange prevents escape of plastic
- Can be installed by heat or ultrasonics
- Self-aligning
Selection of Taper-X Inserts
Single Vane Metric
Single Vane Unified
Other materials and lengths possible on quotation.
Double Vane Metric
Double Vane Unified
Specifying an Insert
Taper-X Performance & Use Cases
Taper-X inserts are suitable for applications that demand reliable, serviceable threads in plastic parts. They are particularly useful for deeper holes, high torque loads, or where flange retention is needed to prevent plastic flow past the insert. Common applications include consumer device enclosures, industrial plastic housings, and assemblies where strong, durable threads are required even under repeated use or vibration.
Taper-X Boss Design Specification
Hole Preparation
The taper on the hole should be 8° inclusive. The insert is tapered for approximately 1/3 of its length and is
parallel for the remainder. Note: Blind Holes – hole depth should be a minimum of 1 mm or 0.039 inches greater than the length of the insert to be installed.
Selection of Insert Type
Depending on the depth of the hole, the holding power can be increased significantly by selecting the double vane version.
Installation
The fastener may be installed using either a pre-heating process or using heat generated by ultrasonic vibrations. Where preheating is used care must be exercised to ensure that the fastener softens but does not melt the plastic. This will avoid any tendency to generate unsightly “flash” around the top of the insert and could have a detrimental effect on performance. Insert must be installed flush to provide maximum performance.
Wall Thickness
A general guide to minimum wall thickness is given in the data table but this will vary depending upon the nature of the plastic. Where thinner walls are required these can often be accommodated, but consultation with the P.S.M Technology Centre or local sales office and pre-production testing is strongly advised.
Performance Data
The complexity of materials and variations in service conditions make it impossible to detail fastener performance for specific applications. The chart below gives a general guide and shows the relative performance of the inserts in the range.
