Parent material requirements for wire thread inserts

When using wire thread inserts in engineering applications, selecting the right parent material is crucial to ensure compatibility, performance and long-term durability. The parent material is the base component into which the wire thread insert is placed, providing a durable threaded surface for fasteners.

Choosing the appropriate parent material involves careful consideration of factors such as hardness, strength, thermal properties and environmental resistance, as well as the specific demands of the application. This article explores the requirements and considerations for parent materials to get maximum performance.

Insert compatibility with parent materials

Wire thread inserts are designed to enhance the durability of softer materials by providing a stronger threaded interface. The parent material's compatibility with wire thread inserts hinges on the material’s, the specific conditions it will face and the requirements of the application. Compatibility is crucial to avoid issues such as thread stripping, wear and failure under stress. The following are the key factors to consider:

Key factors to consider when it comes to parent material compatibility

• Material hardness: The hardness of the parent material is a critical factor when selecting wire thread inserts. Softer materials, such as aluminium and magnesium, are more prone to thread wear and stripping, making them ideal candidates for inserts. For harder materials like steel, inserts may not always be necessary unless other factors, such as corrosion or wear resistance, come into play.
  
• Thermal expansion coefficients: When the parent material and the insert material have different rates of thermal expansion, this can lead to loosening or damage to the thread under varying temperature conditions. It’s important to select an insert material that closely matches the thermal expansion characteristics of the parent material or can withstand the variations without compromising thread integrity.
  
• Corrosion resistance: If the parent material is subject to corrosive environments, the insert material must be chosen carefully to prevent galvanic corrosion. For example, using stainless steel wire thread inserts in conjunction with aluminium components can help prevent galvanic corrosion by acting as a barrier between dissimilar metals​.
  
• Load and stress distribution: The load-bearing capacity of the parent material is another key factor. Softer materials may deform under high stress, so wire thread inserts are used to distribute the load more evenly. This helps prevent localised stress that could otherwise damage the parent material. 

Preparing parent materials for wire thread inserts 

Proper preparation of the parent material is essential for the successful installation and performance of wire thread inserts. The tapped hole must meet specific dimensional tolerances to ensure a precise fit between the insert and the parent material. 

1. Clean, accurate tapping: A clean, properly sized tapped hole is necessary to prevent any misalignment that could lead to joint failure. Precision tapping is particularly critical in high-performance industries such as aerospace, where even small deviations can compromise the entire system.
2. Corrosion protection: In environments prone to corrosion, such as the aerospace sector, it is vital to select a parent material with adequate corrosion resistance or to treat the material with protective coatings. Wire thread inserts can act as a barrier, protecting the softer parent materials like aluminium from galvanic corrosion, especially in dissimilar metal joints​.

Maximising wire thread insert performance with specific parent materials 

The performance of wire thread inserts largely depends on the parent material and how well the two work together. 

Load distribution

Wire thread inserts distribute load evenly across the fastener, reducing the risk of damage to the parent material. For example, in the rail industry, where steel and stainless steel are often used due to their strength and durability, wire thread inserts enhance the performance of joints by ensuring consistent load distribution and reducing the risk of wear or fatigue​​.

Vibration resistance

In high-vibration environments, such as automotive and aerospace applications, wire thread inserts ensure that fasteners do not loosen due to repeated cyclic loads. This is especially critical in lightweight materials, such as aluminium, which are prone to thread wear and fatigue​.

Corrosion resistance

Certain environments, like those found in aerospace or marine applications, require materials with excellent corrosion resistance. Wire thread inserts made from materials like inconel or phosphor bronze provide superior protection against corrosion, making them ideal for use with softer materials like aluminium that are susceptible to corrosive wear​.

Get high-quality inserts and expert integration support from KATO Advanex 

The choice of parent material is a critical factor when using wire thread inserts in various industries. Aerospace, automotive, and rail applications all rely on wire thread inserts to enhance the performance of lightweight, corrosion-prone, or high-stress parent materials. By carefully considering material compatibility, preparation requirements and performance factors, you can ensure that wire thread inserts deliver optimal joint performance across a wide range of applications.

At KATO Advanex, we specialise in providing industry-leading wire thread inserts that meet the rigorous standards of aerospace, automotive, rail, and other engineering sectors. Our products are designed to ensure compatibility with a wide range of parent materials, offering enhanced load distribution, superior corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. Whether you are dealing with lightweight materials in aerospace or need a robust solution for rail components, our wire thread inserts provide the performance you need.

To find out more about our products or to get additional pricing information, contact a member of our team today.