Automotion Components is a leading UK manufacturer of vented screws. We can produce bespoke vented screws to customer drawings and have a wide range of different head types, materials and finishing options available to provide the best product for your application.
Vented screws are designed for applications where trapped bubbles of air can cause problems - for example, in glove boxes and clean rooms. The vent allows trapped air under the screw to be released quickly. Therefore, systems that are subjected to vacuum conditions can reach low pressures more quickly - and indeed remain at low pressures more effectively.
Our vented screws are best used with vented washers, which also allow trapped air under the screw's head to be released.
Since vacuum (HV and UHV) environments must also be ultra-clean, we also provide ultrasonic cleaning and/or passivation (for AISI 316 series stainless steel products) on request. To reduce seizing or galling, we can also offer a range of coatings for our vented screws (see our vented screws technical page for more information). Other dimensions can also be produced in our UK factory. Please enquire for more details.
Hex drive cap head vented screws available in AISI 303 series stainless steel and in 316 series stainless (P0090.A4). To DIN 912.
Hex head vented screws to DIN 933. Availble in AISI 303 and 316 series stainless steel (P0091.A4).
Socket button hed vented screw in AISI 304 series stainless steel. AISI 316 stainless steel version also available (P0094.A4). To ISO 7380 (with central vent).
Our best-selling shoulder screws are now available in vented version! To learn more about shoulder screws, see our dedicated technical page.
Associated products: vented washers
Vented screws are most effective when they are also used with our vented washers. Whilst the vented screws release air at the bottom of a tapped hole, vented washers also help to eliminate virtual leaks by allowing trapped air beneath the screw head or in the thread to be released.
Our vented washers are available in AISI 303 stainless steel and 316 series stainless steel (P0097.A4).
Why choose Automotion Components's vented screws?
We hold large volumes of vented screws in our UK warehouse...
...and can offer same-day dispatch. On occasions when your preferred dimensions are not in stock, we can make our vented screws with a very short turnaround time on our fully automated machines. We have a thorough quality control (ISO 9001:2015 certified) and our materials are fully traceable.
We can produce bespoke vented screws for our customers
We can manufacture any special sizes to customer drawings (we may require a minimum batch size for this bespoke option). We can provide fully custom design services if you want a product in a different material (e.g. titanium) or with various coatings such as molybdenum sulphide etc - see our vented screws technical page for more information. We can also make a variety of special head types, such as hex drive, slot drive, TX (hexalobular) drive, etc. Passivation and cleaning can also be performed on request.
We strive to offer a first-class customer service experience
Our range of vented screws is precision made and finished to the highest standards. Take advantage of our free online CAD models with no sign-up or registration required!
We manufacture our products in the south of England and export them all over the world. Full export documentation is always provided for overseas customers. Our friendly customer service team is on hand to help you find the product which will make your designs come to life!
Features
Vented screws are used to remove trapped gases (at the bottom of blind threads) in HV (high vacuum) and UHV (ultra-high vacuum) systems. They can be precision cleaned and/or coated in anti-galling or hygienic films.
They are at their most effective when used with vented washers, which promote the release of gases trapped under the head of the screw.
Technical Specs
Vacuum screws to eliminate virtual leaks
A blind tapped hole inside a vacuum system leaves residual air space at the bottom that cannot be fully evacuated in the vacuum cycle when a bolt, screw, or other fastener is threaded into the hole. The screw itself is a helix with a large surface area also containing voids of trapped air. This produces virtual leaks. Vented screws and fasteners ensure direct ventilation of these voids, allowing the trapped volumes of air within the threads and at the bottoms of the holes to be fully evacuated. This speeds pump-down and helps improve system performance.
Galling: what is it, and how can we prevent it?
In high vacuum and ultra high vacuum systems, similar materials can become cold-fused or seized together ("galling") due to thermal expansion and the lack of moisture created by the vacuum. Screws threaded into blind tapped holes are commonly affected in this way, and components made of stainless steel are particularly susceptible. We can reduce galling by applying various coatings and platings to lubricate components and increase fastener lifetime. This makes maintenance and replacements faster and easier. Without the hassle of galled, stuck fasteners, downtime is minimised.
Inspection
Our vented and coated fasteners are inspected, cleaned, and packaged in a Class 100 cleanroom environment and therefore particulate/organic surface contamination is significantly reduced or eliminated altogether.
