Product Spotlight: Elco Tap-Flex Thread-Forming Structural Screws

Elco Fasteners has drawn on 30 years of experience in manufacturing construction fasteners to create Tap-Flex thread-forming structural screws. These fasteners are dual heat treated, self-tapping screws that provide the strength, ductility, and embrittlement failure resistance that’s crucial for curtain wall and dissimilar metal applications. Tap-Flex fasteners have been designed and engineered to substitute for bolt and nut assemblies or Taptite® screws that are often used in the construction of large building.

Tap-Flex screws feature the patent-pending E-Form® segmented thread profile that gives the fastener its thread-forming ability. The E-Form design improves in-place performance and in ease of installation by:

  • Decreasing thread-forming torque, which helps to ease starting and placement

  • Overcoming friction build-up to reduce drive torque

  • Increasing thread engagement, helping to resist back-out and loosening activity that is caused by thermal changes or vibration

As with most of Elco’s product line, Tap-Flex screws undergo the Flex Technology dual hardening process that is unique to Elco fasteners. Flex Technology eases installation by selectively hardening lead tapping threads to a minimum of HRC 52, while the load-bearing part of the fastener is kept below the critical HRC 34 level. Due to the reduced hardness level this provides, Flex Technology fasteners also meet Grade 5 ASTM A449 standards for strength and ductility. The result is an increased ability to resist embrittlement and other structural failures, providing top-notch performance over a fastener’s lengthy life in the field.

If you’d like more information about Elco Tap-Flex thread-forming screws, or any of Elco’s Flex Technology products, contact Mudge Fasteners at (800) 634-0406 to learn more.

Kyle Domer