Thin-walled screws Hygienic Design - small components with a big impact

According to Machinery Directive (MRL) and EU Standard 2006/42/EC, fastening parts on machines and their components must be tamper-proof. In mechanical engineering, therefore, thin-walled screws are used. They prevent the loosening of complex screw connections. However, components commonly available on the market are not suitable for use in hygiene-sensitive areas. NovoNox KG, a specialist in components for hygienic applications, has addressed this issue and offers hexagon screws with thin walls and securing washers in hygienic design.

In addition to safety aspects, particularly easy cleaning processes and tightness at the outer areas of the screw joint are advantages of the stainless steel hexagon screws made from material class 1.4404. The importance of these properties is demonstrated by the example of the annual cleaning recommended by the mechanical engineering company HDG. Problems can quickly arise here: for example, if during regular and long-term maintenance work, the screw head becomes damaged.

Hexagon screws with an innovative equipment system

To replace machine parts, conventional screws must first be cut and ground, leading to unwanted chip formation and particle ingress. Additionally, the washers, which deform during initial tightening, cannot be removed. NovoNox KG's innovative hexagon screws provide a solution here, as they are tamper-proof and connected to the component. This is achieved by screwing the washer over the threaded part. As a result, the washers can be easily and without mechanical deformation turned off, and the screws can be replaced cleanly, free of dirt and particles.

"Damage to the screw shank — for example, caused by a spring groove effect — can be ruled out just as much as the automatic unscrewing of screws during manual operation," explains Jürgen Leuze, Head of Business at NovoNox. "In addition, the washers can be removed without destruction and without tools, and the reusability of the screws remains guaranteed."

Components with polished surfaces

Hexagon screws with thin walls and securing washers from NovoNox KG feature polished surfaces and a special design. The screw head is also hemispherical at the end face, and the conical collar is equipped with an appropriate form fit. With a roughness depth of less than Ra 0.8, disruptive indentations and depressions have been avoided. Dirt and residues from cleaning solutions thus have no chance to adhere.

For highly sensitive hygiene requirements, thin-walled screws are now also available in the Hygienic USIT® version. The screw joint is hermetically sealed with the sealing and washer from Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, preventing contamination with germs and bacteria. The even higher-quality polished surface allows for extremely easy cleaning processes while significantly reducing cleaning times. Thin-walled screws in the Hygienic Design and Hygienic USIT® variants thus offer high added value that no hygiene-critical manufacturing company can do without.