Mechanical Hardware
Fasteners
There are not that many major components inside an internet of things product. The major IoT components will be a processor circuit card, which can include the wireless connectivity and sensors, a separate power source circuit card or maybe its circuits are on the same circuit card, a housing or enclosure to protect the electronics, and lastly any mechanical fasteners. This post will focus on the mechanical hardware, such as screws.
I will share my knowledge of fasteners (i.e. screws) with you. There are so many engineering books on screws, and many websites, but I won't get into the theory or irrelevant information. I will keep it real and basic in this post, and primarily focus on English Standard screws. For IoT or wireless electronics, the primary size screw will most like be either a #0, #2, or #4. Let me explain what these mean below.
#0 = 0 - 80 UNF or 0.06 - 80 UNF
#2 = 2 - 56 UNC or 0.086 - 56 UNC
#4 = 4 - 40 UNC or 0.112 - 40 UNC
The first digit designates the major diameter of the screw, so for example, #2 is equal to a diameter of 0.086 inches. The number after the dash represents the number of threads per inch. This means that if you use a screw that is one inch long, there will be 56 threads if you are using a number 2 screw. The importance of this is for when you are selecting the appropriate nut to fasten the screw into it.
An inside little trick for fasteners of English type is that each major diameter size increases by 0.013 inches from size 0 to size 10.
#0 = 0.06
#1 = 0.073
#2 = 0.086
#3 = 0.099
#4 = 0.112
#5 = 0.125
#6 = 0.138
#7 = 0.151
#8 = 0.164
#9 = 0.177
#10 = 0.190
When using screws, make sure that you match the nut to the screw if using one. Another option to a nut is threading directly into the plastic or metal if used. Although most commercial electronics or IoT products will not be structurally critical, it is still good practice to ensure proper locking features are used. What I mean is that you should us a screw with a patch or locking nut, or a locking insert. Don't combine screw with a patch with a lock nut otherwise you will experience very high torquing resistance. Also, I highly discourage using Loctite in your fastening systems, as it is known to cause damage to plastics or other electronic parts. It is noted that the #1, #3, #5, #7, and #9 are not used widely. One more thing, always use machine screws for electronic applications. Sheet metal and wood screws are not ideal for IOT hardware.
So now that you have chosen to use screws, I would recommend going to McMasterCarr, there you can not only choose from thousands of types of fasteners, to download the CAD or 3D Model. Also, Amazon has an assortment of the screws outlined above, you can probably get all the ones you need from this box, use link below to purchase. If you have any questions about screws, feel free to contact me.
There are not that many major components inside an internet of things product. The major IoT components will be a processor circuit card, which can include the wireless connectivity and sensors, a separate power source circuit card or maybe its circuits are on the same circuit card, a housing or enclosure to protect the electronics, and lastly any mechanical fasteners. This post will focus on the mechanical hardware, such as screws.
I will share my knowledge of fasteners (i.e. screws) with you. There are so many engineering books on screws, and many websites, but I won't get into the theory or irrelevant information. I will keep it real and basic in this post, and primarily focus on English Standard screws. For IoT or wireless electronics, the primary size screw will most like be either a #0, #2, or #4. Let me explain what these mean below.
#0 = 0 - 80 UNF or 0.06 - 80 UNF
#2 = 2 - 56 UNC or 0.086 - 56 UNC
#4 = 4 - 40 UNC or 0.112 - 40 UNC
The first digit designates the major diameter of the screw, so for example, #2 is equal to a diameter of 0.086 inches. The number after the dash represents the number of threads per inch. This means that if you use a screw that is one inch long, there will be 56 threads if you are using a number 2 screw. The importance of this is for when you are selecting the appropriate nut to fasten the screw into it.
An inside little trick for fasteners of English type is that each major diameter size increases by 0.013 inches from size 0 to size 10.
#0 = 0.06
#1 = 0.073
#2 = 0.086
#3 = 0.099
#4 = 0.112
#5 = 0.125
#6 = 0.138
#7 = 0.151
#8 = 0.164
#9 = 0.177
#10 = 0.190
When using screws, make sure that you match the nut to the screw if using one. Another option to a nut is threading directly into the plastic or metal if used. Although most commercial electronics or IoT products will not be structurally critical, it is still good practice to ensure proper locking features are used. What I mean is that you should us a screw with a patch or locking nut, or a locking insert. Don't combine screw with a patch with a lock nut otherwise you will experience very high torquing resistance. Also, I highly discourage using Loctite in your fastening systems, as it is known to cause damage to plastics or other electronic parts. It is noted that the #1, #3, #5, #7, and #9 are not used widely. One more thing, always use machine screws for electronic applications. Sheet metal and wood screws are not ideal for IOT hardware.
So now that you have chosen to use screws, I would recommend going to McMasterCarr, there you can not only choose from thousands of types of fasteners, to download the CAD or 3D Model. Also, Amazon has an assortment of the screws outlined above, you can probably get all the ones you need from this box, use link below to purchase. If you have any questions about screws, feel free to contact me.