What Are Shoulder Screws? Uses, Types, and Customization

 

What is a Shoulder Screw?

Shoulder screws, also known as shoulder bolts, are precision fasteners with a unique design.

*A shoulder screw is a fastener with three parts: a threaded section for securing, a smooth shoulder for bearing or alignment, and a head for tool engagement.

*They feature a smooth, unthreaded shoulder and a threaded end, ideal for pivoting, alignment, or sliding applications in manufacturing.

                                                           

Key Features of Shoulder Screws

1.Precision Shoulder: Machined to tight tolerances for bearings or bushings.

2.Versatile Heads: Socket head, hex head, or headless options for accessibility.

3.Material Options: Stainless steel, alloy steel, or carbon steel for durability.

4.Surface Treatments: Nickel plating or black oxide for corrosion resistance.

 

 

Common Uses of Shoulder Screws

Shoulder screws are critical in applications requiring precision and low friction. Examples include:

1.Automation: Pivot joints in robotic arms.

2.Automotive: Gearbox linkages or throttle pedals.

3.Mold Manufacturing: Guide pins for alignment.

4.Medical Devices: Movable joints in surgical tools.

 

 

Shoulder Screw vs. Shank Bolt: What’s the Difference?

Unlike shank bolts, which are primarily for clamping, shoulder screws have a precision shoulder for rotation or alignment. Here’s a comparison:

Feature	Shoulder Screw	Shank Bolt
Design	Smooth shoulder + threaded end	Fully or partially threaded
Function	Pivoting or alignment	Clamping or fastening
Use Case	Robotic joints, bearings	Structural fastening

 

 

Case Study: Custom Shoulder Screws for a German Manufacturer

A German automation equipment manufacturer approached Shi Shi Tong needing M3 shoulder screws with a 6mm shoulder length and h6 tolerance for a robotic arm’s pivot joint. Standard screws caused excessive wear.

 

Our team designed a stainless steel socket head shoulder screw with a Teflon coating, reducing friction and ensuring durability.

The client reported a 30% increase in joint lifespan. Contact us for similar solutions!

 

 

How to Choose the Right Shoulder Screw

1.Shoulder Diameter: Match the bearing or bushing’s inner diameter (e.g., Ø6mm).

2.Shoulder Length: Ensure it exceeds the part’s thickness to avoid thread contact.

3.Material: Alloy steel for high loads, stainless steel for corrosion resistance.

4.Head Type: Socket head for tight spaces, hex head for high torque.

Types of Shoulder Screws

Shi Shi Tong offers various shoulder screws, including:

1.Socket Head Shoulder Screw: Ideal for compact assemblies.

2.Metric Shoulder Screws: Standardized sizes like M3 or M6.

3.Precision Shoulder Screws: Tight tolerances for high-accuracy needs.

4.Headless Shoulder Screw: For flush installations.

 

 

FAQ

1.What is the purpose of a shoulder screw?

Shoulder screws provide a smooth bearing surface for pivoting or sliding, ensuring precise alignment in machinery like automation equipment or molds.

2.Are shoulder screws used in shoulder surgery?

No, shoulder screws are industrial fasteners. Shoulder surgery uses medical screws like suture anchors or bioabsorbable screws for tissue or bone fixation.

3.Can Shi Shi Tong customize shoulder screws?

Yes, Shi Shi Tong specializes in custom shoulder screws tailored to your specifications. Contact us for a quote!

4.Need Custom Shoulder Screws?

Shi Shi Tong designs precision shoulder screws for manufacturers worldwide. Whether you need metric shoulder screws or specialized coatings, we deliver tailored solutions. Contact us today to discuss your project!

 

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