Fixings & Fasteners

SFS intec’s new stainless steel, self-drilling fastener range features a ‘sharks-tooth’ thread design, hardened drill point and recessed washer, enabling faster installation and high structural performance.

The new drill point is made from hardened carbon steel with a longer pilot point feature, different to imported general construction fasteners. This bespoke design delivers faster fixing, and easy, comfortable drilling through all materials, including the recycled and high-yield structural steels increasingly being used. The longer SX drill point overcomes the premature stripping of the thread when fixing layers of multiple sheets, which otherwise tend to result in the failure of traditional fasteners.

“The new generation SX range marks a step-change in fastener development,” said Peter Hamby, SFS intec business development manager. “Trials have shown the SX fasteners comfortably drill up to three times quicker than all other generic imported stainless screws. Our on-site demonstrations prove fixers can save hours of fixing time on a project.”

The new SX range, which consists of three fastener types, reduces the need for multiple fastener stocks, as the individual SX application types each have a broader installation range. Drilling capability from as thin as 0.75m to 14mm allows greater design freedom and the use of high tensile steels in the support structure. The range is also complemented by the SXW for timber sub-structures. Low-profile irius heads are available together with Sela coloured head and the traditional hex head.

Peter continued: “Airtightness is a critical factor for any building, which is why we have developed our new thread design, featuring a unique asymmetric ‘sharks-tooth’ profile within the screw thread of the fastener. This gives rapid thread engagement in the sub-structure material, providing improved pull-out resistance and greater structural performance. Cost savings can be made from taking advantage of these higher-performance factors.

“In addition, the combination metal and EPDM washer gives a greater weather and airtight seal as the patented head recess protects against washer inversion, which often occurs as a result of overdriving on-site.”

Independent tests have shown up to 100% improved pull-out when compared to many competitive fasteners. The new generation SX allows greater options for “value engineering” compared with traditional and general purpose imported fasteners, bringing overall installed costs down further without compromising on performance or quality.

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