autorroscantes

Autorroscantes, also known as self-tapping screws, are fasteners designed to form or cut their own mating threads in the material as they are driven. They eliminate the need for a separate tapping operation to produce a threaded hole, enabling quicker and simpler assemblies in metal, plastic, and sometimes wood.

Two main categories are used: self-tapping thread-cutting screws and self-tapping thread-forming screws. Thread-cutting screws cut into the material to create threads, usually requiring a pilot hole of a specified diameter. Thread-forming screws displace material to form threads without substantial material removal, typically used in ductile materials and with finer thread pitches. A subset, self-drilling screws, carries a drill-like tip that creates the hole and cuts the thread in a single operation, widely used in metal framing and roofing.

Materials and finishes vary, including carbon steel with zinc or other coatings for corrosion resistance, stainless steel for higher corrosion resistance, and specialized variants in brass or nylon for particular applications. Sizes are defined by gauge and thread pitch, governed by standards such as ISO/DIN, ANSI/ASME, and regional specifications.

Typical applications include metal enclosures, electrical cabinets, automotive assemblies, and other rapid-assembly metal connections. They are also used in plastics and softer materials where controlled torque prevents thread damage. Installation requires selecting the correct size and pilot hole per manufacturer guidance, using appropriate torque, and choosing the proper coating for environmental conditions.