A brass insert is a small, threaded component made from brass, designed to provide durable threads in materials such as plastic, wood, or soft metals. Brass insertsare used when a material is not strong enough to hold threads directly, providing reliable, reusable, and often corrosion-resistant threads. They are popular in industries like electronics, automotive, furniture, and 3D printing.

Key Features of Brass Inserts:

1. Material:
   • Brass is chosen for its corrosion resistance, strength, workability, and conductivity (when needed). It is also cost-effective and provides long-lasting performance.
2. Threading:
   • Brass inserts typically have internal threads that allow screws or bolts to be fastened securely.
   • The external part of the insert is often knurled, slotted, or barbed to grip the surrounding material securely.

Types of Brass Inserts:

1. Heat-Set Inserts:

   • Designed for thermoplastics, heat-set brass inserts are installed by heating the insert and pressing it into the material. Once the material cools around the insert, a strong, durable bond is formed.

2. Self-Tapping Inserts:

   • These are designed for soft materials like wood and plastics. The insert cuts its own threads as it is screwed into a pre-drilled hole, providing a firm grip.

3. Press-Fit Inserts:

   • Installed by pressing into a pre-formed hole, they rely on friction or interference fit between the knurled or grooved exterior and the material for secure installation.

4. Ultrasonic Inserts:

   • Installed using ultrasonic energy, these brass inserts cause localized heating that melts the plastic around the insert, bonding it firmly in place.

5. Threaded Inserts for Metals:

   • Used to provide threads in soft metals or to repair damaged threads, these inserts are installed by pressing, screwing, or even crimping into metal substrates.