Plate Nut (Anchor Nut) | Flush-Mounting Threaded Insert for Sheet Metal & Frames
Product Overview
A Plate Nut, also known as an Anchor Nut or Floating Nut, is a one-piece, self-retaining fastener designed to provide a durable, load-bearing female thread in thin-section materials such as sheet metal, tubes, or composite panels. It features a flat, rectangular or square base plate with a welded or integrally formed nut, and pre-attached mounting points (such as pierce or clinch prongs). The design allows it to be permanently installed into a pre-punched or drilled panel, creating a strong, flush-mounted threaded anchor point that is accessible from one side, ideal for blind assembly applications.
Key Advantages
Flush, One-Sided Installation: Can be installed permanently into a panel before final assembly, providing a clean, finished appearance and allowing for fast, tool-accessible fastening from the accessible side only.
High Pull-Through Strength: The large bearing surface of the base plate distributes loads over a wide area, preventing pull-out in thin or soft materials.
Float Capability (Optional): Many designs allow for slight lateral movement (±0.5mm to ±1.5mm) of the nut within the plate, compensating for misalignment between panels and mating holes, easing assembly.
Eliminates Loose Hardware: Replaces the need for loose nuts, washers, and wrenches in hard-to-reach areas, reducing part count and assembly time.
Robust Thread Protection: The nut is protected within the assembly, shielding threads from damage, dirt, and paint during production processes.
Material Specifications & Grades
| Component | Standard Material | Grade / Treatment | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Plate | Low Carbon Steel (SAE 1008/1010), Stainless Steel | Cold-rolled, often zinc plated. | Provides the bearing surface and structural retention in the host panel. |
| Integral Nut | Medium Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel | Grade 8, 10, or equivalent; may be welded or formed. | Provides the threaded connection. Heat-treated for strength in higher grades. |
| Mounting Prongs | Same as Base Plate | – | Designed to pierce the host material and clinch/curl behind it for permanent retention. |
Product Series & Installation Types
Plate nuts are categorized by their installation method and features:
| Type | Key Feature | Installation Method | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce & Clinch (Self-Piercing) | Sharp prongs pierce and clinch the material in one action. | Pressed into the panel using an arbor press or automated tool. No pre-hole needed for the prongs. | High-volume production (automotive, appliances). |
| Prong Style (for Pre-Drilled Holes) | Prongs are inserted into pre-punched holes and then bent/clinched. | Installed into pre-existing panel holes, then the prongs are staked. | Fabrication shops, retrofit, and lower-volume applications. |
| Spot Weld Type | Designed to be resistance spot welded to the panel. | Welded in place using standard spot welding equipment. | Provides the highest strength and heat resistance. |
| Floating Plate Nut | The nut can move laterally within a slot in the plate. | Installed as per prong or weld types. | Applications requiring alignment tolerance between components. |
Available Finishes & Coatings
Zinc Plated (Blue/Yellow/Trivalent): Most common finish for steel plate nuts, offering good corrosion protection.
Phosphate & Oil: Provides a good paint base and mild corrosion resistance.
Hot-Dip Galvanized: For severe environmental exposure.
Passivated (Stainless Steel): For corrosion-resistant assemblies in food, chemical, or marine applications.
Electroless Nickel (ENP): Uniform coating with excellent wear and moderate corrosion resistance.
Typical Applications
Transportation: Body panels, interior trim, seats, and brackets in automotive, RV, and aerospace interiors.
Electronics & Telecom: Mounting components inside server racks, switchgear cabinets, and electronic enclosures.
Industrial Machinery: Securing access panels, guards, and components to equipment housings.
Furniture & Shelving: Providing strong threaded points in metal frames and assemblies.
Quality Assurance
Our plate nuts are manufactured under a certified ISO 9001:2015 quality management system. We perform:
Dimensional Inspection: Critical checks on thread size (Go/No-Go gauges), plate flatness, and prong dimensions.
Pull-Through & Torque-Out Testing: To verify retention strength and thread integrity meet or exceed industry standards.
Salt Spray Testing: On finished samples to validate coating performance.
Weld Strength Tests (for weld nuts): Destructive testing to verify weld nugget integrity.
Manufacturing Expertise at Hebei Wohe
Hebei Wohe Fastener Manufacturing Co. Ltd. specializes in the design and high-volume production of precision stamping and cold-formed components like plate nuts. Our manufacturing process integrates precision progressive die stamping for the base plates with automated nut welding or forming stations. This integrated approach ensures consistent quality, precise alignment, and reliable performance. With over 15 years of experience supplying to the automotive, electrical, and general manufacturing sectors, we provide not only standard parts but also engineering support for custom plate nut designs tailored to specific assembly challenges.
Technical Support & Ordering:
Specification: Provide Thread Size (e.g., M6-1.0), Plate Dimensions, Float Requirement, Installation Type, Material, and Finish.
Custom Design: We offer design services for custom shapes, special prong configurations, and unique material/coating combinations.
MOQ: For standard designs, MOQ can be as low as 10,000 pieces. Custom projects are negotiable.
Lead Time: Standard items: 20-25 working days. New custom designs: 30-45 days for prototyping and production.
Note: Successful performance depends on correct selection for the host material thickness and proper installation using the recommended tooling. Always test installation and pull-out strength in a sample panel before full production.
