What’s a Pem, and Why Is It Important?

You may have heard us talking lately about Pem’ing and wondered “What in the world is a Pem?” This blog post will attempt to answer that very question.

A Pem is a metal fabrication component that is made by Penn Engineering. And simply put, it’s a great way to embed a nut, stud, standoff or cable hook to a piece of metal. Pem fasteners use self-clinching technology to provide strong, reusable and permanent threads and mounting points in thin sheet metal, P.C. boards, and other materials.

Using a special press, the Pem is inserted into a hole in the metal and then squeezed so tightly that it forms into place with a very strong bond. The bond is so strong, in fact, that there are Pem components that are authorized for use in aircraft and aerospace applications.

We love Pems because they can be a huge time saver during the manufacturing and assembly workflow. By embedding a threaded nut into a piece of metal mechanically, it saves time and reduces post-manufacturing assembly processes. This efficiency is especially important when producing large quantities of parts.

The following are just a few examples of Pem components that could be helpful during your next metal fabrication project.

Floating Fasteners
These fasteners provide load bearing threads in thin sheets and permit up to .030″/0.76mm adjustment for mating hole misalignment.

 

Flush Fasteners
These fasteners are ideal for applications where a thin sheet requires load-bearing threads but still must remain smooth, with no protrusions on either surface.

 

Concealed Head Studs
These install permanently in steel or aluminum sheets as this as .062″ / 1.6mm to provide strong and reusable threads for mating hardware in a wide range of thin-metal assembly applications.

 

Standoffs
Snap-top standoffs use a spring action to hold P.C. boards and sub-assemblies securely, while allowing for quick removal. Screws and other threaded hardware are eliminated.

If you’re interested in learning more about Pems or any other metal fabrication solutions that we offer, please contact us today. We look forward to working together with you to help make better parts for your products!