The introduction of the original TAPTITE® fastener elevated the application of thread-forming screws, resulting in the term “high-performance thread-rolling screws” and what can be some confusing nomenclature. Both thread-rolling and thread-forming designations are used interchangeably in our industry, but what’s the difference? Thread-forming describes the process of creating a thread both internally and externally. In fastener parlance, screws that create their own internal threads are often called thread-forming screws; however, that class is made up of thread-cutting, thread-forming and thread-rolling.

Thread-cutting screws remove material and create real metal chips in the process.

Thread-forming screws can be Type AB, Type B, etc. (commonly called self-tapping screws) that create an internal thread by displacing material but typically are driven into thin sheet metal where the metal simply changes shape.

Thread-rolling screws create an internal thread, like how a thread-rolling tap would function.

These definitions are not universal; therefore, they are often used interchangeably and can cause confusion. For example, we would refer to a Type AB screw used in sheet metal or a light metal alloy as a thread-forming screw, not a thread-rolling screw like TAPTITE® that creates more clearly defined and cleaner internal threads.

After stating all this, we conclude that there is no “right” or “wrong” here. At REMINC/CONTI we primarily use “high-performance thread-rolling” when referring to TAPTITE® designs and “thread-forming” when referring to PLASTITE® and REMFORM® products.