Cup Point Screws

What are pan-head screws (Tellerschrauben)?

Pan-head screws are fasteners with a large, flat, disc-shaped head that transfers the clamping force into the component via a significantly enlarged bearing surface. The wide head reduces the surface pressure beneath the screw head, so the joint holds securely even with soft or pressure-sensitive materials, without the head digging into the surface.

Unlike a screw with a small head, which supports its load on a narrowly limited area, the pan-head screw distributes the load over a large surface. This makes it the preferred solution wherever components need to be clamped over a broad area without damage.

Design and Function

The defining feature of a pan-head screw is the large, flat-tapering disc head between the drive and the thread. This enlarged head bearing surface significantly reduces the surface pressure beneath the head, while the clamping force is introduced evenly into the clamped component. This relationship is critical to its function.

The Principle of Large-Area Load Transfer

When tightened, the wide disc head bears against the component surface over a large area, distributing the clamping force across that surface. This keeps the local surface pressure low. If a small head were used instead, the force would be concentrated at a single point – the disc head, by contrast, protects the surface and ensures a uniform, permanently durable joint.

Behaviour Under Surface Pressure

With sensitive or compliant materials, the large disc head applies only low local pressure. As a result, the risk of indentation in the component is significantly reduced, which considerably improves dimensional accuracy and the long-term preload of the joint.

Properties and Advantages

Compared with small-head screws, pan-head screws offer several design advantages: they distribute the clamping force over a large area, they reduce surface pressure and thus indentation into the surface, and they ensure clean, flat seating. This makes them particularly suitable for joints on soft, thin or visually demanding components.

Typical Applications

Pan-head screws are used primarily where forces must be introduced over a large area without causing damage. Typical examples include fastenings on sheet metal and profiles, fixings on plastic and wood components, covers and housings in mechanical engineering, and visible joints where a clean appearance is required.

Materials and Standards

Depending on the application, pan-head screws are manufactured from steel, stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials, with the strength class matched to the intended use. Geometry, head shape, tolerances and strength are based on the relevant standards as well as the design specifications from the respective customer drawing.

Assembly and Tightening Procedure

For a pan-head screw to deliver its benefits, even tightening is essential. Since the wide head bears over a large area, the clamping force can be applied gently; the tightening torque is matched to the material and bearing surface to prevent surface indentation and to achieve a reproducible preload force.

Distinction from Standard Screws

While a standard screw supports its load via a comparatively small head, the pan-head screw is deliberately designed with a large head bearing surface. This enlarged surface is not a drawback but the actual function: it provides a gentle, area-distributed, load-bearing joint precisely under the conditions where small-head screws reach their limits.

Pan-Head Screws from PATTBERG

We manufacture pan-head screws as custom screws exactly to your drawing – matched to the material, strength class, head shape and geometry of your application. For further information, please see our product area for custom screws to drawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does a pan-head screw make sense?

Whenever the clamping force needs to be introduced over a large area, surface pressure kept low, or a sensitive surface protected, and a clean, flat seating of the head is required.

Can I have pan-head screws manufactured to my own drawing?

Yes. Geometry, head diameter, head shape, material and strength class can be tailored to your application. Simply send us your drawing or sample.