A threaded insert is a fastener inserted into a threaded hole intended to add a component. They can be used to repair stripped threaded holes, provide durable threaded holes in soft materials, place threads in materials that are too thin to accept them, mold or cast threads into workpieces, thereby eliminating machining operations, or simplifying the conversion from uniform to metric threads and vice versa.
There are several types of threaded inserts, depending on the application. Plastic threaded inserts are used for plastic materials and are used with thermal insertion or ultrasonic welders.
Manufacturers of assemblable furniture often ship parts with threaded inserts and other types of demountable fasteners pre-installed.
Those using metal panels or composites for sandwich panels or honeycomb sandwich structures often install threaded inserts to spread shear, tension, and torque loads over a larger area of material.
