Screw Assemblies

Screw Assemblies (SEMS) for Australian Production Fastening

Screw assemblies (also called SEMS — pre-assembled SEMS, or screw-and-washer assemblies) are screws supplied with the washer pre-fitted to the shank — the washer is captive on the screw and can't be lost during installation. For Australian production assembly, fitout, and high-volume fastening work, SEMS screws speed up the work, eliminate the chance of missing washers, and improve fastening consistency. AIMS Industrial supplies screw assemblies in the head styles, drives, and washer types Australian production users actually need.

The SEMS configurations we stock

• Pan head with flat washer SEMS — the most common configuration; pan head screw with captive flat washer
• Pan head with internal star washer SEMS — combined locking and bearing surface in one assembly
• Pan head with external star washer SEMS — for vibration-resistant locking applications
• Pan head with split lock washer SEMS — economical locking configuration
• Cheese head and round head SEMS — alternative head styles for specific applications
• Combination washer SEMS — flat washer plus locking washer pre-assembled together

Drive types

• Phillips (PH) — the everyday drive for general production assembly
• Pozidriv (PZ) — for European-spec equipment and reduced cam-out under power driving
• Slotted — for traditional applications and specific aesthetic requirements
• Combination (Phillips/slotted) — accepts both Phillips and slotted drivers
• Hex socket (Allen) — for higher-torque applications and machine assembly
• Torx — for high-torque, low-cam-out applications

Where SEMS earn their place

• Production line assembly — high-volume fastening where missing washers cause line stoppages
• Electrical and electronic assembly — chassis fastening where consistent washer placement matters
• Automotive and mechanical assembly — sub-assembly fastening with built-in locking
• Quality-critical assembly — where the absence of a washer would cause warranty failures
• Field service and repair — single-component fastening that can't lose washers in awkward locations

Versus separate screws and washers

For occasional assembly work, buying separate screws and washers is more economical and provides flexibility. For production work, the cost difference is more than offset by:

• Reduced part numbers in inventory (one part instead of two)
• Faster assembly (no need to pick and place washers separately)
• Eliminated rework from missing washers
• Reduced kitting and pre-pack labour

Materials and finishes

• Steel zinc-plated — the everyday production choice
• Stainless steel 304 and 316 — for corrosive and food-grade applications
• Brass — for electrical and decorative applications

Companion ranges at AIMS

Screw assemblies sit alongside our broader fastener range — see pan head screws, safety washers, retaining washers, and mudguard washers for related products.

Need help speccing SEMS for a production application? contact our team — we'll match head style, drive, washer type, and pack quantity to your work.