What To Do With Copper Screws

By Bonnie Contreras


It is a little-known fact that copper screws are the simplest type of motor called a linear actuator. While conventional electric motors produce circular motion, a linear actuator creates motion in a straight line. As the head of the screw is twisted around in a circle, the tip of the screw is driven forward along its axis.

The shaft of the screw has spiral, or helical, threads. When drilled into soft material, a helical internal groove is created. When used on a wall, say to hold a picture, a rawl plug, or plastic sleeve, is used to give it extra strength. Their main use is to hang stuff on or hold stuff together.

An interesting use for a copper screw is in a tattoo machine. They are easily fashioned in the workshop because the metal is so soft. All it takes is a die with the right kind of thread, a vise, a set of pliers, sandpaper and some gun bluing agent. The bluing agent acts to protect iron metal from rust or tarnish and provides a minor degree of protection against corrosion. For copper, it makes it a cool shade of blue for ornamental purposes.

The atomic number of copper metal (Cu) is 29. This metal conducts electricity and head very well. This is how come it is used in copper kitchen pots and pans and in electric wiring. Because it is so ductile and malleable, it is very easy to work with. That is why you can make your own tattoo machine screws on your own.

During the Roman era, Cu was mined in Cyprus. This is where it got its original name of cyprium, eventually shortened to cuprum, which is how it ended up with the chemical symbol Cu. It is a trace element in the human body, where it forms part of cytochrome, an important enzyme. Also, whereas humans use the red, iron-containing hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body and return carbon dioxide out to the lungs, crustaceans and molluscs use a the cupric compound, hemocyanin, which has a blue color.

Cuprum is mainly found in human muscle, liver and bone. Cupric compounds are bacteriocidal, i. E., they kill germs. This is why it is used in wood preservatives and in fungicides. It is also sometimes used as a liner for laboratory incubators used for tissue and cell culture.

When would you use a copper screw apart from in a tattoo machine? They are good for use in wood, especially if there is potential for corrosion. This pretty, red metal does not rust as easily as iron or steel. Cu may also be used as a coating for a steel screw. Here, brass, zinc, nickel or cadmium may also be used.

Well, there you have it. Copper screws, tiny linear actuators that look red and pretty and kill germs. Because they are soft, you have to place them carefully. It is probably not a very good idea to use them to hold together metal panels used in passenger aircraft.




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