Aluminum Alloy Phillips Pan Head Machine Screws — Lightweight Fastening with a Clean Raised Profile
When you need a secure, low-profile fastener that sits above the surface without requiring a countersunk hole, pan head machine screws are the go-to choice for RC builders, electronics assemblers, and lightweight fabricators. Standard steel pan head screws add unnecessary weight to assemblies where every gram counts — these aluminum alloy Phillips pan head machine screws deliver the same reliable clamping force at a fraction of the weight, with an anodized finish that resists corrosion over time.
Each screw is machined from aluminum alloy with an anodized surface treatment for a clean, natural aluminum finish and enhanced oxidation resistance. Available in thread diameters from M3 to M8 and lengths from 6mm to 60mm (approximately 0.24" to 2.36"), with pack quantities of 10, 20, or 50 pieces depending on size. The pan head profile provides a larger bearing surface than a flat head, distributing clamping load across a wider area without the need for countersinking.
Typical use cases include assembling RC aircraft and drone frames (M3–M4), securing bicycle and cycling components (M4–M6), mounting electronics enclosures and camera equipment (M3–M5), and fastening lightweight machinery guards and aluminum extrusion panels (M5–M8) where a raised head profile is acceptable, and weight reduction is a design priority.
🔩 Compatible with standard ISO metric tapped holes and threaded inserts. Requires a Phillips (cross) screwdriver or bit — PH1 for M3–M4, PH2 for M5–M6, PH3 for M8.
✅ Key Features of These Aluminum Phillips Pan Head Machine Screws
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⚖️ Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Construction — Significantly lighter than steel fasteners, making these screws ideal for weight-sensitive builds in RC, cycling, electronics, and lightweight fabrication.
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🛡️ Anodized Surface Treatment — Anodizing enhances corrosion and oxidation resistance, extending service life in both indoor and moderate outdoor environments without adding significant weight.
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🔧 Phillips (Cross) Drive — Standard Phillips drive is compatible with widely available screwdrivers and power tool bits, making installation fast and straightforward in the field or workshop.
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📐 Pan Head Profile — No Countersinking Required — The low-profile rounded head sits above the surface, distributing clamping load over a wider bearing area without requiring a countersunk hole in the workpiece.
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📦 Wide Size Range — M3 to M8, 6mm to 60mm — Covers the most common metric thread sizes for lightweight assemblies, with an extended length range up to 60mm to suit thicker material stacks.
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⚙️ Metric Standard, ±0.3mm Tolerance — Manufactured to GB metric standard with a ±0.3mm dimensional tolerance, ensuring a consistent fit in standard metric tapped holes and threaded inserts.
📐 Technical Specifications — Aluminum Phillips Pan Head Machine Screws
| Material |
Aluminum Alloy |
| Surface Treatment |
Anodized (Natural Aluminum Color) |
| Head Type |
Pan Head (Round Head) |
| Drive Style |
Phillips (Cross Drive) |
| Thread Standard |
ISO Metric / GB Standard |
| Thread Diameter Range |
M3 / M4 / M5 / M6 / M8 |
| Length Range |
6mm – 60mm (approx. 0.24" – 2.36") |
| Dimensional Tolerance |
±0.3mm |
| System of Measurement |
Metric |
| Pack Quantity Options |
10 / 20 / 50 pcs (varies by size) |
| Compatible Tools |
Phillips Screwdriver PH1 (M3–M4), PH2 (M5–M6), PH3 (M8) |
| Typical Applications |
RC aircraft, drones, bicycles, electronics, and lightweight machinery |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a pan head and a countersunk flat head screw?
A pan head screw has a low-profile rounded top that sits above the surface of the material, providing a larger bearing surface and a clean finished look without requiring a countersunk hole. A countersunk flat head screw is designed to sit flush with or below the surface in a countersunk hole. Choose pan head when countersinking is not practical or desired.
What material are these screws made from?
These screws are machined from aluminum alloy with an anodized surface treatment. Aluminum alloy provides a lightweight, corrosion-resistant fastener well-suited for applications where reducing weight is a priority over maximum tensile strength.
How do I choose the right screw size?
Select the thread diameter (M3–M8) to match your tapped hole or nut, and choose a length (6–60mm) that provides adequate thread engagement — typically at least 1.5× the thread diameter. For through-hole applications, account for the total material thickness plus any washers or spacers.
What tool do I need to drive these screws?
These screws use a Phillips (cross) drive. Use the correct bit size to avoid cam-out and head damage: PH1 for M3–M4, PH2 for M5–M6, PH3 for M8. A hand screwdriver or power driver with adjustable torque is recommended to avoid over-tightening aluminum threads.
Are aluminum screws suitable for outdoor use?
The anodized surface treatment provides good corrosion resistance for moderate outdoor exposure. However, aluminum alloy screws are generally not recommended for highly corrosive environments or submerged applications. For harsh outdoor conditions, stainless steel fasteners are typically more appropriate.
What is the dimensional tolerance for these screws?
The dimensional tolerance range is ±0.3mm, which is standard for metric aluminum fasteners in this size range. This ensures consistent fit in standard metric tapped holes and threaded inserts across all size variants.
What are typical applications for pan head machine screws?
Common applications include RC aircraft and drone frame assembly, bicycle and cycling component mounting, electronics enclosure fastening, camera and optical equipment, lightweight machinery panels, and any assembly where a raised head profile is acceptable and weight reduction is a design goal.
How many screws are included per order?
Pack quantity varies by size: M3–M5 (shorter lengths) come in 50 pcs, mid-range M5–M6 lengths in 20 pcs, and larger M6–M8 lengths in 10 pcs. Select your thread diameter, length, and quantity from the options above before adding to cart.
🛒 Select your Thread Dia x Length and Amount above, then add to cart.