M2 scres too thin for a custom build?

[Eszett]

Can I go with M2 screws for a custom build, or are they too thin?

[xondat]

Poker cases use M2 4mm screws to mount to the case.

[qwack]

Depends on what you want to attach (just the pcb to the case, or several acrylic layers), the number & location of screws. But a lot of keyboards use them so there is no reason to avoid them.

[Eszett]

Thanks, guys. qwack: I have several acrylic layers.

[inanis]

M2 screws are the norm in every case I've ever purchased, including acrylic. They come in different lengths, usually you want either 4mm or 6mm. If you have a specific concern about it, and you are building it yourself, there is nothing stopping you from using a different screw size. But yeah, M2 is the norm.

[sinusoid]

Bolts or screws?

If you are concerned about the durability of the screw/bolt itself, it depends on the material they're made of.
You can get hardened 2mm with oxide layer, good luck breaking that. You can also get cheap zinc coated one-timers that will be useless after 2 tightenings, because the head will be an unusable mess afterwards.

If you intend going for screws rather than bolts, you may have issues with keeping the thread in the material at that diameter. The durability of the thread in the material is poor as well, you get very few in/out cycles with a screw.
Bolt runs through a nut, increasing the overall complexity, but reducing above drawbacks.

I usually use AISI 303 or 304 stainless steel bolts, they're the most common stainless ones you can find.

There are also variants with hex or philips heads. Hex is awesome if you can hide it in the design (heads are more bulky).

They are cheap, buy some of that stuff and test it, you'll find your preferred kind pretty soon

But yeah, for bolts, the 2mm is a sweet spot. Below that you don't get much benefits, and they are considerably more costly. 3mm is much more bulky and takes up a lot of space in tight places.

 I personally avoid screws for anything else than wood.

[Eszett]

If you intend going for screws rather than bolts, you may have issues with keeping the thread in the material at that diameter. The durability of the thread in the material is poor as well, you get very few in/out cycles with a screw.
Bolt runs through a nut, increasing the overall complexity, but reducing above drawbacks.

I intend to use screws, and yes, what you describe is what I fear: that thread which is tapped into the acrylic layer doesnt keep its shape properly enough, or something. So, for now, I'm tending to design everything for M2.5 screws.

[sinusoid]

Ahh, OK.

You could design for a max value, for example 3 or 4 mm, and use a 2mm hole. This way you have the necessary component spacing for larger diameters, so you can upscale the screw hole as needed.

You'll get to test 2mm suitability, and still have plenty of material to shave off if the threads get cut up.

Also, you can simply make the screws longer.

[ideus]

GON's acrylic cases with layers use M3.