EN ISO 1481:2011 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 1481:2011 (ISO 1481:2011) is the CEN-endorsed European and International standard that defines the characteristics of slotted pan head tapping screws. The standard applies to tapping screws with thread sizes ST 2,2 to ST 9,5 inclusive and was published as a second edition in 2011. It supersedes earlier editions and is intended for manufacturers, designers, purchasers and quality inspectors working with fasteners.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and thread sizes: Specifies slotted pan head tapping screws with thread sizes ST 2,2 through ST 9,5.
• Dimensions and head types: Provides dimensional requirements (see Table 1) including thread pitch, head diameter, head height and preferred nominal lengths. Defines head/profile Types C, F and R (rounded end = Type R).
• Materials and mechanical properties: Covers material choices and mechanical classes:
  • Steel tapping screws to ISO 2702 (heat-treated)
  • Corrosion-resistant stainless steel to ISO 3506-4
• Tolerances and product grades: Tolerances referenced to ISO 4759‑1 and general fastener requirements per ISO 8992; product grade typically A unless agreed otherwise.
• Finishes and coatings: Surface treatments and plating specified by ISO 4042; non-electrolytic zinc flake coatings by ISO 10683; stainless-steel passivation by ISO 16048.
• Acceptance and inspection: Acceptance inspection and sampling per ISO 3269.
• Designation examples: Standardized marking/ordering format, e.g. Tapping screw ISO 1481 - ST 3,5 × 16 - St - R

Applications and who uses this standard

• Fastener manufacturers: Use EN ISO 1481 for production dimensions, material selection and mechanical specification to ensure interchangeability and compliance.
• Product designers and engineers: Reference the standard when specifying tapping screws in sheet-metal assemblies, electronics enclosures, appliances and other products requiring self-tapping pan head screws.
• Purchasing and quality assurance: Use the standard for procurement specifications, incoming inspection and acceptance criteria.
• Standards bodies and compliance teams: Ensure conformity with CEN adoption requirements across European national standards bodies.

Related standards (reference list)

• ISO 225 - Symbols and dimension descriptions
• ISO 1478 - Tapping screws thread
• ISO 2702 - Heat‑treated steel tapping screws (mechanical properties)
• ISO 3506‑4 - Stainless steel tapping screws
• ISO 4042, ISO 10683, ISO 16048 - Coatings and passivation
• ISO 4759‑1 - Tolerances for fasteners
• ISO 3269 - Acceptance inspection

EN ISO 1481 is essential for consistent specification of slotted pan head tapping screws, ensuring correct dimensions, materials and finishes for reliable fastening performance.