In the manufacture of automobiles, metallic bolts are used in large volumes ranging in application from high strength required for structural assembly to securing lightweight parts to the vehicle. Whatever the application they are used for, testing is critical to determine if they will be suitable for the application and/or to ensure they are meeting the quality standard.
Metal Bolt Testing
THE CHALLENGE
Bolts are typically produced in extremely large
quantities, testing needs to be completed as quickly as possible to ensure the
product can be shipped.
our Solution
Bolt testing accessories enable proof tests, axial and wedge tensile tests, and cone stripping tests on most standard bolts, screws, studs, and nuts. They are compatible with most universal and tensile testing machines. Available accessories consist of: Bolt holders, washers, short bolt adapters, nut proof loading assemblies, and holder reducing assemblies.
Each bolt holder has a key slot that allows the operator to quickly and correctly load the specimen. A recessed circular area in the bottom of each bolt holder ensures that the washer will fit snugly (sheet metal alignment device is used on Series E holders). This reduces loading time and occurrences of slippage, because a secure, centered seating is ensured for each test.
THE CHALLENGE
The length of each type of bolt can vary hugely depending on
the application. Many are quite short, which can make gripping these for a
tension test extremely challenging. The typical tension test setup for bolts
uses a high strength plain and threaded washer, the thickness of these two
components can often mean that there is not sufficient shank left exposed to test.
OUR SOLUTION
"Top Hat" or "Dumbell" type accessories protrude out of the bold
holder fixtures allowing shorter lengths of bolts to be tested.
THE CHALLENGE
As well as testing the bolt, the nuts that secure to
the bolts also need to be tested. This requires attaching the nut to a mandrel
that is stronger than the threads of the nut to determine what the maximum load of the threads within the nut are.
our Solution
Using high strength nut proof load assemblies
allows mounting into the standard bolt holders to complete this test quickly
and easily.
THE CHALLENGE
For some testing, an extensometer may be required to accurately determine the yield strength and stiffness of the bolt, however, the extensometer needs to be removed during the test to prevent damage to the instrument due to high energy failures. To do this after yield has been determined, the test needs to return to zero load and then continue the test once removed to test through failure.
our Solution
Using Bluehill® Universal software with TestProfiler allows for complex ramp loading during the test. Enabling seamless and automatic switch over meeting the requirements of the standards while allowing safe removal of the extensometer.
THE CHALLENGE
In their application, bolts are often subjected to shear
forces, these can be in single shear or in double shear. It is important to
understand how the bolts will perform under these shear forces to ensure there
are no product failures.
our Solution
Instron’s single or double shear fixtures can attach simply to any universal testing machine. The double shear test is completed in compression against a fixture supporting either side of a punch, whereas the single shear is conducted in tension as the bolt is mounted through the fixture. These tests are typically performed until the initial yield in shear, further elongation may cause damage to the fixtures.