Application Technology

Threaded assemblies are the most important detachable parts used in machinery construction, installation and repair. Relaxation of tension and self-loosening is common for any machine but when it is operating in harsh environments, the need to minimise this deterioration with effective threadlocking is even more important. Various methods are available but what are their respective strengths and failings?

Mechanical devices such as split pins and tab washers are only suitable for preventing the loss of nuts and bolts. Friction devices give some resistance to vibration but do not perform well under extreme conditions. Locking devices, such as tooth flanged and ribbed flanged bolts, nuts, and washers, are effective at preventing self-loosening but can damage the contact surface, need larger flange-bearing surfaces and are expensive.

Increasingly, threadlocking adhesives are taking the place of traditional mechanical locking devices because they deliver the greatest all round efficiency, especially when the going gets tough. As well as preventing unwanted movement, loosening, leaks and corrosion, they resist vibration. They are free flowing liquids or semi-solid adhesives, which completely fill the gaps between mating threads of fasteners and joints.

Proof positive
To prove the performance of its threadlocking system against other methods, LOCTITE® submitted its products for independent testing in a transverse shock and vibration machine in which pneumatic hammers force relative movement of the stressed parts. At the same time, the existing pre-stress force was continuously measured for the number of load cycles. Characteristic clamp load retention curves of the various locking methods were then compared.

While a similarly favourable load cycle performance was provided by the ribbed flange bolt, it does have other disadvantages. It’s expensive, requires a relatively large amount of space for the flange bearing and causes unavoidable damage to the surface of the clamped parts around the bolt bearing.

A bolt with a saw-toothed flange also performed well but its teeth penetrated the bearings surface of the clamped material. The head and the nut were damaged during loosening, limiting their possible application to parts with hardened surfaces that cannot be reliably connected.

As well as performing well, the LOCTITE threadlockers are able to cut costs by replacing expensive special locking bolts or nuts, allowing less costly standard assemblies to be used.

If it’s good enough for Crossrail…
With such a good result for clamp load retention and cost efficiency, it is no wonder that when Herrenknecht AG was evaluating the best way to secure threaded assemblies on its tunnel boring machines for Crossrail it chose LOCTITE. It mainly uses LOCTITE 243 to lock bolts that must resist massive pressure as the machines eat into the subsoil. This is a medium strength adhesive suitable for all metals including passive substrates.

It’s a similar story with Local Motors’ Rally Fighter, a high performance, off-road racing car that needs to withstand extreme conditions without constant maintenance. Cars like the Rally Fighter are subject to jarring bumps and vibration that shake loose even the sturdiest of nuts and bolts. By applying a LOCTITE threadlocker mechanics knew that once they tightened the bolt or screw, it would stay tightened, even in the toughest environments.

Extensive choice
LOCTITE threadlocking adhesives are available in varying viscosities and strengths to meet the needs of a wide range of applications. They are single component and semi-solid adhesives that cure at room temperature to a hard, solid thermoset plastic when applied between steel, aluminium, brass and most other metal surfaces.

Low strength formulations allow disassembly with standard hand tools and are ideal for adjustment screws, calibration screws, meters, gauges and for thread sizes up to M80. Medium strength provides a greater degree of performance and is good for machine tools, presses, pumps, compressors and gearboxes.

High strength products are used where frequent dismantling is unlikely and may require localised heat for removal, as do wicking compounds that are widely used for pre-assembled fasteners.

Continuous development of LOCTITE threadlockers has greatly extended the application scope of these products. They are now much more effective on passive substrates such as stainless steel and their greater oil tolerance makes them less sensitive to improperly cleaned parts. Importantly, these qualities have been achieved without compromising any of the products’ other key properties such as chemical resistance and shelf life.