Products + Tools

Fasteners with tightness indicator 16 June 2017

Stress Indicators Incorporated, a technology and manufacturing firm specialising in industrial indication systems, offers SmartBolts®, which enable users to visually check that critical bolts are properly tightened.

 
Using proprietary technology, SmartBolts accurately display bolt tension by measuring the elongation or stretch of a bolt and converting it into a visual indication. As the bolt is tightened, the indicator on the bolt head turns from bright red to black, corresponding to the degree of bolt tension.
By measuring tension, SmartBolts allow a direct and accurate assessment of bolt tightness. As a result, users can be confident that each bolted joint in an application is tightened to the specified setting, in spite of varying conditions.
On the other hand, torque, as measured with a torque wrench, is typically used in the field to determine the tightness of a bolted joint. Unfortunately, torque only measures how hard it is to turn a bolt or nut and does not always provide an accurate indication of the tightness. Torque can be affected by many variables, including rust, lubrication, bolt size, as well as thread size, and this can lead to improperly installed bolts.
The SmartBolts indicator turns from red to black when proper tension has been reached and is completely reusable for the life of the fastener. SmartBolts are available in a wide range of materials and finishes, as well as custom options.
Stress Indicators Inc is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA.

Content Director

Will Lowry Content Director t: +44 (0) 1727 743 888

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Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.

Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.