Bolted joints are used everyday in mechanical engineering. They are one of the most common elements used for machine design and construction. This tool is essential for the safe operation of different types of equipment. Bolted joints are used in transportation, mining, manufacturing and power generation.
You can run into problems when a bolt becomes loose. Loose bolts can roll into the hull of a piece of equipment, which can cause further damage to the machine. Read on to find how to secure bolted joints with mechanical devices.
Secure With Spring Washers
Spring coiling machinery is used to create spring washers, collar springs and springs. Spring washers works by laying flat between the mounting surface and nut when tightening. This type of washer has sharp edges. It pushes down into the mounting surface and nut to prevent the bolt from loosening.
Secure With Wedge-Locking Washers
Wedge-locking is another option for securing bolted joints. They come in sets of two. Each washer has an opposite facing wedge that connects with each other, the joint and nut surfaces. This prevents a bolt from turning and becoming loose.
The purpose of wedges is to add tension to the bolted joint. This tension prevents bolts from turning when shock and vibration occurs.
Secure With Castellated Nuts And Tab Washers
A variety of devices have been developed for locking a nut into place on a bolted joint. A castellated nut is one of these devices. It has a slotted end used with a wire or cotter pin. A castellated nut goes through a hole that is drilled inside of the bolt.
A tab washer is another option for holding a bolted joint in place. It has two tabs on different sides. The tabs work by folding up to secure a nut or bolt in place. They also can have teeth for penetrating a joint and securing it.
These devices stop your nuts and bolts from falling out of place. However, they do not help with maintaining clamp force.
Maintaining Tightness
A good bolted joint is made with the right size, nut type and bolt type. It specifies the recommended amount of tension necessary for achieving clamp force to maintain joint integrity. Achieving clamp force allows for your bolt to achieve the right of amount of tension. This results in your bolts staying in place throughout the operating life of the equipment.
Engineers have to work with a variety of tools and machinery. If you are concerned about bolt tension, then you should perform routine checks. Contact a business such as Power Reeling for more information.
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