Seeking Info: Automated Torque Testing

[JaySturgeon]

I really wasn't sure where to post this.

I am in need of any information that anyone has regarding automaticed torque testing. We have a new job coming on line where we are going to have to be measuring torque "IN" of a new screw, three times for the same threaded hole. We also have to then torque down to 45Nm and record the break loose torque.

Listed below is the proposed torque testing method:
A. Test pieces

1. sheet metal 1,5 mm with a 10,25 mm hole
2. Bolt M10x12 - 8.8 DC- no. A 140 984 47 29

B. Test process ( repeat 3 times always with new bolts)

1. Bolt in new bolt, trace the torque [Nm]
(only 1. operation)
2. Bolt down to 45 Nm
3. Unbolt, trace the torque [Nm]
4. Dispose the bolt

C. Requirements A / B

1. Bolt in torque ( Pt. 1 ) > = 1,5 Nm
2. Unbolt torque ( Pt. 3 ) > = 25 Nm


D. Maximum torque test (performed after test process B is completed)

1. Bolt in new bolt
2. Torque down until failure

Requirement:

1. Failure torque > 50 Nm

Obviously this will take some time doing this by hand.

All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bob_M]

Re: Not Sure

I'm not sure how much help I'll really be but...

A couple of questions...

Are you manufacturing the bolt, the threaded piece, or a bolted assembly?

Can you clarify "torque IN" and "trace" the torque of B1? Is this a pre-tapped hole or a self-tapping bolt?

If you're trying to measure the torque required to tap a hole with a self-tapping bolt, we saw a demo of a product once that could record that as well as the dynamic seating torque for each bolt, as well as monitor/control the seating torque. The setup included an electric nut-runner, a computer, and a controlled box that recorded and controlled the torque for each bolt. It costed some where around $10,000 for two nut-runners hooked up to one computer. (We have a torqued assembly with a seating torque requirement, we also use a 2 part epoxy on the screw to take care of vibrations causing screws to back off in use. We're still using pneumatic nut-runners and manual checking of torque since the tolerance is so wide and the customer would not help pay for the setup).

 

[JaySturgeon]

Re: Not Sure

Are you manufacturing the bolt, the threaded piece, or a bolted assembly?

Can you clarify "torque IN" and "trace" the torque of B1? Is this a pre-tapped hole or a self-tapping bolt?

If you're trying to measure the torque required to tap a hole with a self-tapping bolt, we saw a demo of a product once that could record that as well as the dynamic seating torque for each bolt, as well as monitor/control the seating torque. The setup included an electric nut-runner, a computer, and a controlled box that recorded and controlled the torque for each bolt. It costed some where around $10,000 for two nut-runners hooked up to one computer. (We have a torqued assembly with a seating torque requirement, we also use a 2 part epoxy on the screw to take care of vibrations causing screws to back off in use. We're still using pneumatic nut-runners and manual checking of torque since the tolerance is so wide and the customer would not help pay for the setup).

1. We are manufacturing the threaded piece. Oh, by the way there are two threaded holes per part, requiring 15 minutes per hole to test by hand, or 30 minutes total per part. WAY TOO MUCH FRICKEN TIME.....!

2. Torque "IN" sorry, the amount of torque recorded when screw is being screwed into threaded hole.

3. The word trace simply means...record or document.


Thanks,

Jay