TENSION INDICATING FASTENERS

Tension Control Bolts, often referred to as TC Bolts, are specialized fasteners designed to provide reliable and consistent tensioning in structural applications. They are commonly used in steel construction, bridge building, and other projects where precise and uniform bolt tension is critical for structural integrity.

Here are some key features and characteristics of Tension Control Bolts:

1. Unique Design: Tension Control Bolts consist of three main components: a bolt with a round head, a spline nut, and a conical washer. The bolt head has a circular groove, and the spline nut features matching splines. The conical washer is placed between the nut and the bolt head.

2. Installation Process: Tension Control Bolts are installed using specialized equipment, typically a Tension Control Bolt wrench. During installation, the wrench grips the splines on the nut while preventing the bolt head from rotating. As the wrench is turned, the spline nut is drawn up the bolt threads, which stretches the bolt and creates tension. Once the desired tension is achieved, the shear collar on the spline nut breaks off, indicating that the bolt has been properly tensioned.

3. Tensioning Accuracy: Tension Control Bolts offer precise control over bolt tension, ensuring uniform clamping force across the joint. This helps prevent bolt loosening, fatigue failure, and other structural issues caused by uneven tension distribution.

4. High Strength and Reliability: Tension Control Bolts are manufactured from high-strength materials such as carbon steel or alloy steel, making them capable of withstanding heavy loads and harsh environmental conditions.

5. Corrosion Protection: To enhance durability and corrosion resistance, Tension Control Bolts are often coated with zinc, galvanized, or other corrosion-resistant coatings.

6. Cost-Effectiveness: While Tension Control Bolts may have a higher initial cost compared to standard bolts, their precise tensioning capabilities can lead to cost savings in terms of reduced maintenance, improved structural performance, and increased longevity of the bolted connections.

7. Versatility: Tension Control Bolts are suitable for various structural applications, including steel-to-steel connections, steel-to-concrete connections, bridge construction, power transmission towers, and more.

Overall, Tension Control Bolts offer a reliable and efficient solution for achieving consistent bolt tension in critical structural connections, contributing to the safety, stability, and longevity of constructed assets.

Direct Tension Indicating (DTI) washers are specialized fastener components designed to provide a visual indication of bolt tension directly. They are typically used in critical bolted joints where precise tension control is crucial for structural integrity, safety, and reliability.

Here's how DTI washers generally work:

1. Design: DTI washers are engineered with unique features such as protrusions or markings on their surfaces. These features deform or change when the proper tension is applied to the bolt during the tightening process.

2. Installation: DTI washers are installed along with bolts in a bolted joint assembly. As the bolt is tightened, the washer undergoes a physical change that is directly correlated with the tension in the bolt.

3. Visual Indication: Once the bolt reaches the desired tension, the visual indicator on the washer shows that the correct tension has been achieved. This eliminates the need for torque measurement or other complex tensioning methods, providing a simple and reliable indication of proper bolt preload.

4. Quality Assurance: DTI washers serve as a quality control measure, ensuring that bolts are tightened to the specified tension every time. This helps prevent under-tightening, which can lead to joint failure, or over-tightening, which can cause damage to components.

5. Applications: DTI washers find applications in various industries, including construction, aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery, where precise bolt tensioning is critical for safety and performance.

Overall, Direct Tension Indicating washers offer a convenient and effective solution for ensuring proper bolt tension, enhancing the reliability and longevity of bolted joints in critical applications.