Understanding Joint Relaxation and Mitigation Strategies

In the realm of fastened joints, joint relaxation is an inherent phenomenon influenced by factors such as material embedding and the compression of "soft parts" like gaskets or plastics under clamping forces during torque fastening. While well-designed joints may experience negligible relaxation, it becomes a significant concern in applications involving gaskets, spring washers, or plastics. In such scenarios, the time taken for the joint to stabilize can lead to a gradual reduction in clamping force.

The physical manifestation of material collapse during relaxation is often termed "creep," a phenomenon that affects all materials to some degree. The most noticeable and pronounced creep occurs immediately after applying clamping force, with the majority taking place within the first 10-50 milliseconds in many tightening applications.

To address the effects of creep, several techniques can be employed:

Torque, Untighten, and Retighten:

This method involves tightening the fastener, then loosening and retightening the joint. It helps mitigate the initial effects of creep.

Redesign of the Fastening Joint:

Replacement of soft gaskets with a sealing compound or adjustments to the joint design can minimize the impact of creep.

Sequential Torque Application:

Tighten the fastener, briefly wait, and then apply torque again. This process can be repeated in multiple steps to manage joint relaxation.

Low RPM Power Assembly Tool:

Utilizing a power assembly tool with a low RPM setting for the final torque application can help control the effects of creep.

The advent of sophisticated electric screwdrivers and assembly tools has provided effective means to combat joint relaxation during the fastening process. Mountz, a notable provider of electric screwdrivers, introduces innovative features to address joint relaxation in its NF-Series, BF-Series, and YF-Series models.

Double Hit Mode (NF-Series and BF-Series):

This mode involves a second hit by the electric screwdriver to stabilize torque in the event of joint relaxation, enhancing repeatability accuracy for soft joint applications.

Multi-Hit Mode (YF-Series):

The YF-Series tool offers a programmable "multi-hit mode," where the clutch of the electric driver engages multiple times at the set torque. Users can customize the number of hits, ranging from 1 to 10, based on the joint application.

In the pursuit of preventing failures, auditing fasteners becomes imperative. Auditing aims to enhance process results by gathering information for evaluation and analysis. Using proper techniques and tools is fundamental to eliminating fastening errors. Electric screwdrivers, when paired with the right fastening techniques, contribute to a safer world through enhanced accuracy and precision in torque control. Ensuring torque accuracy is paramount for companies to safeguard product quality, safety, and reliability, mitigating the risks associated with improperly tightened fasteners that could lead to catastrophic failures or latent issues.

Mountz Advantage

At Mountz, we understand the importance of human customer support. That's why our experienced team takes the time to understand your application requirements comprehensively. Drawing on our extensive industry experience, we offer personalized recommendations to streamline your assembly processes and enhance efficiency.

Mountz stands out in terms of durability. We know that preventing downtime is paramount to your success, so our tools are built to last. Rigorously tested to meet the highest standards, our products deliver unmatched reliability, ensuring your operations run smoothly without interruption.

Trust Mountz for industry-leading torque solutions designed by experts, backed by exceptional customer support, and built to withstand the demands of your assembly processes. Contact us today and experience the Mountz advantage firsthand.