How to perform a bolt tension measurement?
It ensures the safety, performance, and durability of installations.

In the world of engineering and industrial assembly, the reliability of a structure often depends on the strength of its connections. This is where the bolt tightening method becomes a precision operation, far from being a simple mechanical gesture.

Screwing is often perceived as a simple and easy-to-implement assembly technique. Yet behind this apparent simplicity lies a technical complexity that is often underestimated.

This article explores the mechanisms affecting bolt load after temp change, presents mathematical models and real-world examples, highlights negative effects on bolted joints, and discusses modern measurement solutions including the TRAXX M2 ultrasonic bolt tension meter.

How to calculate and measure embedding loss in bolted joint ? Engineers know that a bolted joint is not a “set and forget” system. One of the main phenomena affecting joint integrity is embedding loss, also known as settlement. Let’s dive into it !

When a bolted joint is not tightened to the recommended bolt preload, it can lead to several types of failures. The purpose of bolt preload is to create a clamping force that keeps the joined parts securely together, preventing them from separating under an applied load.

In this article, we will explore various bolt load monitoring methods for bolted connections in industrial and high-performance production environments.

Ensuring that a bolt is properly tightened is essential to structural safety, machine reliability, and long-term performance. Yet, the question “How to measure bolt tightness?” doesn’t have a simple answer—unless you’re using the right tool.

In mechanical assembly, verifying bolt tension after installation is essential for ensuring structural safety and reliability. But one question remains:
Is it really possible to measure or assess a bolt once it has already been tightened?

In the world of industrial assembly, bolts and nuts remain essential. They’re simple, cost-effective, and quick to install.
But behind this simplicity lies a persistent problem — one that costs time, money, and sometimes even safety.

In energy, aerospace, rail, or construction, bolted joints are everywhere—and tightening them correctly is mission-critical. For over a century, the standard bolt tightening method was torque-based. But in an age of precision, data, and reliability, it’s no longer enough.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the four key steps in bolt tension measurement using ultrasonic technology.

In this article, we review 20 common problems encountered when using hydraulic tensioners and provide tailored solutions for each.

Today, let’s dive into a major client case with one of the first and most loyal TRAXX clients, STELLANTIS (formerly PSA) !

Here is the feedback from a client, Arnaud Leboucher, who has been a bolted assembly reference at CLAAS since 2015.

The objective of this article is to identify the various situations in which bolt load measurement is relevant, whether during the design phase, assembly, maintenance, or detection of anomalies related to fastening.

The smart bolt represents an interesting advancement in the field of bolted joint monitoring, allowing for remote measurement of tension variations within these assemblies.

Discover the causes and solutions for non-rotational loosening in bolted assemblies. Learn how TRAXX’s ultrasonic measurement technology ensures long-term quality control.

In this article, we will explore why does self-loosening of bolts occur and how to prevent them from loosening.

The complexity of tightening gaskets is a common problem in the industry. In this article, we will explore how to master this delicate operation.

In this article, you’ll find some of the most popular torque audit methods and how to perform them to improve the reliability of your bolted connection.

Bolt self-loosening due to transverse joint slip occurs through a process where the friction that normally holds the bolt in place is overcome by movement within the joint.

A common check performed to assess whether the nut has been tightened to the correct torque, or if loosening has occurred, is the measurement of residual torque.

Here, we will examine the challenges associated with tightening multiple bolts in a bolted assembly and the effects that individual preload forces can have on the rest of the group—a phenomenon known as elastic interaction.

We’ll explore the paramount importance of bolt tightening in equipment maintenance and examine accidents resulting from bolt-fastening issues.

Predictive maintenance in gas turbines stands as a proactive paradigm in equipment upkeep, leveraging real-time data and predictive analytics to preemptively pinpoint potential failures before they manifest.

In this article, we will discuss what bolt stretch is, how much a bolt can stretch, and how to achieve it. We will also explore various methods for measuring bolt stretch.

In which situations should the torque plus angle method of tightening be employed? The method focuses on the angle of rotation of the torque wrench.

Loosening of a bolt can result from various factors, including impacts, vibrations, and dynamic loads. A faulty design or installation in a bolted application significantly increases the risk of loosening.

In this article, we will explore various bolt tightening methods for bolted connections in industrial and high-level production contexts.

TRAXX has developed the TRAXX-M2 solution, which accurately measures bolt tension in wind turbines.

Monitoring bolt load using fiber optic sensors stands out as a highly relevant technological alternative in the broad spectrum of existing solutions for torque control.

Strain measurement is a crucial aspect in engineering, focusing on quantifying the deformation of a material, typically denoting the relative change in length of a component subjected to stress.

Explore the advantages and inconveniences of utilizing bolt extensometers in bolt load measurement applications through this insightful article.

In this article, we will explore the various bolt load cells available on the market, delving into their pros and cons, along with their alternatives.

In the realm of manufacturing, the meticulous measurement of torque stands as a paramount requirement. The traditional practice of merely tightening a fastener until it feels snug and tight, assuming the torque control process is complete, is no longer deemed sufficient.

Do you want to perform a criss cross pattern bolt tightening ? We will address all your questions in this step-by-step guide.

What is induction bolt heating ? Induction bolt heating is a method that utilizes heat generated by an alternating magnetic field to temporarily expand a component, facilitating its assembly.

Are you looking to comprehend the workings of hydraulic bolt tensioning ? In this article, you’ll discover comprehensive insights to adeptly assess the array of hydraulic bolt tensioning solutions available in the market.

The TMS is a software integrated into the TRAXX-M2 bolt tension meter device. The Tightening Management Software (TMS) organizes and controls the tightening of your turbines and, more generally, all your assemblies consisting of one or more sub-assemblies, such as crowns or plates.

Tightening screws in a production process, performing quality control and maintenance, and monitoring the behavior of an assembly over time are tasks that require a high degree of rigor and methodology. To accomplish this, it is crucial to have precise and reliable tools and tightening methods.

Created by TRAXX in 2015, the TRAXX torque wrench enables you to tighten and measure the torque of a screw or bolt over a wide range of torque values with just one tool. Functioning like a traditional torque wrench, it combines the advantages of a torque wrench and a torque measurement device in one tool.

The tension tightening process is becoming standardized in industry. Today, industry is undergoing a major conceptual change in the field of mechanical assembly. Torque tightening, the traditional method of tightening mechanical assemblies, is becoming obsolete. If you haven’t yet discarded your torque wrench, now is your last chance…

Why measure bolt tightening? Understand before choosing. Measuring the bolt tension is a common need in most industrial sectors : automotive manufacturers, energy producers, railway industry, aerospace, heavy industry.