R&D

1- Classic tightening methods, torque tightening and torque angle do not satisfy the performance and precision criteria of tomorrow’s technical industries.

After hundreds of visits to industrial sites, TRAXX has confirmed that torque tightening can lead to a final bolt tension variance of as much as ± 50%. The accuracy of these methods is affected by parameters such as temperature, variations between the parts and bolts. These methods do not allow for these parameters. Sometimes this can result in excessive or insufficient tightening which could lead to critical situations: loosening, breakage, failure. For example: for a series of automobile engine cylinder head bolts which has been theoretically tightened homogeneously, we have used the TRAXX system to observe that certain bolts are sometimes as much as two times less tensioned than others.

2- Tension tightening is far more precise and reliable but is still underused

Other methods exist: the load-cell method or the strain gauge method, both of which have the major disadvantage of requiring modifications to the assembly process before making the measurement. These are what we call invasive methods: they are complicated to implement. They are unsuitable for on-site use, and are really only suited to laboratory experiments.

As a result, since 1998, TRAXX has been working on the development of an innovative bolt tension measurement solution suitable for daily on-site use. TRAXX has now developed and produced 3 device families (the MX32, the M1 and the M2), and has since become the world’s leading bolt tension measurement specialist.

An innovative method