Assembly - January 2009 - (Page 21) Now, Load Control Technologies (King of Prussia, PA) has introduced a way for engineers to measure exactly how much clamp load a bolt is applying to a joint. It’s called i-Bolt, and it works like this: Load Control Technologies equips the assembler’s bolts with a permanent, inexpensive ultrasonic transducer. The transducer can be located at the top, bottom or both ends of the fastener. During assembly or auditing, sensors directly measure the clamp load via the pulse echo technique. A voltage pulse is applied to the transducer to generate a longitudinal ultrasonic wave. The wave travels the length of the fastener, reflects off the end, and returns to the transducer. A sensor measures how much time it takes for the wave to return. This measurement is taken continuously during tightening, beginning at zero load. Every bolt stretches when it’s tightened—that’s the source of clamp load. As the fastener elongates, it takes longer for the ultrasonic wave to make its round trip. Thus, a change in time is directly proportional to the clamp load applied by the bolt. Load measurements made via the pulse echo technique are accurate to ±3 percent at 3 sigma. The transducer attached to the bolt is only 50 microns thick, and it does not affect the form, fit or function of the fastener. The transducer is permanent. It can be tightened, retightened and inspected for the life of the joint at any time with near-perfect repeatability. In addition to the transducer, each bolt receives a 2D bar code for traceability and data logging. Before shipping i-Bolts to an assembler, Load Control Technologies replicates the assembler’s joint, generates the ultrasonic parameters, and stores the ultrasonic signatures— including the zero load reading—of each individual bolt to its unique bar code. So, once the assembler receives the i-Bolts, they are ready to be used. Any hand tool or power tool can be adapted for use with i-Bolts. The transducer is configured so it can be pulsed and read using a single, inexpensive, spring-loaded contact integrated into the drive of the tool. The return path of the signal is provided through the tool’s socket. The controller can be programmed to shut off the tool when a specific clamp load is reached. It can also record and display curves of load vs. time or torque vs. tension. During auditing, data is taken in the actual joint without turning, drilling or otherwise disturbing the fastener. All measurements are automatically recorded and converted into Excel spreadsheets along with analytical templates for curve plotting, including graphical representation of friction parameters. For more infor mation, visit www.innovationplus.com or call 610-272-2600. A USING TECHNO AUTOMATION R AGE VOY I SER B1 V ES Stock Lengths Up To 3 Meters Custom Lengths Up To 6 Meters All Steel Profile Rail For High Load Capacity 50mm Wide Steel Reinforced Belt For Heavy Loads VISIT OUR WEBSITE at www.technoautomation.com GANTRY TABLE DOWNLOAD 3D MODELS REQUEST FREE CATALOGS XY or XYZ 12 Series Glue Dispensing Assembly Inspection Pick & Place QUALITY Linear Motion Systems AFFORDABLE Techno Inc. SINCE 1986 1-800-819-3366 www.technoautomation.com www.assemblymag.com January 2009 / ASSE M B LY 21 http://www.innovationplus.com http://www.technoautomation.com http://www.technoautomation.com http://www.technoautomation.com http://www.assemblymag.com
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