Components improve joint reliability

Vibration and shock can quickly impair joint integrity and negatively affect overall product performance, especially in demanding applications, such as vibrating screens in the mining sector, says engineering solutions provider BMG.

“BMG’s Lock Bolt pins and collars – designed to replace bolted and welded joints – provide high-strength, vibration-resistant fastening that reduces downtime and improves safety standards. This is done by removing sheet gap and maintaining tension over time,” says BMG fasteners business development manager Maryna Werner.

The robust two-piece fastening system is vibration resistant, tamperproof, and fast and easy to install. Owing to the annular locking groove design, retorquing is not necessary. Further, the Lock Bolt fastening system ensures high clamp force, tensile and shear strength, and is fully compatible with existing tooling.

Owing its ease of use, visual inspections are sufficient to confirm correct installation, and the wide grip ranges decrease fastener part numbers and inventory levels. These factors result in lower installation costs, consistent installation results and improved product quality and reliability.

“Lock Bolt pins and collars are suitable for applications where structural integrity is critical, where welding is not an option and where safety cannot be compromised. Reliable structural joints ensure improved performance, greater productivity and profitability,” explains Werner.

High vibration stress tests prove that these fasteners consistently maintain 98% of their preload and that the uniform clamp force is consistent for long-term joint reliability.

The selection of the correct fastening system requires the material of the fastener and its surface coating to be compatible with the application’s material. The fastener diameter is determined by the shear and tensile strength required and the fastener length is determined by the total material thickness that requires fastening.

While it is recommended that a standard collar is used, with the holes on the application not exceeding the maximum hole-size specifications, it is also recommended that a flanged collar is used where the holes on the application are worn or sizing exceeds the maximum hole-size specifications. Fastener head styles are determined by clearance requirements.

The Lock Bolt pins and collars are most often supplied by BMG to the surface, in-shaft and underground sectors in the mining industry. With more than 50 applications, it caters for the gold, diamond, coal, platinum and base minerals mining sectors.

Other applications for Lock Bolt pins and collars include railway coach and truck body manufacturers; petrochemicals, agricultural and construction operations; and sugar mills.

These fastening components are also suitable for solar panel frames and lattice towers in electrical power generation.

BMG specialists work closely with customers in all sectors to offer a complete service solution, where the team’s technical expertise supports quality structural fasteners and fastening components.