- In-house engineering and production
- Short lead times
- Worldwide delivery
- More than 20 years of experience
Why choose a BoltSafe sensor instead of a strain gauge?
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BoltSafe sensors measure the bolt load across the entire surface of the ring instead of using just a few pressure points.
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Because the calibration is done inside the sensor, no calibration is needed at the side of the readout equipment. No recalibration is ever needed, not even when you decide to switch between different readout methods.
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BoltSafe sensors can withstand very low and very high loads from 18 kN to 3000 kN, so the chance of overloading is lower than when using a strain gauge.
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Our load sensors only send out digital signals, which can be converted to an industrial standard when using some of our readout methods.
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The sensors are drift free and have almost no creep effect. After factory calibration, there is a maximum deviation of 1% of the full scale.
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They are dust free and water resistant since they meet the IP66 rating.
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We offer different types of readout methods to suit various wishes and situations.
Bolt load sensors
BoltSafe bolt load cells are specially designed to monitor the bolt load in bolted joints. Knowing this information enhances safety, makes joints more dependable and results in better control over bolted constructions.
Readout methods
BoltSafe bolt load cells can send their data to different readout methods. We offer the following: the Handheld Reader, Network with PDI, Network with PDI-NT, RS-232 and Analog Converter and the IoT-node.
Bolt load sensors
BoltSafe bolt load cells are specially designed to monitor the bolt load in bolted joints. Knowing this information enhances safety, makes joints more dependable and results in better control over bolted constructions.
Readout methods
BoltSafe bolt load cells can send their data to different readout methods. We offer the following: the Handheld Reader, Network with PDI, Network with PDI-NT, RS-232 and Analog Converter and the IoT-node.
What is a strain gauge?
A strain gauge (also known as strain gage) is a sensor that is used to measure strain on an object. It converts force into a change in electrical resistance which can then be measured. This happens with the deformation of the metallic foil on the back of the gauge when it is attached to an object by an adhesive. The resistance change is related to the strain by the quantity known as the gauge factor. Its resistance varies with applied force, because when external forces are applied to a stationary object, stress and strain are the result. Strain consists of tensile and compressive strain, which means strain gauges can be used to pick up expansion as well as contraction. Strain gauges were invented in 1938 by Edward E. Simmons and Arthur C. Ruge.
Contact us for more information or to order our load sensors
BoltSafe as an alternative to strain gauges
Strain gauges are very commonly used in the market, but BoltSafe load sensors use a different kind of technology. They measure changes in the magnetic field using magnetoelastic technology. Because of this, BoltSafe sensors are more compact (low clearance) and are less expensive than strain gauges. The BoltSafe load sensors are specially designed to measure and monitor the bolt load in bolted joints. This enhances safety, makes joints more dependable and results in better control over bolted connections.
Because our sensors are used as washers, they are placed on the non-driven side of a bolted connection, preferably under a nut. The difference with strain gauges is that while tightening the bolt, the applied force results in a minor deformation of the BoltSafe washer; and then the sensor constantly measures changes in electrical resistance caused by these deformations. We use this data to determine the bolt load at any given moment.
Are you interested in using or distributing our bolt load sensors? Please contact us through info@boltsafe.com or call us at +31246790797. If you have any questions about the functionality, usability or applicability of our products, do not hesitate to contact us.