Smart screws for connected assemblies

TEXYS GROUP presents TM-FAST, an instrumented and connected screw technology for non-contact measurement of tightening load in bolted joint.

A new technology has recently been added to the landscape of screwed assembly characterization, and it is offered by TEXYS Group, a French company located in Nevers near the Formula 1 track of Magny-Cours. The company has developed the patented TM-FAST instrumented bolt technology that combines the use of specially designed strain gauges to fit the innovative installation in the bolt head.

The main advantage of this principle is that it does not modify the mechanical strengths of the screw while allowing convenient and direct access to the measurement. This solution has been validated on parts with diameters from M4 to M27 and provides accurate results: 1% of full scale.

In addition, TEXYS Group masters other technological bricks such as wired and wireless communication via open or proprietary protocols and an adapted HMI.

This expertise makes it easy to integrate instrumented and connected screws into the manufacturing process, which is taking a new step forward with Industry 4.0.

In direct link with the machines or their close environment, TM-FAST screws allow a follow-up of the operation and the tightening conditions in order to optimize and perpetuate the production tool. TEXYS Group is able to offer a complete product to on-site maintenance operators as well as to remote machine managers, with the same level of quality on the measurement data provided.

On bolted assemblies, the tightening means install the recommended preload and the instrumented and connected screws ensure the follow-up in service. TM-FAST opens up the field of applications beyond the qualification stages by offering a product that is fully integrated into the control and monitoring requirements.