How to Measure Clamping Force | Bolt Fastening Clamping Load Cell

FUTEK’s LTH Series offers several miniature load cells appropriate for this form of force measurement and testing.

In the above application, FUTEK's LTH series load cell is installed between the bolt head and the nut, where it can measure the load as torque is applied. This is one of the best methods on how to how to measure clamping force.

Our engineers recommend including a hardened washer between the load cell and the nut to avoid high friction and maintain flatness on the Thru-Hole during tightening and untightening.

As the operator begins to fasten the bolt, the load cell will measure the bolt clamping force applied (bolt load measurement).

This data can be monitored throughout testing via FUTEK’s IPM650 Panel Mount Display or IHH500 Intelligent Digital Hand Held Display; or it can be streamed to a computer via FUTEK’s USB Solutions.

Operators and engineers can then review this data to verify whether or not they have reached the desired tension or clamp force on the fastener, stud or bolt via SENSIT™ Test and Measurement Software.

FUTEK created an online  bolt torque calculator  to better assist you.

Overall, the benefits of installing Thru Hole type load cells into your assembly process include: avoiding damage to bearing surfaces, decreasedproblematic tightening of large bolts, ease in untightening, and simultaneous tightening improvements. Still curious on how to measure bolt clamping force? You can read more in our white paper on bolt preload auditing.