Bolt assembly is essentially the process of providing the joint with an appropriate clamping force. Yet, in practice only about 10 % of the applied torque is actually converted into clamping force. Therefore, on real production lines we have to develop an effective tightening strategy that matches the bolt’s actual working conditions so that the final tightening quality meets all requirements.
So how should such a tightening strategy be formulated?
Bolt tightening is not accomplished in one single shot; instead, it is performed in several consecutive steps. This is the very basis for defining a tightening strategy. A complete screw-tightening cycle can usually be realized in five steps.
微信截圖_17537668543933.png)
Different tightening stages → different parameter settings
Danikor intelligent tightening tools tailor the speed, torque and angle for every step to match real-world conditions.
What are the settings and the rationale behind them?
Step 1 – Reverse find-head (cap seating)
Use slight reverse rotation to square the screw—especially external-hex screws—so it enters the thread cleanly and does not tilt.
Step 2 – Low-speed thread engagement
Run the screw 1–2 threads at low speed to avoid cross-threading and ensure correct start.
Step 3 – Fast run-down
Once threads are engaged, use high speed to shorten cycle time—up to the tool’s or process-defined maximum.
Step 4 – Controlled seating
Before the screw head contacts the work-piece, reduce speed to 100–200 rpm and set snug torque to about 20 % of target torque (adjustable per process) to ensure proper seating.
Step 5 – Final tightening
After head contact, the bolt begins to stretch under preload. Use a much lower speed (10–50 rpm) to allow controlled elastic deformation, reduce torque decay, and prevent overshoot—guaranteeing correct clamp force.
Each step has torque, angle and time limits:
Torque & angle monitoring catches floating screws, tilted screws, etc.
Time monitoring detects thread stripping, preventing endless rotation.
Real-time OK/NG alarms for every stage ensure both accuracy and cycle-time efficiency.
.png)
Driving a screw is like running a 100-metre dash: sprinters usually cross the finish line at top speed, but to land exactly on the line you must slow down beforehand and stop precisely. Similarly, the tool must allow step-wise control of speed, torque and even angle. In real production, the exact combination of these steps can be freely configured to match takt-time requirements and work-piece variations—delivering a robust tightening strategy.