Mechanical Threaded Fastener Failures

This presentation is a review of the frequently occurring fastener failure types, their root causes and representative microstructures in manufacturing and service. Some of the questions we will address are:

• Why are we having difficulties with the threads fitting together?
• Why are the bolt heads popping off after assembly?
• Why do the bolts stretch during tightening?
• Why are we stripping threads?

We will explore various failure modes and where in the design and manufacturing processes they can be prevented.