Testing Helicoils: How Do They Hold Up Under Stress?
Helicoils, or thread repair inserts, have revolutionised the world of fasteners, making it possible to repair stripped threads, reinforce softer materials, and improve joint integrity in applications where reliability is paramount. These inserts are invaluable in demanding industries like aerospace manufacturing, aviation, and precision engineering, where components are often subjected to extreme forces. At Rivetwise, we offer a comprehensive selection of helicoil kits and thread repair insert kits designed to meet the highest quality standards. But how can we ensure they perform under stress? Here, we’ll explore the rigorous testing methods used to assess helicoils’ tensile and shear strength.
What Makes Helicoils So Resilient?
Helicoils are manufactured from high-quality stainless steel wire, coiled tightly to create a helical thread that can be inserted into a pre-drilled hole. This creates a strong, wear-resistant thread that can handle repetitive stress and high torque, providing a reliable and durable fastening solution. Helicoils are especially valued in aerospace and manufacturing sectors, where the strength of fasteners directly impacts safety and performance.
Testing Helicoil Performance Under Stress
To validate the durability of helicoil inserts, several tests are conducted, assessing properties like tensile and shear strength. Let’s dive into these testing methods to see how helicoils hold up under stress.
1. Tensile Strength Testing
Tensile strength is one of the primary indicators of how well a helicoil insert can withstand axial loads, which pull on the insert directly away from the surface. Testing involves applying a steadily increasing tensile force to the helicoil until it either pulls out or deforms. This test provides critical data on the maximum load the helicoil can endure before failure.
In applications like aerospace, where materials are often under extreme tension, these tests ensure helicoil inserts maintain their integrity, even under severe conditions. For example, the inserts in engine components or structural assemblies are subjected to substantial loads, making tensile strength a key factor in their reliability.
2. Shear Strength Testing
Another crucial property for helicoil inserts is shear strength, which measures how well the insert can handle lateral forces applied perpendicular to the axis. This is particularly important in applications where bolts and fasteners experience side-loading or rotational forces, such as in aviation parts and automotive assemblies.
During shear strength testing, a lateral force is applied to the helicoil until it either distorts or breaks. This helps engineers gauge how the insert will perform in scenarios where it might encounter sideways forces, such as in mounting brackets or other mechanical assemblies.
3. Fatigue Testing
In industries like aviation, components are subject to cyclic loads over time. Fatigue testing evaluates how well helicoils can withstand repeated loading and unloading cycles without significant wear or deformation. The goal is to assess the long-term durability of the insert and ensure it will not fail prematurely under constant stress cycles. This is particularly critical in aviation, where the safety of fasteners can make the difference between smooth operation and catastrophic failure.
4. Temperature Resistance Testing
Helicoil inserts are often exposed to extreme temperatures, particularly in high-performance engines and aerospace applications. Temperature resistance tests involve subjecting helicoils to high or low temperatures and then evaluating any changes in their tensile and shear strength. These tests are crucial to ensure that the helicoil’s material properties remain stable, even under intense heat or cold, which is essential for aerospace and manufacturing applications.
Why Trust Rivetwise Helicoil Kits?
At Rivetwise, we understand that each helicoil application comes with unique challenges. That’s why we offer helicoil kits designed to meet the demands of aerospace manufacturing, aviation, and engineering applications. Our thread repair insert kits are built to withstand the rigorous conditions of the industry, ensuring the durability and reliability you need for mission-critical components.
Get in Touch with Us!
Are you interested in learning more about helicoils, thread repair insert kits, or how they can enhance the integrity of your applications? Contact us at Rivetwise today to speak with our experts. We’ll help you find the right helicoil inserts and kits tailored to your industry needs with solutions that last.
