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SERVICING THE CUSTOMER Robotics and Automation Home / Industries / Robotics and Automation / Industry Overview Engineered fasteners and components are essential to the robotics and automation industry, where precision, durability, and adaptability are critical for ensuring reliable and efficient operation. These components must meet the unique demands of dynamic systems that require tight tolerances, high performance, and flexibility for a wide range of applications. KEY FEATURES High Precision: Fasteners must ensure secure and exact fits to maintain system alignment and functionality. Durability: Components are designed to withstand repetitive motion, high-speed operations, and varying loads over extended periods. Lightweight Design: Many robotics applications prioritize lightweight materials to optimize efficiency and reduce power consumption. Corrosion and Wear Resistance: Fasteners are built to endure environmental factors, such as humidity, dust, and chemicals, while maintaining long service life. WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO Common Applications: Industrial Robots: Fasteners are used in robotic arms, joints, and end effectors, ensuring reliable motion and load handling. Automation Equipment: Includes conveyor systems, pick-and-place machines, and assembly lines that require high-speed, precise fastening solutions. Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Lightweight and ergonomic fasteners are critical for enhancing safety and flexibility in human-robot interaction. Electronics and Sensors: Miniature fasteners secure delicate components in sensor systems and control units. 3D Printers and CNC Machines: Ensure rigidity and stability in dynamic operational environments. Materials: The materials used for fasteners in robotics and automation are selected for their strength, precision, and resistance to wear, including: Stainless Steel: Offers corrosion resistance and strength for a wide range of applications. Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, ideal for reducing system weight without compromising performance. Titanium: Combines strength, lightweight properties, and resistance to wear, making it suitable for high-end applications. Plastics and Composites: Used for non-conductive and lightweight requirements in specific environments. Industry Standards: Fasteners for robotics and automation must adhere to various industry standards for quality and performance, such as: ISO Standards for manufacturing and material properties. DIN Standards for metric fasteners in automation equipment. RoHS Compliance for environmental and safety considerations. Industry-specific guidelines for applications such as semiconductor manufacturing or medical robotics. The TSP Manufacturing Advantage TSP Manufacturing provides custom-engineered fasteners designed to meet the complex demands of robotics and automation systems. Our fasteners are crafted for precision, durability, and reliability, enabling seamless integration into advanced mechanical and electronic systems. By using cutting-edge materials and manufacturing techniques, we deliver solutions that optimize performance, minimize downtime, and meet the unique challenges of this dynamic industry. OUR PRODUCTS Explore our products Specialty Engineered Fasteners Learn more about our Engineered Fasteners, precision-crafted for specialized and critical applications in diverse industries. Machined Parts Learn more about our custom-designed Machined Components expertly crafted for applications across a range of industries. Precision Shear Products Explore our shear product manufacturing and quality capabilities, delivering precision solutions for the most demanding applications. Valve Stems Learn more about our Engineered Valve Stems, designed for demanding applications requiring exceptional strength, durability, and precision. DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES Need product help or engineering support? Contact our team of fastener experts today CONTACT Get a quote for your upcoming project CONTACT

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES Heat Treatment Heat treatment is a critical manufacturing process used to enhance the mechanical properties of engineered fasteners and components, such as strength, hardness, toughness, and wear resistance. It involves controlled heating and cooling of the material to alter its microstructure. This process is especially important for fasteners used in demanding applications across industries like aerospace, oil & gas, and nuclear power. The Heat Treatment Process for Engineered Fasteners: 1. Material Selection: Fasteners are typically made from materials such as alloy steels, stainless steels, titanium, or nickel-based alloys, which respond well to heat treatment. 2. Heat Treatment Stages: Heating: The fastener is heated to a specific temperature based on the desired material properties. This is done in furnaces that provide a controlled environment (e.g., vacuum, inert gas, or air). Soaking: The fastener is held at the target temperature for a specific duration to allow the heat to penetrate uniformly and achieve the desired microstructural changes. Cooling: The part is cooled at a controlled rate. The cooling method (e.g., air cooling, quenching in oil/water, or furnace cooling) determines the final properties of the material. 3. Common Heat Treatment Techniques: Austenitizing: The fastener is heated to a high temperature to transform the steel’s structure to austenite, preparing it for subsequent quenching or tempering. Tempering: Reheating quenched steel to a moderate temperature reduces brittleness while maintaining hardness and improving toughness. Normalizing: Steel is heated above its critical temperature and air-cooled to refine the grain structure, improving uniformity and mechanical properties. Stress Relieving: The fastener is heated to a moderate temperature and cooled slowly to reduce internal stresses from machining, welding, or prior heat treatment. Key Properties Achieved Through Heat Treatment: Hardness: Essential for wear resistance and durability. Tensile and Yield Strength: Determines the load-carrying capacity of the fastener. Ductility: Prevents fasteners from becoming too brittle, ensuring they can deform slightly without failing. Toughness: Improves resistance to impact and shock loads. Corrosion Resistance: Particularly important for stainless steels and alloys used in aggressive environments. Advantages of Heat Treatment: Enhanced Mechanical Properties: Improved hardness, tensile strength, ductility, and impact resistance. Improved Fatigue and Wear Resistance: Essential for fasteners in high-stress or abrasive environments. Corrosion Resistance: Heat treatment can enhance resistance to oxidation and chemical degradation. Dimensional Stability: Relieves internal stresses, reducing the risk of warping during use. Applications in Engineered Fasteners: Heat treatment is used to tailor the properties of fasteners for specific applications. Examples include: High-Strength Bolts and Screws: Fasteners requiring high tensile strength and fatigue resistance, such as those used in aerospace or automotive applications. Corrosion-Resistant Components: Stainless steel fasteners for marine, offshore, and nuclear environments are heat-treated to improve their corrosion resistance. Wear-Resistant Fasteners: Case-hardened fasteners are used in applications involving abrasion, such as industrial machinery. High-Temperature Components: Fasteners exposed to extreme heat, such as in turbines or engines, are heat-treated for thermal stability and creep resistance. Challenges and Considerations: Process Control: Precise temperature control and timing are critical to avoid overheating, decarburization, or material distortion. Material-Specific Techniques: The process must be tailored to the material to achieve the desired properties without compromising performance. Cost and Energy: Heat treatment can be energy-intensive and may add cost, but the performance improvements often justify the expense. Cold Heading Hot Heading EDM Milling Turning Swiss Machining Drilling Roll Threading Cut Threading Broaching Heat Treatment Austenitizing Tempering Normalizing Stress Relieving Grinding Polishing Dot Peen Marking Laser Marking MANUFACTURING Explore our manufacturing capabilities OUR PRODUCTS Explore our products Specialty Engineered Fasteners Learn more about our Engineered Fasteners, precision-crafted for specialized and critical applications in diverse industries. Machined Parts Learn more about our custom-designed Machined Components expertly crafted for applications across a range of industries. Precision Shear Products Explore our shear product manufacturing and quality capabilities, delivering precision solutions for the most demanding applications. DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES Need product help or engineering support? Contact our team of fastener experts today CONTACT

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES Milling Milling is a versatile and widely used manufacturing process in the production of engineered fasteners and components. It involves the removal of material from a workpiece to create desired shapes, dimensions, or features using a rotating cutting tool. The Milling Process: 1. Workpiece Setup: The raw material (workpiece) is secured on a milling machine table or in a vice. Materials used include metals like alloy steels, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and nickel alloys. 2. Tool Selection: A cutting tool, typically made of carbide, high-speed steel, or diamond-coated materials, is chosen based on the material and the desired operation. Tools may include end mills, face mills, or specialty cutters. 3. Cutting Operation: The cutting tool rotates at high speeds while the workpiece is moved along multiple axes (X, Y, and Z). The cutting process removes material in layers to achieve the desired geometry. 4. CNC Control (Optional): For precision manufacturing, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machines are used to automate and control the process, ensuring repeatability and high accuracy. 5. Finishing and Inspection: After milling, the component may undergo additional operations like deburring, polishing, or coating to meet exact specifications. Types of Milling: Face Milling: Creates flat surfaces and finishes on the face of the workpiece. Peripheral (Side) Milling: Used to machine deep slots or contours along the sides of the workpiece. 3-Axis, 4-Axis, or 5-Axis Milling: Multi-axis machines allow for complex geometries and tight tolerances, crucial for precision-engineered components. Advantages of Milling: Versatility: Capable of producing a wide range of shapes and sizes. Precision: Provides tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes, especially with CNC milling. Material Compatibility: Works well with a variety of metals used in high-performance industries. Efficiency: CNC milling enables rapid and repeatable production. Applications in Engineered Fasteners: Milling is often used in the manufacturing of specialized or custom fasteners, as well as precision components. Specific applications include: Custom Shapes: Non-standard fasteners requiring unique geometries, such as grooves, threads, or hexagonal heads. Complex Components: Features like slots, holes, or keyways can be machined into parts. Prototype and Low-Volume Runs: Ideal for prototyping or producing small quantities of precision fasteners for aerospace, robotics, and defense applications. Adapters or Housings: Milling is used to create components that interface with fasteners, such as flanges, brackets, or mounting plates. Limitations Material Waste: Milling is a subtractive process, so material wastage can be significant compared to forming processes like cold or hot heading. Cost: Milling can be more expensive for high-volume production compared to other methods like cold heading. Complexity: Extremely intricate geometries may require additional processes or more advanced equipment. Cold Heading Hot Heading EDM Milling Turning Swiss Machining Drilling Roll Threading Cut Threading Broaching Heat Treatment Austenitizing Tempering Normalizing Stress Relieving Grinding Polishing Dot Peen Marking Laser Marking MANUFACTURING Explore our manufacturing capabilities OUR PRODUCTS Explore our products Specialty Engineered Fasteners Learn more about our Engineered Fasteners, precision-crafted for specialized and critical applications in diverse industries. Machined Parts Learn more about our custom-designed Machined Components expertly crafted for applications across a range of industries. Precision Shear Products Explore our shear product manufacturing and quality capabilities, delivering precision solutions for the most demanding applications. DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES Need product help or engineering support? Contact our team of fastener experts today CONTACT

testing capabilities Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT) Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT), sometimes called Dye Penetrant Inspection, is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method used to identify surface-breaking defects in non-porous materials. The test works by applying a liquid dye to a component’s surface, which seeps into even the smallest cracks, seams, or pores that may not be visible to the naked eye. This makes it highly effective for detecting defects that could compromise the integrity of precision-engineered parts. How the Test is Performed Preparation – The fastener or component is carefully cleaned so that no oils, dirt, or debris interfere with the test. Penetrant Application – A visible or fluorescent dye is applied across the surface, allowing it to seep into any surface flaws through capillary action. Excess Removal – The surface is cleaned, leaving the penetrant only in defects. Developer Application – A developer is applied to draw the dye back out, making flaws clearly visible under white or UV light. Inspection – Skilled inspectors review the part under the appropriate lighting to identify any discontinuities. Final Cleaning – After inspection, the part is cleaned again to remove any test materials. Why It is Performed LPT is performed to ensure that every fastener and machined component meets the highest standards of safety and performance. Even a small surface crack in a critical fastener can lead to premature failure, downtime, or safety risks in demanding applications. By detecting these flaws early, LPT helps ensure reliability and compliance with stringent industry requirements. Detects cracks, laps, porosity, or seams that are invisible to the eye Verifies the quality of components before they are put into service Prevents costly failures in mission-critical applications Application to Engineered Fasteners For engineered fasteners and machined components, surface integrity is essential. Fasteners are often subject to extreme loads, vibrations, and environmental conditions in industries such as aerospace, oil & gas, nuclear, and defense. A surface flaw left undetected could grow into a critical failure point under stress. By applying Liquid Penetrant Testing to our manufactured fasteners, TSP ensures: Structural reliability in high-stress environments Enhanced product life cycle by identifying defects before service Confidence in safety-critical applications where performance cannot be compromised Standards & Compliance At TSP Manufacturing, our Liquid Penetrant Testing is performed in accordance with recognized industry standards, including ASTM, ASME, and customer-specific specifications. By following these rigorous guidelines, we ensure that every inspection is accurate, repeatable, and compliant with the requirements of critical industries such as aerospace, oil & gas, and defense. This adherence to standards underscores our commitment to delivering fasteners and machined components that consistently meet or exceed customer expectations. DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES Need product help or engineering support? Contact our team of fastener experts today CONTACT OUR PRODUCTS Explore our products Specialty Engineered Fasteners Learn more about our Engineered Fasteners, precision-crafted for specialized and critical applications in diverse industries. Machined Parts Learn more about our custom-designed Machined Components expertly crafted for applications across a range of industries. Precision Shear Products Explore our shear product manufacturing and quality capabilities, delivering precision solutions for the most demanding applications.

testing capabilities Adjustable Ring Gauge An Adjustable Ring Gauge is a precision measurement tool used to verify the external dimensions of cylindrical components, such as fastener threads or shafts. Unlike fixed gauges, adjustable ring gauges can be calibrated to a range of dimensions, allowing them to measure multiple part sizes with high accuracy. This makes them ideal for quality inspection of engineered fasteners where tight tolerances are critical. How the Inspection is Performed Calibration – The adjustable ring gauge is set to the nominal dimension of the component being inspected, based on design specifications or standards. Component Insertion – The fastener or part is inserted into the gauge to check for proper fit. Verification – If the part fits correctly without excessive play or binding, it meets dimensional specifications. Adjustment – For multiple sizes, the gauge can be recalibrated to the next nominal dimension, allowing efficient inspection of different components. Documentation – Results are recorded to ensure traceability and compliance with quality standards. Why It is Performed Adjustable Ring Gauge inspection ensures that external dimensions, including thread diameters and shank sizes, are within design tolerances. This is critical because even minor deviations can affect assembly, load-bearing capacity, and overall component performance. By using this precise inspection method, TSP Manufacturing guarantees that engineered fasteners meet exacting standards before they leave our facility. Confirms dimensional accuracy of threads, shafts, and cylindrical features Detects out-of-tolerance parts before assembly or use Provides a fast, repeatable method for high-volume inspections Ensures consistent quality across production batches Application to Engineered Fasteners Engineered fasteners rely on precise external dimensions to ensure proper fit and function. Threads must mate correctly with nuts or tapped holes, and shank diameters must conform to design tolerances to maintain strength under load. By using Adjustable Ring Gauge inspections, TSP Manufacturing ensures: Accurate thread and shank dimensions for reliable assembly Conformance to critical tolerances in high-performance applications Consistency across production runs to support customer confidence Enhanced safety and reliability in industries such as aerospace, defense, oil & gas, and nuclear Standards & Compliance TSP Manufacturing conducts Adjustable Ring Gauge inspections in accordance with ASME, ASTM, ISO, and customer-specific standards . Gauges are regularly calibrated, and our quality inspectors are trained to follow strict protocols, ensuring that every measurement is accurate and traceable. This adherence to standards builds credibility and reinforces our commitment to producing engineered fasteners that meet the highest levels of quality and performance. DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES Need product help or engineering support? Contact our team of fastener experts today CONTACT OUR PRODUCTS Explore our products Specialty Engineered Fasteners Learn more about our Engineered Fasteners, precision-crafted for specialized and critical applications in diverse industries. Machined Parts Learn more about our custom-designed Machined Components expertly crafted for applications across a range of industries. Precision Shear Products Explore our shear product manufacturing and quality capabilities, delivering precision solutions for the most demanding applications.

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES Broaching Broaching is a machining process used in the production of engineered fasteners and components to create precise internal or external features, such as keyways, splines, slots, or specific profiles. It involves a toothed cutting tool, called a broach, which removes material in a single pass, creating highly accurate shapes with excellent surface finishes. The Broaching Process: 1. Setup: The workpiece (e.g., a fastener or component) is securely clamped or held in a fixture to ensure stability during the broaching process. 2. Tool Design: The broach is a multi-tooth cutting tool with a progressively larger cutting profile. Each tooth removes a small amount of material, gradually shaping the workpiece. 3. Cutting Motion: The broach is either pushed or pulled through or across the workpiece. The motion can be linear (common in most broaching) or rotary, depending on the feature being produced. 4. Material Removal: Each tooth of the broach removes a layer of material, with the last tooth producing the final dimension and surface finish. 5. Completion: The polished component is cleaned again to remove any residue from the polishing compounds. Types of Broaching: 1. Internal Broaching: Used to machine internal features, such as keyways, splines, or hexagonal holes. Common in fasteners like socket-head screws, where precision internal profiles are critical. 2. External Broaching: Used to shape external surfaces, such as flat edges, splines, or gear teeth. Suitable for components like drive shafts or splined bolts. 3. Rotary Broaching: Produces internal or external features with rotational symmetry, such as hexagonal or square recesses. Frequently used for hex socket bolts and other specialty fasteners. 4. Surface Broaching: Removes material from a flat or contoured surface. Can be used to create complex geometries or profiles on fastener heads. Example of Broaching in Practice: Material: Stainless steel fastener. Pre-Polishing Steps: Hexagonal socket for an Allen wrench. Process: The fastener blank is positioned on the broaching machine. A hexagonal broach is pushed through the pre-drilled hole in a single pass. The finished socket has precise dimensions and a smooth finish. Outcome: The fastener is ready for use in applications requiring precision assembly and reliable torque transmission. Advantages of Broaching for Fasteners: High Precision: Achieves tight tolerances and accurate dimensions, critical for fastener performance. Excellent Surface Finish: Provides smooth finishes, often eliminating the need for secondary finishing. Efficiency: Produces complex shapes in a single pass, reducing cycle times. Versatility: Capable of creating a wide variety of internal and external profiles. Consistency: Ideal for high-volume production, ensuring uniformity across multiple components. Applications in Engineered Fasteners: Socket-Head Cap Screws: Internal broaching is used to form the hexagonal socket for Allen keys. Spline Bolts: External broaching creates the spline profiles required for high-torque applications. Custom Profiles: Produces unique head shapes or recesses for tamper-resistant fasteners. Precision Keyways: Internal broaching machines keyways in fasteners or components used in assembly with shafts or couplings. Challenges in Broaching: Tool Wear: Broaches are subject to wear and require periodic sharpening or replacement. Initial Cost: Custom broaches can be expensive to design and manufacture. Material Limitations: Hard or tough materials may require specialized broaches and equipment, increasing complexity. Setup Time: Preparing the machine and aligning the workpiece can be time-intensive for small production runs. Why Broaching is Essential: Broaching is indispensable in manufacturing engineered fasteners and components that demand high precision, repeatability, and complex profiles. Its ability to produce intricate shapes efficiently makes it a vital process for industries requiring advanced fasteners, from aerospace to medical and beyond. Cold Heading Hot Heading EDM Milling Turning Swiss Machining Drilling Roll Threading Cut Threading Broaching Heat Treatment Austenitizing Tempering Normalizing Stress Relieving Grinding Polishing Dot Peen Marking Laser Marking MANUFACTURING Explore our manufacturing capabilities OUR PRODUCTS Explore our products Specialty Engineered Fasteners Learn more about our Engineered Fasteners, precision-crafted for specialized and critical applications in diverse industries. Machined Parts Learn more about our custom-designed Machined Components expertly crafted for applications across a range of industries. Precision Shear Products Explore our shear product manufacturing and quality capabilities, delivering precision solutions for the most demanding applications. DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES Need product help or engineering support? Contact our team of fastener experts today CONTACT

Bill Arnold Sales Manager BIO As the tenured Sales Manager at TSP Manufacturing, Bill Arnold brings a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge to his role, particularly in the oil and gas sector. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of this industry, Bill has built strong, long-term relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, engineered fasteners that meet the rigorous standards of oil and gas applications. His strategic leadership and customer-focused approach have been key in positioning TSP Manufacturing as a trusted partner for critical components in this vital industry. BACK

SERVICING THE CUSTOMER Defense Home / Industries / Defense / Industry Overview Engineered fasteners and components are crucial to the defense industry, where reliability, strength, and precision are essential to ensure the performance and safety of military equipment and systems. These fasteners are designed to meet the most demanding operational and environmental challenges, often under extreme conditions. KEY FEATURES High Strength and Durability: Designed to withstand extreme mechanical loads, shocks, and impacts while maintaining long-lasting performance. Corrosion and Environmental Resistance: Essential for durability in harsh conditions, including saltwater, desert, arctic, and other challenging environments. Vibration and Thermal Stability: Fasteners maintain secure connections under continuous vibration and perform reliably across a wide temperature range. Precision Engineering: Ensures tight tolerances for consistent and dependable performance in mission-critical applications. WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO Common Applications: Military Vehicles: Fasteners are used in tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other ground vehicles for structural and mechanical systems. Aerospace and Defense Aircraft: Includes bolts, screws, and other fasteners for wings, fuselage, and avionics. Naval Vessels: Fasteners in submarines, ships, and other naval systems must withstand corrosive marine environments and high pressures. Weapons Systems: Secure components in firearms, missile systems, and advanced defense technologies. Communication and Radar Equipment: Miniature and precision fasteners are used in delicate electronic systems for reliable signal transmission. Materials: Fasteners used in the defense industry are selected for their exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, including: High-Strength Alloy Steels: For heavy-duty applications requiring maximum mechanical strength. Stainless Steels: Corrosion-resistant and durable, suitable for marine and aerospace environments. Titanium Alloys: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, often used in aircraft and naval applications. Nickel Alloys: Excellent for high-temperature and corrosive environments, such as jet engines and submarines. Coated or Treated Fasteners: Enhanced with specialized coatings for increased wear resistance, reduced friction, and environmental protection. Industry Standards: Fasteners for the defense industry must meet rigorous quality and performance standards, including: MIL-SPEC (Military Specifications) for materials, dimensions, and performance. DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) compliance for sourcing materials domestically or from approved sources. ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance for export-controlled components. The TSP Manufacturing Advantage TSP Manufacturing specializes in custom-engineered fasteners tailored to meet the stringent demands of the defense industry. Our fasteners are designed to provide exceptional performance under extreme conditions, offering superior strength, corrosion resistance, and precision. Manufactured to meet or exceed military and industry standards, our components ensure reliability and safety in the most critical defense applications. OUR PRODUCTS Explore our products Specialty Engineered Fasteners Learn more about our Engineered Fasteners, precision-crafted for specialized and critical applications in diverse industries. Machined Parts Learn more about our custom-designed Machined Components expertly crafted for applications across a range of industries. Precision Shear Products Explore our shear product manufacturing and quality capabilities, delivering precision solutions for the most demanding applications. Valve Stems Learn more about our Engineered Valve Stems, designed for demanding applications requiring exceptional strength, durability, and precision. DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES Need product help or engineering support? Contact our team of fastener experts today CONTACT Get a quote for your upcoming project CONTACT

Contact CONNECT WITH US TSP Manufacturing 3303 West 12th Street, Houston, TX 77008 713-230-2500 info@tsp-mfg.com How can we help? Our fastener experts, quality engineers, and manufacturing team are ready to assist with your project. For general inquiries, please complete our contact form. Alternatively, feel free to contact our team directly for personalized assistance with your next project. Telephone: 713-230-2500 Email: info@tsp-mfg.com Bill Arnold Sales Manager CONTACT Sandra Aguilar Sales Manager CONTACT Mirla Fonseca Sales Manager CONTACT SERVICING THE CUSTOMER CONTACT FORM Tell us about your next project Contact Form FIRST NAME* LAST NAME* EMAIL* COMPANY NAME MESSAGE* File upload Upload File Submit

testing capabilities Microstructure Examination Microstructure Examination is a metallurgical analysis method that evaluates the fine structure of metals and alloys at high magnification, typically using an optical or electron microscope. This test reveals important features such as grain size, phase distribution, inclusions, and the effects of heat treatment. For engineered fasteners, microstructural evaluation ensures that the material possesses the right combination of strength, toughness, and durability for critical applications. How the Test is Performed Sample Preparation – A small section of the fastener or component is cut, mounted in resin, and polished to a mirror finish. Etching – The polished sample is etched with a chemical reagent that highlights grain boundaries and microstructural features. Microscopic Examination – The etched surface is examined under a microscope at high magnification (typically 50x–1000x). Analysis of Features – Inspectors evaluate grain size, inclusion content, carbide distribution, and other microstructural characteristics. Comparison to Standards – Results are measured against metallurgical standards and customer specifications. Why It is Performed Microstructure Examination is performed to verify that the material processing and heat treatment have produced the desired properties for reliable performance. Confirms proper heat treatment and phase transformations Evaluates grain size for strength and fatigue resistance Detects undesirable phases, inclusions, or micro-cracks Ensures consistency across production batches Application to Engineered Fasteners Engineered fasteners are often subjected to high stresses, cyclic loading, and extreme environments . Microstructure Examination ensures that: Heat-treated fasteners meet strength and toughness requirements Microstructural uniformity is achieved , preventing weak points in the material Inclusions and impurities are controlled , reducing the risk of fatigue failure Product reliability is assured for industries like aerospace, nuclear, oil & gas, and defense Standards & Compliance TSP Manufacturing performs Microstructure Examinations in compliance with ASTM E3, ASTM E407, ASTM E112, ISO 643, and customer-specific requirements . All testing is conducted by qualified metallurgical staff using calibrated equipment to deliver accurate and traceable results. By adhering to these rigorous standards, TSP ensures that its engineered fasteners and machined components meet the highest levels of material quality and reliability demanded by critical industries. DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES Need product help or engineering support? Contact our team of fastener experts today CONTACT OUR PRODUCTS Explore our products Specialty Engineered Fasteners Learn more about our Engineered Fasteners, precision-crafted for specialized and critical applications in diverse industries. Machined Parts Learn more about our custom-designed Machined Components expertly crafted for applications across a range of industries. Precision Shear Products Explore our shear product manufacturing and quality capabilities, delivering precision solutions for the most demanding applications.

Mirla Fonseca Sales Manager BIO With over a decade of experience in sales, account management, and project leadership, Mirla Fonseca, PMP, is a Specialized Inside Sales Manager at TSP Manufacturing. She brings together deep industry expertise and certified project management capabilities to deliver high-value, strategic solutions tailored to customer needs. Mirla’s background centers on advanced engineered fasteners and components for critical sectors including energy, industrial manufacturing, and infrastructure. Her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification enhances her ability to lead complex client projects with precision—ensuring technical alignment, on-time delivery, and measurable outcomes. Recognized for her collaborative approach and commitment to excellence, Mirla partners closely with customers to understand their objectives, proactively solve challenges, and build lasting relationships. Her professionalism and leadership continue to elevate customer satisfaction and contribute to TSP’s long-term success. BACK

testing capabilities Breaking Torque Testing A Breaking Torque Test measures the torque required to cause failure of a fastener, typically a bolt, screw, or nut. This test evaluates the strength and performance of threaded components under rotational stress and ensures that the fastener can meet or exceed design requirements. Breaking torque is a critical indicator of both material quality and manufacturing consistency, providing confidence that the fastener will perform reliably in service. How the Test is Performed Specimen Preparation – The fastener is cleaned and installed in a calibrated torque testing machine. Torque Application – Rotational force is applied gradually until the fastener either strips, fractures, or otherwise fails. Monitoring – The applied torque is measured continuously, and the point of failure is recorded. Result Recording – Maximum torque at failure is documented, along with observations about the mode of failure. Analysis – Results are compared to design and industry standards to ensure compliance. Why It is Performed Breaking Torque Testing is performed to confirm that fasteners can resist rotational forces encountered during installation or in-service conditions. It ensures that threads, material properties, and fastener design are sufficient to prevent stripping, galling, or catastrophic failure. Verifies threaded component strength under torque Detects material or manufacturing defects affecting performance Ensures safe assembly and proper load transfer Provides data to support engineering validation and quality assurance Application to Engineered Fasteners Engineered fasteners are frequently subjected to torque during assembly, maintenance, and service. Accurate breaking torque data ensures: Proper installation without over-torquing that could damage components Material and thread integrity under applied loads Reliable performance in critical applications such as aerospace, oil & gas, nuclear, and defense Prevention of joint failure due to thread stripping or component fracture Standards & Compliance TSP Manufacturing conducts Breaking Torque Testing in accordance with ASTM, ISO, and customer-specific standards . All testing equipment is calibrated to industry requirements, and tests are performed by qualified personnel to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and traceability. Adhering to these recognized standards demonstrates our commitment to delivering engineered fasteners and machined components that meet the highest levels of performance, reliability, and safety. DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES Need product help or engineering support? Contact our team of fastener experts today CONTACT OUR PRODUCTS Explore our products Specialty Engineered Fasteners Learn more about our Engineered Fasteners, precision-crafted for specialized and critical applications in diverse industries. Machined Parts Learn more about our custom-designed Machined Components expertly crafted for applications across a range of industries. Precision Shear Products Explore our shear product manufacturing and quality capabilities, delivering precision solutions for the most demanding applications.