testing capabilities
Wedge Tensile Testing
A Wedge Tensile Test is a specialized variation of axial tensile testing designed specifically for threaded fasteners. By placing a hardened wedge under the head of a bolt during testing, additional bending stress is introduced. This simulates worst-case service conditions where the fastener may be misaligned or subjected to uneven loading. The test measures how well the fastener maintains tensile strength and integrity under this combined stress, making it a critical evaluation for safety-critical applications.
How the Test is Performed
Specimen Setup – A bolt or fastener is mounted in a tensile testing machine with a hardened wedge placed under its head.
Load Application – A controlled axial tensile load is applied while the wedge creates an added bending stress.
Monitoring – The fastener is pulled until failure or until a specified load requirement is reached.
Observation – The type of failure (thread stripping, head fracture, shank break, etc.) is carefully documented.
Result Analysis – Data is compared against design and industry standards to ensure compliance.
Why It is Performed
The wedge tensile test is performed to confirm that fasteners can withstand tensile and bending stresses simultaneously, ensuring reliability even in less-than-ideal installation or service conditions.
Verifies overall tensile strength in a simulated worst-case scenario
Detects weaknesses such as improper heat treatment or material flaws
Ensures fasteners won’t fail unexpectedly due to misalignment or uneven load
Provides added assurance of performance in critical, real-world applications
Application to Engineered Fasteners
Engineered fasteners used in industries such as aerospace, nuclear, oil & gas, and defense often face complex loading conditions. The wedge tensile test ensures that:
Bolt heads and shanks can resist combined stresses without premature failure
Thread integrity and material toughness meet customer and industry requirements
Fasteners maintain reliability in high-stakes environments where safety is paramount
Manufacturing processes and heat treatments are validated through destructive verification
Standards & Compliance
At TSP Manufacturing, wedge tensile testing is conducted in compliance with ASTM, ISO, and customer-driven specifications. All equipment is calibrated to industry requirements, and tests are performed by trained professionals to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and traceability. By strictly adhering to these standards, we provide our customers with confidence that our engineered fasteners can withstand even the most demanding service conditions.
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