Tensile Strength

Fastener Tensile Strength

Tensile Strength is the most widely associated threaded fastener mechanical property and is the maximum tension applied load the fastener can support prior to its fracture, it is also called Ultimate tensile strength UTS. Strength systems for bolts are based on levels of their ultimate tensile strength, this is when a bolt is subject to stretching along its axis and accordingly making it longer. If a small load is applied the amount of stretch is also small and the bolt is stretching elastically; when the load is removed the bolt goes back to its original length and the elastic limited has not been exceeded.  

 

Links     Metric      American Inch      Europe/America comparison     British Inch  

 

TENSILE STRENGTH  

 

 

Bolt Yield Strength

If we increase the load to the bolt beyond its elastic limit we will reach its yield strength and the bolt is permanently stretched. 

Eventually, a further increase in loading the bolt reaches its ultimate load and maximum tension, this point should not be exceeded or the fastener will develop a reduced shank called necking and will fail. 

 

 

Metric Tensile Range

Shown in both N/mm squared and Tons per square inch making it possible to compare Metric and Inch Fasteners, please see all three tables.

 

metric tensile strength

 

 

FASTENER PROPERTY CLASS

Property Class is a designation system which defines the strength of a bolt or nut. 

For metric fasteners, property classes are designated by numbers where increasing numbers generally represent increasing tensile strengths. 

The designation symbol for bolts consists of two parts:

1. The first numeral of a two-digit symbol or the first two numerals of a three-digit symbol approximates 1/100 of the minimum tensile strength in MPa.

2. The last numeral approximates 1/10 of the ratio expressed as a percentage between minimum yield stress and minimum tensile stress. Hence a fastener with a property class of 8.8 has a minimum tensile strength of 800 MPa and a yield stress of 0.8x800=640 MPa. 

The designation system for metric nuts is a single or double digit symbol. The numerals approximate 1/100 of the minimum tensile strength in MPa. For example, a nut of property class 8 has a minimum tensile strength of 800 MPa. 

Bolts or screws of a particular property class should be assembled with the equivalent class of nut but can be assembled with a  higher property class of nut to ensure that thread stripping does not occur. 

 

 

 AMERICAN INCH 

 

american tensile strength

 

 

 

EUROPE/AMERICAN CLASS/GRADE COMPARISONS

 

tensile strength comparison

 

For general reference. 

The range of product covered by SAE J429 is ¼ thru 1-1/4 inch diameter, except where noted. 

For specific mechanical requirements, the most current version of the full standard should be referenced. 

ASTM A307 for low grade and ASTM 449 for SAE5 is referred too when specifying the mechanical and material requirements; ASME standards do not cover material or mechanical properties.  

 

 

BRITISH INCH FASTENERS

 

BRITISH STANDARD TENSILE CODES