The Crucial Importance of Torque Control in Threaded Joints in the Aerospace Industry

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The aerospace industry is one of the most demanding in terms of safety and performance. Every component of an aircraft, from engines to navigation systems, must operate accurately and reliably at all times. In this context, torque control in threaded joints rises to a position of critical importance in all phases of the aerospace industry value chain.

Design and development phase

The first phase in the aerospace industry value chain is the design and development of components and systems. Here, torque control at threaded joints plays a critical role in determining the structural integrity and longevity of aircraft. Engineers must precisely specify the torque required to tighten screws, bolts and nuts in each application, taking into account factors such as the strength of the material, the loads to which the joint will be subjected and environmental conditions.

Manufacturing phase

The manufacturing phase is where precision and consistency are vital. Here, torque control becomes an intrinsic part of the assembly process. Electronically adjustable torque-controlled tools allow operators to apply the exact torque required at each threaded joint, ensuring that each component is adjusted according to design specifications.

The quality of the threaded joints in this phase has a direct impact on the quality of the final product and its performance. A poorly fitting threaded joint can lead to stress points, premature wear, and ultimately catastrophic failure. Torque control is therefore essential to avoid costly rework and ensure aircraft safety and reliability.

For this, the measurement of residual torque is a crucial stage that must be performed at the end of the production line and achieve a complete quality control system. This process is achieved through a tool that incorporates one or more verification statistics.

On the other hand, the use of torque control tools requires having a safety protocol based on the regular verification of these, allowing to maintain the quality of the manufacturing and assembly process of this phase of the value chain.

Maintenance and repair

Once an aircraft is in service, torque control remains crucial in the maintenance and repair phase. Regular inspections and retightening of threaded joints are an integral part of aerospace maintenance programs. Here, precise torque tools are essential to ensure that joints do not loosen over time due to vibrations and temperature fluctuations.

Proper maintenance not only prolongs the life of aircraft, but also ensures the safety of passengers and crew. Inadequate torque control at this stage could lead to structural failure, loss of control or, in the worst case, accidents.

It can therefore be said that torque control in threaded joints plays a critical role in all phases of the aerospace value chain. From design and development to manufacturing, maintenance and repair, precision in the fit of threaded joints is essential to ensure the safety, reliability and performance of aircraft.

Investment in high-precision torque tools and proper training of personnel are imperative to maintain the standards demanded by this industry that does not tolerate margin of error.