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Reliable design of micro fasteners for 3C product assembly requires reliable test stands.

3C electronics industry – micro fastener testing

Ensuring reliable assembly

Fastener assembly is one of the most important joining processes in manufacturing, including in the 3C industry (computers, communications, and consumer electronics). Many smartphone components and assemblies, such as multi-layer boards (MLBs), vibration motors, antenna modules and camera modules, are joined with fasteners in a process that is usually automated. A variety of threaded fasteners are used, including micro fasteners in sizes ranging from M0.8 to M2. 

In the 3C industry, the demands in terms of assembly speed and quality are extremely rigorous. End-to-end quality monitoring is required for micro-fasteners, fastening tools, and bolted joints. Standard-compliant testing of threaded fasteners in accordance with ISO 16047 – from product development to production – is a recognized method of ensuring and demonstrating their quality. However, this standard only covers testing for threaded fasteners of size M3 or larger. This means that, at the moment, there are no standardized torque and clamp force tests for the micro-fasteners used in the 3C electronics industry. 

Manufacturers are left to use their own testing methods based on a reduced number of control parameters, often only specifying the fasteners’ breaking torque. The risk of faulty design, complaints, recalls, and the costs incurred as a result is therefore great and practically unavoidable.

Premium quality in fastener assembly of 3C electronic products – thanks to reliable design and testing of bolted joints and micro fasteners < M3

How important is the friction coefficient for fastener assembly in the development of 3C electronic products?

The friction coefficient is very important for the design of bolted joints in 3C industry’s fastener assembly.
How important is the friction coefficient for fastener assembly in the development of 3C electronic products?

A reliable bolted joint depends on several parameters. The decisive parameter for determining the quality of a bolted joint is the friction coefficient. Familiarity with this coefficient plays a vital role in the design of threaded fasteners and bolted joints in both product development and production in the 3C industry.

It is required to calculate the tightening torque and the resulting preload that holds the parts together. The latter depends on a number of factors that influence the friction coefficient, such as the type of fastener head, strength class, coating, microencapsulation, lubrication, and much more. The friction coefficient must therefore be determined as precisely as possible.

Always on the safe side with ANALYSE test stands from Kistler – advantages

Process reliability

Process reliability

  • Plannable production processes
  • Guaranteed reliability of bolted joints
  • Transparency: complete documentation and traceability
Cut costs

Cut costs

  • No production downtime due to incorrect tightening torques
  • Prevention of complaints and recalls
Excellent flexibility

Excellent flexibility

  • Modular design of test systems (expandable)
  • Well-known, user-friendly software testXpert with pre-defined and freely configurable test processes for reliable testing
Global support

Global support

  • Consulting and service from our fastening technology experts  across the entire fastening process
  • Everything from one single source: hard and software for reliable bolted joints
  • Accredited in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17 025 as a stationary lab and for on-site calibration 

With our expertise, fastener test stands and analysis systems, we will help you to implement high-quality fastener assembly of 3C  products from development all the way to production, following ISO 16047.

Place your trust in our comprehensive first-hand application knowledge: from design of testing concepts to quality assurance via documentation and archiving. As a qualified supplier that is accredited in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17025, we also offer traceable, on-site recalibrations of our sensors. 

Our test systems to determine the friction coefficient of micro fasteners and bolted joints along with the associated software capture all the measured values and present the documented results in a clear format. User-friendly software modules help to manage tasks and store all the relevant data on testing tasks. 

Highly advanced ANALYSE test stands make it easy to carry out the following tests for micro fasteners smaller than M3:

  • Friction coefficient determination and analysis
  • Screw-in test
  • Breaking torque test 
  • Loading capacity of screw head
Vertical ANALYSE test stand for determining friction coefficients of micro fasteners
Vertical ANALYSE test stand for determining friction coefficients of micro fasteners
Special ANALYSE test stand for application-based testing of bolted joints in the 3C electronics industries

ANALYSE test and analysis systems for the optimal design of micro fasteners and bolted joints in the development of 3C electronic products

Determine the friction coefficient, tightening torque, and preloading force of micro fasteners during product development.

Image: Vertical ANALYSE test stand for determining friction coefficients of micro fasteners

Find user-friendly systems for testing bolted joints and micro fasteners smaller than M3

Do you want to guarantee your customers reliable bolted joints?

Place your trust in our first-hand expertise!