Challenge

LTM India is a leading manufacturer of tyre processing machines in India. They used nylock nuts to lock the heavy M16 bolts on the pci machines. However, the nylock nuts loosened due to heavy vibrations and thermal cycling that the tyre machines are subjected to. The bolts at the bottom plates of the machine were not easily accessible for re-torquing or inspection and once they lost clamp load thc ey easily loosened. LTM was receiving frequent customer complaints on this.

Solution

Loctite 243 is a medium strength threadlocker was tested for this application:

• It has excellent oil tolerance and works well even in presence of oil traces on the threads.
• Its controlled strength ensures consistent opening torque.
• Its thixotropic nature means that it does not drip or migrate when applied on the threads.

Applied as a liquid drop to the threads of a fastener, the Loctite threadlocker cures to a hard thermoset plastic that fills the thread gap, locks the threads together, preventing unwanted movement or loosening, leaks, and corrosion.

Invented by Loctite Corporation, as a revolutionary method to lock and seal threaded fasteners, Loctite threadlockers are commonly used in a range of applications - from delicate electronic components to heavy construction equipment.

Results

Loctite 243 does what nylock nuts can’t - they filll the gap between threads and locks the threads together - creating a unitized assembly that does not loosen under severe vibrations and thermal cycling. It also protects the threads from moisture & corrosion. Application cost per bolt is much lower than nylock nuts and creates more than 40% savings in locking costs for LTM. The biggest gain, however, is improved equipment reliability and quality.