Checkline TI-MINIMAX - Manual (Page 8)

Dakota Ultrasonics
2
Chapter 2 About this manual
This chapter is intended to help you make the best use of this manual. Readers
may have different knowledge of ultrasonic bolt measurement and may find parts
of this manual repetitive or unnecessary.
2.1 If you’re new to Ultrasonics
There are a variety of ultrasonic applications currently being utilized in today’s
industry. For example weld inspection, thickness measuring, immersion testing
of flaws, etc. The use of ultrasound to measure forces in fasteners is relatively
new compared to the previously mentioned traditional applications.
Ultrasonic measurement of bolts provides an extremely accurate means of
determining fastener load, provided the correct techniques are utilized. As a new
user, careful consideration of this entire manual is highly recommended.
2.2 If you’re new to fastener measurement
Assuming you are familiar with ultrasonics, but unfamiliar with fastener
measurement, the chapters on transducer selection and the theory of operation
can be skipped entirely.
The MINI-MAX measures load on the fastener by measuring the amount the
fastener stretches. As load is applied to the fastener, it stretch’s just as a spring
would stretch. The stretch is proportional to the load while the load is less than
the elastic limit of bolt. By measuring the stretch of the fastener and knowing the
physical properties of the fastener, the load of the fastener can be calculated.
The MINI-MAX measures the fastener stretch by ultrasonically measuring the
change in length.
Be sure to setup and experiment with a test fixture of some kind as a means of
becoming familiar with your MINI-MAX.