The presentation will outline the essential functional criteria for creating and maintaining an electrical contact screw connection using copper conductors as an example.

The results of extensive experimental investigations are presented to verify the functional reliability of an electrical screw connection.

The applied test procedures include DIN 25201-4 (Appendix B), DIN 267-26 and IEC 61373. To achieve meaningful results, test parameters were adapted according to the application and various screw locking elements were examined. The behavior of the different locking devices is reported.

On the basis of the research results, conclusions for practical application are presented, along with fields of action for supplementing the technical standards.

When designing screw connections, only assembly conditions and static loads, i.e. loads that do not change over time, are often taken into account in practice. Vibrating screw stresses from changing load conditions are neglected in these cases. The presentation will show how new findings on thread-forming screws can be used and how the necessary load data can be collected, e.g. using FEM in the early development phase. This enables the application of a simplified strength verification for the reliable use of screws.

It feels like every month a new fastening technology standard comes out or a tool manufacturer threatens that you have to use their product or service!

A lot of text, even more work, and a feeling of uncertainty remains. Screws used to hold things together, too, didn't they – without all the Voodoo?

It's time to concentrate on the essentials again - namely what you really want to achieve with bolted joints and how you can achieve and check this in a meaningful way - without any mumbo jumbo.

This presentation will give you an insight into and a better understanding of the tasks of bolted joints, the necessary assembly specifications and sensible quality inspection measures.