FUTEK LTH Series Thru-Hole (Donut) Load Cells

FUTEK’s LTH Series Thru-Hole (Donut) Load Cells offer a variety of capacities and inner diameter sizes, making them suitable for bolt-fastening applications.

The load cell is installed between the bolt head and the nut, where it can measure the load as torque is applied. FUTEK recommends including a hardened washer between the load cell and the nut to avoid high friction and maintain flatness on the thru-hole during tightening and untightening.

As the operator begins to fasten the bolt, the load cell will measure the force applied. The data can be monitored throughout testing via FUTEK’s IPM650 Digital Display or IHH500 Handheld Display, or it can be streamed to a computer via the company’s USB Solutions. Operators and engineers can then review this data to verify whether or not they have reached the desired tension on the fastener, stud or bolt via SENSIT Test and Measurement Software.

According to the company, the benefits of installing thru-hole load cells into an assembly process include: avoiding damage to bearing surfaces; decreased problematic tightening of large bolts; ease in untightening; and simultaneous tightening improvements.