Can Superbolt® Tensioners be made from exotic materials?
Nothing on Earth is indestructible, but Superbolt® tensioners can come close. This article covers the variety of exotic materials that can be used to strengthen Superbolt tensioners. From robust alloys like 4140 and 4340 to materials such as Inconel 718, Monel, and 316L stainless steel, we engineer solutions for the harshest environments.
Standard Solutions
Our standard Superbolt® multi-jackbolt tensioners, meant for general industrial applications, are most often comprised of high-strength alloys and carbon steel.
The impressively tough 4140 steel is alloyed with chromium and molybdenum. With high torsional and fatigue strength, this material can withstand an enormous amount of strain. Thanks to its resistance to wear, many industries utilize this alloy steel, including manufacturing. It is also used for rotating components that undergo a significant amount of stress like axles and shafts.
B7 steel, specifically referring to ASTM A193 Grade B7, is a chromium-molybdenum alloy steel that is heat-treated to better develop its strength. This alloy steel is commonly used in high-pressure and high-to-medium-temperature applications, up to 350°C (650°F), making it perfect for the oil & gas and power generation industries. Suitable for use in pressure vessels, valves, flanges, and fittings, B7 is known for its toughness and resistance to deformation.
The 4340 steel is considered to be the American standard. This alloy steel is comprised of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum making it versatile and heat-treatable. Known for its high strength, toughness, ductility, and fatigue resistance, it is ideal for structural and high-strength applications. Other features include advanced impact and shock resistance. Typical uses include turbine shafts, high-strength fasteners, aircraft, mining environments, and steel and forge applications.
Custom-Engineered Solutions
With decades of bolting experience, our expert engineers can provide a variety of steel and exotic materials to properly solve your bolting issues.
B16 steel fulfills the ASTM A193 Grade B16 specification as a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel, which can be hardened by heat treatment to achieve high tensile and yield strength. B16 steel can generally be utilized in environments up to 540°C (1000°F). This grade of steel is most often utilized for bolts, studs, screws, and threaded rods in high pressure and temperatures situations. It is most commonly used in power generation turbines and other high-strength industrial applications.
Inconel 718 is a nickel-chromium based alloy that is used in demanding applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, oil & gas, power generation, and chemical processing. Its high-temperature strength is developed by precipitation hardening. This superalloy also features excellent tensile, fatigue, creep, and rupture strength. Inconel alloys are oxidation- and corrosion-resistant and most often utilized in extreme environments where components are subjected to high temperature, pressure or mechanical loads.
Monel is a group of nickel-copper alloys known for their high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for applications like piping systems, pump shafts, or other applications exposed to the elements. For example, we have developed custom parts for commercial and naval ships using Monel 400 and K500.
Designed for use in harsh, corrosive environments, 316L stainless steel is a marine-grade steel that possesses less carbon and molybdenum than the typical 316 steel. While it is considered the superior choice for high corrosion and high temperature applications, 316 stainless steel is also commonly used in the chemical and petrochemical industry, clean room manufacturing, or other highly sensitive applications.
At Nord-Lock Group, we can supply a diverse range of materials to ensure that no bolting challenge is too complex. From robust standard alloys like 4140 and 4340 to high-performance materials like Inconel 718, Monel, and 316L stainless steel, we provide tensioning solutions that meet the demands of virtually any environment.
With extensive engineering expertise, Superbolt can deliver exotic materials and specialized coatings tailored to your unique specifications. Whether you require standard components or specialized parts for extreme conditions, our team is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and optimized results for every application.