The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) conducts fastener yield testing to determine the maximum stress a fastener can endure before permanent deformation occurs. This form of mechanical testing is essential for safety-critical, load-bearing applications, helping clients verify product reliability, meet industry standards, and reduce the risk of costly failures.
What Standards are Used for Fastener Yield Strength Testing?
At ATS, our engineers use standards such as ASTM F606, ISO 898-1, and ASME B18, alongside mechanical performance testing, to accurately specify fastener yield strength.
- ASTM F606: Determines how the fastener is tested
- ISO 898-1: Defines required strength criteria
- ASME B18: Establishes dimensions and specifications requirements
Determining the Cause of Fastener Failure
When a fastener yields, it stretches elastically and returns to its original shape once the load is removed. If the stress exceeds the yield strength, it can cause permanent damage to the fastener, which can reduce clamping force and compromise performance and safety.
At ATS, we use fastener yield testing to verify whether a fastener meets its specified mechanical properties, but it is just one component of a broader failure analysis process. When combined with tensile, hardness, metallurgical, fracture, and environmental analyses, yield testing can help identify root causes of fastener failure.
The goal is to identify the true source of the problem by collecting failure data, inspecting fractured surfaces, and analyzing the installation and environmental history. This approach delivers accurate root cause analysis data and supports effective, long-term solutions.
What Factors Contribute to Fastener Yield Failure?
Over time, repeated stress in demanding conditions can take a toll on fasteners and bolts. Especially when subjected to cyclic loads in heavy machinery, automotive, or aerospace industries.
The most common reasons for fastener yield failures include:
- Overloading
- Fatigue and Corrosion
- Installation Errors
- Material Selection Issues
- Environmental Damage
- Manufacturing Defects
- Improper Heat Treatment
- Nonconforming Fasteners
Where Global Expertise Meets Local Support
ATS has been a trusted partner in the TICC industry since 1967, delivering accurate, actionable data and responsive customer support. Our growing network of laboratories is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (A2LA) and operates under our ISO 9001:2015-registered quality management system.
Since joining SGS in 2026, the global leader in TICC services, we have expanded our capabilities to serve clients across a wide range of industries. By combining our technical expertise, we help promote safety and reliability worldwide.
Contact Us
To learn more about our full list of mechanical testing or failure analysis services, submit a request using our web form. To schedule a fastener yield test today, contact ATS directly at +1 (888) 287-5227.
