The Science of Bolt Tension You Can See: How Squirter® DTIs Are Made

When it comes to structural bolting, reliability isn’t optional; it’s essential. Every Squirter® DTI (Direct Tension Indicator) produced by Applied Bolting Technology™ is built to ensure that steel connections are tensioned accurately, safely, and efficiently. From raw materials to final testing, each step in the process is guided by precision engineering and an unwavering commitment to quality. Here’s how every Squirter® DTI is made, and why that process matters.

Table of Contents

1. Materials That Make the Difference
2. Supplier Standards and Material Quality
3. Design Features That Set Squirter® DTIs Apart
4. Precision Engineering and R&D
5. The Step-by-Step Manufacturing Process
6. Batch Consistency and Quality Assurance
7. Testing and Equipment
8. Production Timeline
9. Meeting Industry Standards
10. A Team Committed to Quality

Materials That Make the Difference

Every Squirter® DTI is crafted from premium materials chosen for superior performance, high visibility, and environmental reliability.

• Superior Performance: When using Squirter® DTIs with DuraSquirt® Formula, Visual Verification of Bolt Tension™ is guaranteed every time.
• High Visibility: The Safety Orange DuraSquirt® Formula is even black light-reactive, making inspections simple in any lighting.
• Environmental Reliability: Whether installed in Anchorage or Dubai, Squirter® DTIs perform consistently under varying conditions.

Supplier Standards and Material Quality

Before production even begins, Applied Bolting Technology™ maintains rigorous quality control.

• The company and all its suppliers are ISO 9001:2015 Certified.
• Every new supplier undergoes an on-site facility audit and a full review of their Quality Management System (QMS).
• Continuous communication and annual reviews help maintain consistent standards, ensuring that each Squirter® DTI meets the highest quality industry benchmarks.

Design Features That Set Squirter® DTIs Apart

What truly differentiates a Squirter® DTI from standard DTIs is its complete indication performance.

• Each washer is engineered to provide a full visual indication above 105% of the minimum required tension.
• This eliminates the need for feeler gauges, streamlining installation and verification on the job site.
• The result: faster, safer, and more confident bolting operations.

You don’t have to take our word for it! Senior Quality Manager at Kiewit Corporation, Thomas French, underscored just how innovative Squirter® DTIs are:
“I’ve watched the evolution of different technologies in the industry, and certain technological advancements in welding and bolting. For me, there are two that stand out as the biggest impacts on our industry, one of them being [Squirter® DTIs with DuraSquirt® Formula].”

Precision Engineering and R&D

Precision is at the core of every Squirter® DTI.

Applied Bolting Technology’s research and development team continuously refines the manufacturing process, focusing on key variables like thickness, coating, and groove design. Backed by data and performance testing, each adjustment is made to ensure consistent and superior tensioning accuracy.

The Step-by-Step Manufacturing Process

Creating a Squirter® DTI involves meticulous testing and calibration at every stage.

1. Sample Preparation: Each production lot begins with standard DTI samples filled with different levels of DuraSquirt® Formula.
2. Lab Testing: In-house lab technicians evaluate the tension at which complete indication occurs.
3. Refinement: The ideal fill range is narrowed down through multiple rounds of testing.
4. Final Target: Once the target fill level is confirmed, it becomes the standard for that lot.

By treating each lot independently, Applied Bolting Technology validates that every DTI meets precise specifications despite normal variations in steel composition.

Batch Consistency and Quality Assurance

Consistency isn’t left to chance.

• Each lot is individually tested to account for subtle differences in steel chemistry and heat treatment.
• The in-house QA lab tests every stage of production, and no step proceeds without verification.
• Random samples from each lot are retested before packaging to confirm that every unit delivers an indication above 105% of the minimum tension.

Testing and Equipment

The Applied Bolting Technology™ team's commitment to precision is backed by a suite of advanced testing tools, including:

• Tinius Olsen 1500 SL – measures tension performance
• Skidmore HT 4000 – evaluates bolt tensioning accuracy
• Rockwell Hardness Tester – assesses material hardness
• Shore A Scale Hardness Tester – verifies elastomer consistency
• Micrometer & Elcometer Thickness Gauge – ensures dimensional precision
• Vision Kestrel Measuring Microscope and Zeiss 3D Scanner – capture micro-level accuracy for quality assurance
  

Production Timeline

From raw material to finished DTI, the entire manufacturing process typically takes 16 to 18 weeks. Before shipment, Applied Bolting Technology conducts material testing, heat treatment, calibration, and comprehensive QA evaluation. 

Meeting Industry Standards

Every Squirter® DTI is tested to meet or exceed the standards outlined in ASTM 959 and ASTM F606. These certifications ensure that each product meets recognized industry benchmarks for mechanical performance and reliability.

Here’s an outside perspective on using Squirter® DTIs in the field from David Toth:
“I love your products as an inspector. I introduce a lot of directors to your product.”

A Team Committed to Quality

It’s not just about selling products for the Applied Bolting Technology™ team. The company’s hands-on culture plays a vital role in maintaining exceptional standards.

As noted in a recent Applied Bolting Technology ISO 9001:2015 audit report:
“All employees interviewed were well able to describe their processes, the documentation they created, the purpose of their work, and how it impacted the final product. In addition, everyone interviewed was able to describe the quality policy, the impact on their jobs, and how they personally contributed to achieving conforming and safe products, and the quality objectives.”

This dedication ensures that every Squirter® DTI leaving the facility carries not only the company’s name but also the confidence of its entire team.

Applied Bolting Technology is not solely focused on manufacturing and selling products. The team puts in the necessary work to deliver on their promise that every bolt tightened with a Squirter® DTI performs exactly as intended, every time: safe, secure, and verified.