Questions, answered.
Everything about BoltCore's methodology, pricing, and how it fits into your engineering workflow.
What is BoltCore?
BoltCore is a web-based engineering tool for calculating the margin of safety of bolted joints — preload, tightening torque, and up to 11 structural safety margins (rupture, separation, sliding, thread stripping, bearing). It generates a certification-ready PDF calculation note in a single click.
What methodology is BoltCore based on?
BoltCore's analytical methodology is inspired by the ECSS-E-ST-32-19C standard, the European space industry's reference for threaded fastener dimensioning. BoltCore is not certified, endorsed, or affiliated with ECSS or any standardization body — it applies the same rigor to critical assemblies across aerospace, defense, energy, automotive, and civil engineering.
Is BoltCore a substitute for my engineering judgment or a certification authority?
No. BoltCore is a calculation aid, not a certification tool. Every result must be reviewed and validated by a qualified engineer before use in any design, certification, or safety-critical decision. See our Terms of Use for the full disclaimer.
What industries can use BoltCore?
While the methodology has aerospace heritage, BoltCore is designed for any critical bolted assembly: aerospace, aeronautics, defense, oil & gas, automotive, civil engineering, and industrial equipment.
What's the difference between Free and Pro?
The Free plan covers diameters M6/M8, classes 8.8/10.9, and tightening margin calculation only — no account needed. Pro (€49/month) unlocks all diameters (M3–M24), all classes, custom materials, all 11 safety margins, thermal analysis, and PDF export.
Is there a free trial for Pro?
Yes — every new Pro subscription starts with a 7-day free trial. You can cancel anytime during the trial with no charge.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes, from your account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period.
Do you offer invoices?
Yes, invoices for Pro subscriptions are generated automatically via Stripe and accessible from your billing portal.
What's included in Enterprise?
Enterprise is a custom offer for teams: multi-user access, company bolt/material templates, branded PDF reports, calculation history, and priority support. Contact us for a quote.
Which safety margins does BoltCore calculate?
Tightening (Von Mises), bolt rupture (yield & ultimate), separation, sliding, thread stripping, washer bearing (yield & ultimate), and plate bearing (yield & ultimate) — 11 margins in total on the Pro plan.
Does BoltCore account for thermal effects?
Yes, on the Pro plan. BoltCore calculates preload variation due to CTE mismatch between the bolt and clamped parts across a defined temperature range (T_min to T_max).
Can I use custom bolts and materials?
Yes, on the Pro plan you can define custom bolt geometries and custom material properties (Re, Rm, E, CTE) beyond the built-in catalogue.
What does the exported PDF report contain?
A complete calculation note: input parameters, assembly schema, intermediate results, all safety margins with pass/fail status, and a summary — ready for design review or certification audit.
Where is my data stored?
Calculation data and account information are stored on infrastructure managed by BoltCore. Payment details are handled entirely by Stripe and never touch our servers.
Is my calculation data confidential?
Yes. Your inputs, saved configurations, and generated reports are private to your account and are not shared with other users.
How do I delete my account?
Contact us at contact@boltcore-engineering.com and we will process your deletion request in accordance with applicable data protection law.
Who's behind BoltCore?
BoltCore is built by a senior mechanical engineer specializing in bolted joint justification for aerospace and cryogenic structures.
How do I get support?
Reach out via the contact page — we typically respond within 48 hours.
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