boutgaten

Boutgaten is a term used in Dutch engineering and construction to denote holes designed to accommodate bolts or other fasteners. They are integral to bolted joints and are found in components such as machine frames, vehicle bodies, and structural connections. A boutgat can be a through hole, passing completely through a part, or a blind hole that ends before the far surface. Depending on the use, boutgaten may be intended for clearance bolts, where the bolt shank fits with some play, or for threaded bolts, where a nut or tapping creates the thread.

Design and standards: Boutgaten are specified by diameter, position, and sometimes thread form. Diameters are typically given in metric sizes (for example 6 mm, 8 mm) or by a precise hole diameter. Positioning is controlled with a bolt circle or precise hole spacing to align with the mating part. Tolerances follow international standards (ISO) or customer specifications and determine the fit between bolt and hole. Through holes facilitate assembly, while blind holes save weight or protect the opposite surface.

Manufacturing and treatment: Holes are produced by drilling and may be finished by reaming or tapping for threaded bolts. Holes can be countersunk or counterbored to provide a flush or recessed bolt head. Surfaces around boutgaten may be deburred and sometimes protected by coatings or plating to resist corrosion.

Importance and considerations: Accurate placement and perpendicularity are essential to avoid binding or misalignment. In high-stress applications, edge distance, hole diameter, and the bolt’s load capacity are considered in the design. The term boutgaten is common in Dutch technical contexts and is often translated as bolt holes in international documentation.