DC Fastening Tools
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Critical joints Quality relevant joints Joints with changing assembly conditions Cut-in screws Controlled back-out and joint conditioning Detect stick-slip-effects Fasten to the yield point
The measured values are not only used to control the tool during the fastening cycle. The controller stores the values in a fastening database on-board, too. This data can be transfered to a external database to archive them for a long term. You can also use the data to calulate substantial statistics and control your assembly line better.
Aditional advantages:
High repeatability Long run without repair or maintenance Cycle data can be archived Efficient integration in assembly line (field-bus, 24VDC I/Os, etc.)
Handheld DC Tools
Handheld dc tools are widely used in the industry. The tools can be operated directly to the joint and the operator acutuates the tools with a trigger, lever, or push-to-start mechanism. Mainly, the following models are introduced into the market:
Anglehead tools Straight tools Pistols
Although you can buy tools up to 400 Nm you have to consider that dc tools generate reaction torques which act on the user directly. So you can use dc tools without reaction bars only up to a specific torque range to avoid harm to the operator. The general accepted maximum torques are 60 Nm for anglehead tools, 3 to 4 Nm for straight tools and ~6 Nm for pistols. We do not recommend to exceed these limits otherwise you would risk long-term injuries like RSI.
Handheld fixtures and multiples
There is an intermediate solutions between handheld dc tools and automated fastening solutions. These heldheld fixtures and multiples are used to give usual dc tools a better guidance for higher accuracy or two or more spindles work together in a powerhead configuration to achive higher productivity goals. With multiples you can achive the following goals:
Improve productivity because you can fasten multiple joints with a single work cycle Handle complicated joint conditions with synchronized rundowns Better ergonomy because the spindles can support each other to avoid reaction torques
Handheld fixtures are broadly used at assembly lines, e. g. the wheel nutrunners in the MVI (motor vehicle industry), flange mounting for pump production, etc. But please consider that fixtures are always special machines and need a dedicated project managment. Please read more in the articles Special Solutions.
Automated Fastening Stations
Automated Fastening Stations are used for complex assembly processes where you can not achive the requested output with hand operated machines. As a rule of thumb a tact time under 8 seconds marks the line where automated systems are getting more and more attractive for the investment. Additionally, you can configure automated systems with advanced functionality like changeable spindle circles, yield stress strategies, screw feeding, indexing and fixturing - combined with exceptional reliablity of the mostly more durable spindles.
DC controllers are also designed to work as fastening station controllers so you can find a lot of integration features which are useful to put the dc tools into place as seamless as possible. Some features are for example:
Possiblity for synchronized rundowns 24 V Inputs and Outputs Serial communication Fieldbus integration (Profibus, Interbus-S, Modbus, DeviceNET, etc.) TCP/IP network protocols
If you are looking for the best taylor made solution for your fastening process we would be delighted to support you with the choice of the right tools and controllers, the project planing, integration, and installation.
Further readings under Special Solutions.
