Whether an electronics assembly line or automobile plant, proper torque application during fastening operations directly impacts product quality, safety, and performance. However, between tool selection, technician training, and process upkeep sustaining accuracy and precision across thousands of fastening points presents challenges. The good news lies advanced solutions like torque testers and torque screwdrivers now exist assisting manufacturers apply uniform, reliable torque.
This posts reviews key torque concepts, how purpose-built tools boost accuracy, and the support Flexible Assembly provides ensuring your torque plan stays on spec each shift.
Why Torque Matters
Torque measures the amount of rotational force applied during fastening events. It reflects the tension stretched across the threads or components being joined. Under-torqued fasteners can loosen over product duty cycles leading to failures. Over-torque risks damaging the fastener or joined materials like plastics.
Each application carries approved torque range to ensure ideal grip without over-stressing. Automotive wheel lugs see much higher torque Newton meters than miniature electronics screws. But in all cases, controlling torque within the specified tolerance prevents issues.
Beyond product integrity, uneven fastener tensioning during line assembly also hinders fit, finish and aesthetics crucial to both performance and perceived quality. That’s why today’s manufacturers invest in sophisticated torque tools versus crude impact methods.
Manual Torque Screwdrivers
While power drivers expedite high volume fastener runs, precision instruments give technicians more control during intricate assembly or torque sensitive applications. Manual torque screwdrivers allow operators to “feel” torque loads to avoid crossing the upper tolerances.
Dial adjustable torque screwdrivers provide visual load feedback as fastener tension builds through the calibrated scale. Click-style models emit an audible click the moment target torque is achieved signaling to stop pulling. This prevents potential over-torque damage.
Torque screwdrivers come fixed to a specific torque setting or adjustable where users dial-in the desired value on-the-fly. This aids switching between various fasteners. Common torque ranges span from ounce inches up to about 25 foot pounds catering everything from miniature electronics through automotive assembly.
With torque directly supplied by hand, these manual tools empower technicians applying acceptable torque across thousands of repetitive screwing operations. The limitation lies confirming each hand tool stays properly calibrated.
Torque Analyzers
Verifying torque accuracy involves specialty quality assurance devices called torque analyzers or torque testers. These instruments measure, record and report the actual torque output from manual or power tools to identify drift.
Testers either inline or handheld essentially mimic a fastening point. As tools fasten against it, sophisticated loadcells precisely quantify torque applied while data logs results. This confirms tool calibrations stay within the necessary niche.
By baseline testing upon receipt then periodically sampling tool outputs, analyzers safeguard torque precision across all critical stations. Any detected deviations prompt immediate calibration restoration before production drifts unintentionally outside specifications.
But testing represents one facet traditional suppliers rarely assist with. This is where specialists like Flexible Assembly help.
Why Choose Flexible Assembly Systems?
For over 30 years industrial leaders have selected Flexible Assembly Systems as their integrated torque management partner combining the industry’s premier manual and power fastening brands with comprehensive torque assurance services beyond the capabilities of traditional suppliers.
- One of the largest in-stock inventories of torque control tools across all categories ready to demo on your line
- Exclusive distribution rights for GEDORE Torque Tools, the gold standard in German engineered quality & accuracy calibrated to ±3%
- Quick-Ship custom engraved screwdrivers, nut drivers & kits personalized to your facility
- Ergonomic CDI Torque Screwdrivers designed to protect hands during continual use
- Largest selection of reference manual & automatic calibrators from Norbar Torque Tools
- Scale calibration services traceable to NIST protecting precision either inhouse or via mail-in program
- Consultative guidance establishing testing frequencies, sample sizes, alarming thresholds and reporting needs
- On-site torque audits and staff training reinforcing proper tool usage, handling and storage
