– Assembly – Newsletter – May, 2022 –

Tools

There is a multitude of options for fastening systems and they all have their strengths and limitations. Depending on the scope of your assembly needs your production process could be employing multiple technologies. How do you start identifying the best tool for each application? Today, we are looking specifically at DC torque screwdrivers and the reason to consider them: accuracy and control.
The power drill/screwdrivers we all have at home for simple projects, or at work for facilities maintenance or even production, are DC screwdrivers with torque control. They usually come with low speed and high-speed settings, lower the speed higher the torque, the pressure on the trigger provides additional control over this. They also have a variable torque setting clutch adjustable on the chuck. These are the principal control characteristics of all DC torque screwdrivers. But the list of potential places where we encounter these tools highlights a major consideration in their engineering and design. They are general purpose tools that balance the requirements of homeowners and contractors, their primary markets. In both cases, this tool must be adept at quickly adapting to a new fastening application. It is also likely that it will not see sustained use in a single application and will more likely be used sporadically – the price point and construction reflect this. The control and accuracy in each application is relative to the handler’s experience. There are other options for DC torque screwdrivers if greater accuracy and control are required.
A precision DC torque screwdriver will have a control unit that is corded to the screwdriver. The control unit is used to preset speeds and torques. The cord provides conditioned power and signals. These characteristics provide accurate and repeatable results. Confirming those results is also possible with feedback that can be logged. The selection process involves identifying the following requirements: the degree of accuracy needed, the torque range that will be needed, and the number of different applications it will be needed for.
The power drill/screwdrivers we all have at home for simple projects, or at work for facilities maintenance or even production, are DC screwdrivers with torque control. They usually come with low speed and high-speed settings, lower the speed higher the torque, the pressure on the trigger provides additional control over this. They also have a variable torque setting clutch adjustable on the chuck. These are the principal control characteristics of all DC torque screwdrivers. But the list of potential places where we encounter these tools highlights a major consideration in their engineering and design. They are general purpose tools that balance the requirements of homeowners and contractors, their primary markets. In both cases, this tool must be adept at quickly adapting to a new fastening application. It is also likely that it will not see sustained use in a single application and will more likely be used sporadically – the price point and construction reflect this. The control and accuracy in each application is relative to the handler’s experience. There are other options for DC torque screwdrivers if greater accuracy and control are required.
A precision DC torque screwdriver will have a control unit that is corded to the screwdriver. The control unit is used to preset speeds and torques. The cord provides conditioned power and signals. These characteristics provide accurate and repeatable results. Confirming those results is also possible with feedback that can be logged. The selection process involves identifying the following requirements: the degree of accuracy needed, the torque range that will be needed, and the number of different applications it will be needed for.
Have you considered how to get better repeatability in your assembly process? Yes
• Which fastening technologies are you currently using?
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• Explore some product options:
Workstations

Ergonomics directly affect employee productivity, safety and comfort. Each assembly process has its unique requirements. Are your workstations meeting all of them?


Lighting

Productivity and quality are directly affected by your available lighting. Have you evaluated how contrast and color rendering affect the quality in your assembly process?