An assembly line is a fast-paced, organized, and efficient set-up, involving a combination of humans and machines, completing a series of repetitive motions. Power tools are an important component of the assembly process and should be appropriately calibrated to ensure that they function correctly and produce consistent/accurate results.
Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. Equipment and methods for verifying torque are used to ensure that the torque amount applied to a nut or a fastener is equal to a predetermined torque value.
Torque verification is a necessary part of your assembly tools for several different reasons. Over time, torque output can be affected by the frequency of use, general care, fastening process, ambient conditions, and the power tool’s torque setting.
The Importance of Torque
Torque is a term you may have heard of but one which is sometimes not very well understood. It is a measure of the radial force, determining the amount of tension a fastener and the joint it clamps together are under. The correct amount of torque is required to ensure that the fastener is installed securely and not damaged. For example, if excessive torque is applied, damage may occur to the fastener, joint, or both. If inadequate torque is applied the fastener can come loose jeopardizing the quality of the final product.
As you can see, torque is an essential part of product reliability, especially in the assembly process of automobiles, satellites, a variety of electronics, and medical devices, to name a few. Installing fasteners to the correct torque specifications matters greatly to achieve a high-quality final product.
Torque Tool Calibration
Irrespective of your torque tools’ quality, results can and do degrade from their pre-set torque, resulting in outputs that are no longer consistent with the required specifications.
Torque tools that are not maintained regularly can be detrimental, especially in the assembly process, where small errors can propagate rapidly into large and often expensive problems. Don’t wait until it’s too late before you decide to recalibrate your power tools. The more time you leave between torque verifications, the more likely you will experience inconsistent results.
There is a simple solution to this problem, one which can be tailored to the size and the type of manufacturing facility it is used in. For example, torque calibration for large manufacturers could include in-house torque calibration laboratories. However, these laboratories require specialized equipment and personnel to perform the calibrations, which can be costly. Smaller manufacturers may not require or have the resources for a calibration laboratory, but can still maintain correct torque specifications.
Torque analyzers and sensors can and should be included in all manufacturing plants to help keep all power tools within specifications, and continue to do so regularly. This way, torque tools that have started to perform inconsistently can be easily recalibrated before they lead to costly errors.
Benefits of Torque Verification
With a torque tester, you can quickly and easily verify the torque output, whenever required, and determine whether the tool is within specifications or needs to be recalibrated. The main benefits of torque verification include accuracy, repeatability, and safety.
There are risks associated with a tool that becomes out of calibration over time from overuse. Low torque output from your power tools could result in nuts or fasteners which are not properly secured and can become loose. On the other hand, excessive torque levels can be harmful to the final product and lead to breakage.
Practicing torque verification and calibration regularly gives an added preventive measure in ensuring workplace safety and efficiency.
Why is it necessary to verify torque?
Torque verification is necessary for peace of mind. Accurate torque wrenches are important to tighten fasteners, especially for rotating applications that experience a variable amount of stress. The safety and reliability of equipment and other consumer products depend on torque verification. Damaged products are not safe nor reliable to use, and can become a waste of money and resources; however, damage can be avoided by regular torque verification.
Power tools, such as electric torque screwdrivers, are beneficial and sometimes essential components of the assembly process in many manufacturing facilities. With such an important role to play, it’s important to ensure that the tools are functioning as required and are correctly calibrated to serve their purpose.
In order for electric torque screwdrivers to function optimally, they must be properly calibrated. The output torque must be verified every so often to ensure that the drivers are completing their job appropriately. One of the best ways to do this is to create a calibration or verification schedule to test all tools regularly.
A large part of this process involves error-proofing and verification tools to keep all other tools at the specifications required. Torque can be quickly checked by investing in the right torque testing equipment, allowing you to audit and verify a tool with ease.
To learn more about why torque verification is necessary for your assembly power tools, call Delta Regis Tools at 1(888) 500-6862 or contact us here.
