As manufacturing in this day and age of Industry 4.0 continues to revolve around digitalization, data collection, and automation (among many other trends), the use of smart tools in production continues to grow. The best smart tools can offer operators an abundance of benefits, from providing operator feedback and guidance to having the ability to collect and trace invaluable production data, and much more. And ultimately, they set the stage for your smart factory.
For nearly every production application, there’s a smart tool out there that is the best fit and can both optimize your operation and enable streamlined, highly accurate assembly processes. In this article, we discuss three commonly used tool types and look at the applications each tool family is suitable for, along with the best smart tools from Atlas Copco to use.
Smart, low reaction tools for safety critical applications
For safety-critical tightening applications, we design tools that deliver ergonomic, low-reaction performance, and precise control through advanced tightening strategies. Where ergonomics is critical, a low reaction tool can provide the answer. Smart low reaction tools such as Atlas Copco’s Tensor SRB and TBP can significantly boost productivity and safety. In addition to absorbing virtually all reaction forces that would otherwise be transferred to the operator, these tools provide direct operator feedback and complete traceability.
The Tensor SRB is a wireless, cordless nutrunner that’s intelligent and highly accurate. Ideal for low-torque, safety-critical applications, the Tensor SRB gives operators valuable tightening feedback via LED indicators. When used together with the Power Focus 8 controller, our smart tools enable complete traceability and the ability to build personalized, optimized tightening strategies tailored to your specific applications.
If you’re looking for maximum precision and control along with superior ergonomics in safety-critical applications, the IxB family of tools is your go-to solution. Read more about this below.
Cabled tools, when productivity is a priority
Applications that are takt time and productivity focused may benefit more from smart cabled tools. Tethered to a workstation by a cable, a smart cabled tool offers productivity-critical accuracy across a wider torque range while still providing operators with a safe and ergonomic tightening experience. Although manufacturing continues to trend toward electric cordless tooling options, the advantages of smart cabled tools should not be overlooked.
The Tensor STR is one of Atlas Copco’s smart cabled tooling solutions, offering full traceability and flexibility even in the most demanding applications. Whether used for low-torque component assembly, automotive final assembly, or high-torque wind power applications, the Tensor STR delivers exceptional ergonomics, high accuracy, and impressive tightening speeds. You can count on higher cycle rates, reduced downtime, and real-time operator feedback.
Smart, cordless tools for maximum flexibility
The advent of Industry 4.0 brings rapid changes to manufacturing, along with new challenges related to precision, flexibility, and efficiency on the line. Ideal for a wide range of safety- and quality-critical applications, a smart cordless tool offers everything needed in modern industrial tightening: error-proofing, direct operator feedback and guidance, high accuracy, and excellent mobility in production. Smart cordless tools with integrated controllers, such as Atlas Copco’s IxB family, are all the buzz right now, and it’s easy to see why.
The IxB family of smart tools performs exceptionally well in tight or cramped spaces while reducing the risk of costly and time-consuming errors. They unlock new levels of production flexibility, making fast and easy line adjustments possible. At the same time, they deliver outstanding tightening precision and control with torque accuracy of 3.5% (over 3 sigma), advanced movement sensors, user-friendly feedback, and troubleshooting software.
To sum it up
As manufacturing continues to evolve into the era of industry 4.0, it is important for assembly lines to grow with it. The benefits of switching to smart tools are truly unmatched. Atlas Copco has smart offerings for almost every production application. Explore our full range to determine what product best meets the needs of your assembly line.
Are you interested in learning more about the best smart tools from Atlas Copco? Contact us today and schedule a demo!
