Modern electronics assembly

At Atlas Copco, we have developed special assembly solutions for customers who consider high product quality, low assembly scrap and overall efficiency as standard.
 

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Some older types of tightening tools work only on the principle of tightening to a specific torque. Their use can lead to so-called false OK results. Meaning situations in which the tool reports that the desired tightening torque has been achieved (with some inaccuracy), but without verifying that this torque has actually and correctly been applied to the joint. This means, for example, that the screw was not stuck, the screwdriver was in the correct position (aligned), the operator tried to re-tighten an already tightened screw, the wrong screw was used, or a number of other situations that can occur during assembly and always mean an incorrectly tightened joint, even if the screwdriver reports "OK result".

This is why it is possible to see "nests" of tighteners in production that are set to different torques and operators have to choose between them according to the type of screw being tightened and according to the the assembly process. This leads to a poorly controlled process, random errors, and increased costs associated with the maintenance and calibration of large numbers of screwdrivers.

Atlas Copco MicroTorque 6000 tools are tailor-made for electronic equipment manufacturers. They can cover a wider range of torques, and can be adjusted and calibrated for the full range (capacity) of the screwdriver, providing one universal solution for many joints and applications. This screwdriver does not use a mechanical clutch, but instead measures tightening torque and angle, and thus can replace the use of multiple screwdrivers while improving the quality of the tightened joint by using tightening strategies that prevent or identify NOK tightenings. These systems are also part of a robust platform with many additional features that allow process control to completely eliminate unwanted torque mismatch or tool misapplication.

A graphic representation of the progress of each tightening (the so-called curve) is a matter of course, as is the precise detection of the error and the notification of its cause. Instead of tedious guessing and complex trial-and-error analysis of the problem, you now have immediate and accurate information at your disposal. You can make decisions quickly, accurately and responsibly.

Have you heard about the ability to dynamically change the behavior of a tightening strategy? This is the smart functionality of screwdrivers that adapt the tightening process to the specific current situation in production or in a particular joint. The ability to adapt tightening to constantly changing and inconsistent input materials (different batches of bolts, stampings and components, friction changes, etc.). Smart tighteners bring breakthroughs in achieving high productivity, quality and production efficiency.

Atlas Copco focuses on the development and supply of standard automation stations that are highly flexible in functionality, simple to operate and set up, and delivered as a complete unit from a single manufacturer with a high level of performance and reliability guarantee.

Atlas Copco provides an elegant solution for robotic/automated production and manual assembly, with a range of features that minimise or eliminate operator influence and errors.

• Automatic selection of the correct tightening program - torque (by barcode, line command, etc.)
• Detection / Preventing for re-attempting to tighten an already tightened bolt (Re-hit)
• Batch count to avoid the risk of missing screws
• Order enforcement - correct tightening sequence (Batch sequence)
• Operator guidance
• System for selecting the correct bit (Bit Selector) and starting the tightening program
• Lockable gate / jig for securing product assembly (Smart JIG)
• Torque arms to ensure screwdriver alignment - perpendicularity
• Automatic rework program and enforcement
• Detection of screw replacement, missing washer and other components

Even the most modern equipment and tools cannot be without proper maintenance and care. We have therefore prepared a comprehensive portfolio of services for electronics manufacturers, covering everything from the startup of tightening systems, their accredited calibration, regular (and preventive) maintenance, service interventions in the event of a failure, to the possibility of optimizing equipment based on data collected from the factory.

We know that fast, reliable and affordable service is essential (not only) for electronics manufacturers and fast assembly lines, which is why we also provide superior services that include a guaranteed response time in case of problems with the equipment or components. We also know how important it is for operators, line managers or maintenance staff to have a good understanding of the tightening systems they are working with - that's why we have a range of training and learning programmes to give them all the know-how they need.

If you produce your own electronics or provide production for your customers, choosing the MicroTorque 6000 system is a crucial competitive advantage. With it, you can reduce costs over the long term, increase the quality of your products and eliminate many of the problems that unnecessarily create stress and pressure on your employees.