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.
For nearly every production application, there’s a Smart tool out there that is a best fit and can optimize your operation and enable streamlined, highly accurate assembly processes. In this article, we’ll discuss three commonly used tool types and take a look at the types of applications involved in each tool family, along with the best Smart tools from Atlas Copco to use.
Low reaction tools – Exceptional ergonomics and less reaction force for an improved operator experience without reaction hardware
For safety-critical tightening applications, a low reaction tool can provide significant boosts to productivity, safety, and ergonomics. Smart low reaction tools, such as Atlas Copco’s Tensor SRB cordless nutrunner, can do much more. In addition to absorbing virtually all the reaction force that would otherwise be transferred to the operator, a Smart low reaction tool can also offer direct operator feedback and full traceability.
Atlas Copco’s Tensor SRB wireless nutrunner is flexible, intelligent, and highly accurate. Ideal for low-torque, safety-critical applications, the Tensor SRB’s intelligence lies in its ability to give operators valuable tightening feedback by way of LED indicators. In conjunction with a Power Focus 6000 controller, the Tensor SRB allows for complete traceability and the opportunity to build optimized tightening strategies ideal to you and your applications.
Electric cabled tools – Accurate and powerful workhorses with expanded torque ranges for high- and low-torque applications
Applications that require a highly durable tool to ensure both product quality and plant productivity might benefit from a Smart electric cabled tool. Tethered to a workstation by way of a cable, a Smart cabled tool offers safety-critical accuracy across a wider torque range while still providing operators with a safe and ergonomic tightening experience. Though manufacturing continues to trend toward electric cordless tooling options, the benefits of a Smart cabled tool should not be overlooked.
The Tensor STR is one of Atlas Copco’s Smart cabled tooling options that allows for full traceability and flexibility in even the most demanding of applications. Whether it be low-torque component assembly, automotive final assembly, or even high-torque wind power applications, the Tensor STR is an ideal tool that provides exceptional ergonomics, high accuracy, and impressive tightening speeds. Count on higher cycle rates, reduced downtime, and real-time operator feedback.
Electric cordless tools – True cordless freedom and flexibility for a wide variety of applications
The advent of Industry 4.0 brings with it rapid changes in manufacturing, along with new challenges related to flexibility on the line. Ideal for a huge number of different applications (safety and quality critical), a Smart cordless tool offers just about everything one could need in an industrial tool: Error-proofing, direct operator feedback and guidance, high accuracy, and excellent mobility during production. Smart cordless tools, such as Atlas Copco’s Tensor STB, are all the buzz right now, and it’s easy to see why.
The Tensor STB is one of Atlas Copco’s tranducerized, cordless nutrunners, ideal for safety and quality-critical applications in space-challenged or large assembly areas. With an optimal power-to-weight ratio, the Tensor STB puts an emphasis on operator safety and ergonomics in addition to speed, productivity, and accuracy. The Tensor STB is versatile; one single STB tool can be used for several applications within the same torque range. Operators can fully rely on this robust, accurate nutrunner that offers advanced torque monitoring capabilities and complete traceability.
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!