TurboTight: Targeting Safety, Productivity, and Quality

Atlas Copco’s TurboTight strategy was developed with ergonomics, accuracy, quality, and productivity at the forefront. In addition to setting your production up for error-free assembly, TurboTight shortens cycle times and strengthens workplace ergonomics.

This tightening strategy is made possible via communication between the tool in use and the Power Focus 6000 (PF6000) controller. The tool sends information about joint stiffness to the PF6000. Using this information, the PF6000 is able to regulate the speed of the tool. During a fastening, when the torque begins to build up after the rundown, the PF6000 adjusts the tightening speed accordingly, and times the tool’s slowdown phase to the exact millisecond that the target torque is reached. 

As a result, the reaction force in the tool is almost completely eliminated, simultaneously providing a substantial increase to both ergonomics and productivity within a workstation. Further, TurboTight is easy to navigate and program, allowing the operator to achieve shorter cycle times compared to other, more traditional tightening strategies.

As a general rule of thumb, traditional tightening strategies utilize a tightening time (the time in between when the bolt is seated and when the target torque is reached) of above 300 milliseconds. In this situation, the operator’s body reacts to the reaction force and tightening is perceived as reasonably comfortable. Tightening times between 40-300 milliseconds are often perceived as uncomfortable for the operator and can potentially lead to long-term injury.

TurboTight, on the other hand, utilizes a tightening time of 10-40 milliseconds. Here, the tool absorbs a major portion of the reaction force, leaving an accurately tightened fastener and a comfortable operator in its place. In some cases, it may even be possible to eliminate reaction devices because of this reduction in reaction force!

As a result of the drastic decrease in tightening time during production, you can consequently expect a considerable decrease in cycle times. TurboTight’s ability to optimize the tightening speed depending on joint properties allows it to identify and remove bottlenecks and maintain a cooler operating temperature of the tool, as there is less heat development when in use. In addition, the TurboTight strategy has the potential to rebalance assembly lines completely, due to the increase in cycle rates. 

TurboTight, an invaluable tightening strategy found only on the Power Focus 6000 controller, is the key many need to unlock significant productivity and workplace safety gains in their workstations. It’s a simple strategy to program and personalize, and, in most cases, all an operator needs to plug in beforehand is the target torque. 

Are you interested in learning more about TurboTight, or any of the other tightening strategies offered on the Power Focus 6000? Contact us and schedule an in-person or remote demo today!