Welcome to the ‘Isolated Sockets and Bits’ Q&A session. Taking viewer questions in this Q&A is Matt Crowley, a Product Specialist here at Atlas Copco. In this Q&A, Matt takes on the topic of Isolated sockets and bits and Atlas Copco’s comprehensive range of these products. Atlas Copco acquired Saltus, a producer of sockets and tools, about five years ago. Since, we’ve expanded our catalog to feature a unique selection of socket and bit products.
The first question is on Atlas Copco’s global socket structure. Our sockets are developed in Sweden, and though we are a global company with centers all over the world, we also provide exceptional local support. Matt then goes into an explanation of isolated sockets. Isolated sockets are a relatively new product offering for both Atlas Copco and the market itself. We took a standard socket with conductive properties and added additional non-conductive elements in order to make it safe and ideal for use in applications with live currents.
Matt then goes on to explain why Atlas Copco took the reins on developing isolated socket products. It was apparent that industries are trending toward Industry 4.0 and e-mobility, which involves the production of electric vehicles and more. We also recognize that this trend is here to stay for the long haul. When asked who might use an Isolated socket product, Matt explains that these products are ideal for applications involving live currents, such as those working with electric vehicles or electric battery packs.
A question is asked about the difference between Atlas Copco’s ROTACTION socket products and our Isolated socket products. Visually, the biggest difference is the color of these products, which is an important distinction, especially when working with live currents. Our ROTACTION socket products are yellow, our standard, non-ROTACTION products are black metal, and our Isolated socket products are lime green. Isolated sockets protect three main things from damage during use: the operator or user of the tool with an Isolated socket, the tools and controllers themselves, and the customer/user’s products.
When asked which tools Isolated sockets can be used on, Matt explains that these products can be used on any tool in which a standard socket can be used. It’s important, however, to ensure that the socket fits appropriately and that your solution is a truly covered, isolated solution for that tool in that application. Matt then explains that our Isolated socket product offering includes sockets and bits, along with Isolated Quick Change adaptors, and more. Because of our Isolated Quick Change Adaptors, our customers can create Isolated solutions using a combination of our isolated products and standard ROTACTION products for a totally isolated solution.
To learn everything that what was asked and how Matt answered, be sure to watch this Q&A session in full!
Matt has been a Product Specialist since 2018. Beginning with a focus on Manual Fastening products such as mechanical wrenches, mechatronic wrenches (MWR), and the STwrench, he worked to increase sales within this product group. Later that year, Matt moved into the sockets industry. It wasn’t until 2019 that Matt took on the Pneumatic Assembly tools product group. He’s since added Geared Front Attachments (GFA), a new product line for Atlas Copco, to his focus product tools. Matt finds himself very fascinated in understanding how to implement new techniques and technologies to modernize industrial tooling and assembly products. He enjoys looking for a competitive edge in new areas and coming up with creative ways to build brand recognition. Outside of Atlas Copco, Matt spends his free time learning about cars, staying active, and devoting quality time to his wife and two children.