Atlas Copco Consulting – planning services

Planning work on tightening technique should already start in the development phase for new products or models. An initial assessment of tightening operations provides an indication of the technologies that could be used for production. In addition to the applicable codes and standards for classifying joints, the accessibility of the tightening point also plays a role. Even if all the technical requirements are met, not every tool is equally well-suited for every joint. We can assist clients in their search for appropriate suppliers with specifications, for example for special drives or complex tightening systems such as guided multiple-spindle units at an early stage.

Our services for the product development stage:

• Tightening assessment
  •  Classification of joints in accordance with VDI/VDE 2862, Parts 1 and 2
  • Tool selection
  • Review of technical feasibility
  • Standardization of joints
• Digital validation
  • Investigation of joint accessibility
  • Specification of special drives
• Conceptual design of complex tightening systems
  • Specification requirements
  • Liaison with suppliers

The objective of prototype production up to the pre-series stage is to test the concepts developed for new models and model variants. The first tightening tests can determine whether the tightening technique selected meet the requirements for the various joints. Complex tightening systems are assessed, compared and optimized together with suppliers and the client. In addition, initial quality tests can provide an indication of the suitability of the tightening technique that have been planned.

Our services for the prototype production phase:

• Transfer of relevant joint data to customer systems
• Support for the development of test assemblies
• Hardware validation
  • Investigation of joint accessibility
  • Specification of special drives
  • Tightening tests in the customer’s development department or our in-house tightening laboratory
• Concept assessment and comparison for complex tightening systems
  • Concept optimization
  • Liaison with suppliers and client
• Advice and problem solving in the case of specific tightening system questions (e.g. tightening strategies)
• Coordination of prevailing torque determination in testing phase

The design of tightening technique is finalized in the planning stage. The quantities of tightening technique required are determined on the basis of joint lists and the overall concept is laid down in the specification. In addition to cooperation with the development department, this phase also includes the start of coordination and support for related departments which will share responsibility for implementation in the next phase. For example, it is necessary to liaise with IT and quality management departments concerning the transfer of information to higher-level customer systems.

Our services for the planning phase:

• Joint lists as a basis for planning
  • Preparation on the basis of customer data
  • Change management
  • Reconciliation with process planning
• Production of bill of quantities and ordering list
• Coordination with and support for related departments (IT, assembly, maintenance, process planning, suppliers, etc.)
• Decision on concept
  • Specification preparation
  • Monitoring of deadlines and measures
• Preparation of requirements for customer systems (production control systems, quality systems, etc.)

Valuable work has already been performed prior to the implementation stage. The main emphasis in implementation is ensuring compliance with the defined time schedule on the way to series production. In view of the large number of internal interfaces and cooperation with external service providers and suppliers, this is a complex task.
In addition to support for test assemblies, the focus is on the approval of individual processes in production.

• Our services for the implementation stage
• Scheduling and schedule monitoring
• Expediting and tracking of work
• Reporting to the client’s management
• Utility planning (power, network, etc.)
• Coordination of internal client interfaces
• Coordination of setting up and commissioning
• Support for test assembly work on site
• Coordination or performance of approval processes (technical approvals, process capability analysis, special customer requirements)

The start of series production is the last milestone. Up to this point, we have provided step-by-step support for your project and have coordinated the various interfaces in addition to providing planning services for tightening techniques. In this final phase of the project, the last measures are implemented for optimizing the production process and the system is then handed over to the operator on site.

Our services for the start of series production:

• Handing over the project to the production plant with support for the start of series production
• Processing of remaining work (e.g. late project changes or cycle changes)
• Optimization/continuous improvement work
• Preparation of handing-over documentation and project completion report