breakages , buy new tools , and have them ready for rapid deployment .
The result is a system that works with the existing workforce and optimises performance without any service interruption . As Andy Currey , Tooling & GSE Manager at Virgin Atlantic , said : “ Everybody in our workforce was already buying tools from Snap-on so it was a natural fit .”
Aerospace supplier Safran Landing Systems approached Snapon with a similar concern ; the company needed to standardise its operations and move engineers away from individual toolboxes to a more efficient shared system .
“ Accuracy is exceptionally important for us ,” said Neil Bevan , OL Assembly Flow Line Manager at Safran . “ While the cameracontrolled system roll-out required an adjustment at first , it ’ s now universally appreciated and has transformed the level of control we have over our tooling .”
Lufthansa has found that Snapon meets offers three essential benefits : full control , accuracy , and insights . The airline uses Snapon ATCs in its hangers and really put the system through its paces , intentionally trying to manipulate it and force errors ( unsuccessfully !) Now , the team know exactly who has each tool , when it was taken from the box , and when it was returned . They also always know the status and availability of the tools monitored by the system . From this data , the team can determine and plan future tool requirements .
Richard Packham , Director UK & Europe for Snap-on Industrial said : “ In every industry , our customers are under increasing pressure to operate cost-efficiently and improve productivity without sacrificing quality . We ’ re proud to help them rise to this challenge by providing intuitive technology and versatile tool systems that offer businesses complete visibility , accurate tracking , and invaluable insights that they can use to optimise their operations .”
To further meet the needs of industry in 2024 , Snap-on announced the launch of two new products at the event :
ATC FlexHub
The ATC FlexHub was one of the most sought-after product ideas floated at the previous year ’ s event in 2023 . The Snap-on team took that feedback and ran with it , taking elements of its existing AutoCrib set-up , integrating it with L5 Connect , and enhancing with additional features after deployment in test locations before its official launch , all within 12 months .
Engineered to work at the speed of work , the FlexHub improves tool organisation and visibility . A modular system , the FlexHub is equipped with several different lockers and drawers so that it can hold tools of different shapes and sizes . It ’ s fully configurable and can grow with you , making it a futureproof purchase . Up to four frames can be configurated currently , but this will soon be extended to 10 or more frames .
Using an attached or wireless scanner , users can unlock tools from multiple lockers at once . When ready to return , users can simply scan the tool and the relevant locker will automatically reopen for easy storage .
The ATC FlexHub also offers an elevated level of control for calibrated items . Users can manually strike tools that require calibration and automatically send an email notification to the relevant team . The locker containing this tool will then be locked to all other users until the item can be safely removed for calibration .
Powered by L5 Connect , the ATC FlexHub provides businesses with a full audit trail . This is particularly useful when it comes to calibration ; administrators can see who flagged the item as requiring calibration , when that decision was made , and how long it took for the tool to be returned to active service .
Torque Control
Let ’ s talk torque .
Snap-on is the world ’ s leading torque manufacturer and offers an expansive range of torque screwdrivers , wrenches , and more .
Each torque tool can now be controlled and monitored remotely via ControlTech . This innovative system enables engineers to save time and effort while still ensuring all work is being completed safely and correctly .
ControlTech operates in multiple languages and can store a wealth of data ; it can hold up to 1500 readings and 100 pre-sets as well as allowing engineers to choose to measure angle , torque and angle , or torque then angle . All this information can be downloaded and emailed as a CSV file at the click of a button .
Each Bluetooth-enabled tool can connect to the system via app or API and data will automatically synchronise as soon as it is within 100 metre range . While in use , the tool will flash , vibrate , and beep once the target torque is reached .
By continually tracking the tool and taking readings , ControlTech provides an exceptional level of control as well as checking work quality , flagging bolts that may have been over-tightened and when bolts in a sequence may have been missed .
For more information , please visit https :// snaponlevel5 . com , call 01536 413904 , or email ukindustrialmarketing @ snapon . com
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