PRODUCT REVIEWS
A firm fix
Chicago Pneumatic has launched a new cordless connected nutrunner – the CP86 series – designed to deliver mobility and precision for general bolting applications . The connected tool is available with an app to provide instant performance feedback on the job and better control quality processes in the field , so increasing productivity .
“ The CP86 tool is designed with customer needs for high torque and performance levels in mind ,” said Christophe Roland , Product Marketing Manager , Chicago Pneumatic . “ The nutrunner combines the mobility of a battery tool with high precision and process control features , making it easy for operators to tighten bolts quickly and properly the first time , therefore saving precious time and improving their productivities .”
The new range comprises four models providing torque levels from 300Nm ( 170- ft . lb ) to 8100Nm ( 5975ft / lb ) and is suitable for bolting applications in the energy , mining , construction and railway industries , for example on oil and gas pipelines , wind turbines , heavy-duty vehicles and off-road equipment . Each model is also available in three variants ( depending upon the requirements of the application ): the stand-alone CP86 tool and the connected C as well as the CQ variants with a dedicated CPLinQ app giving performance , tool maintenance status and tightening report .
“ The CP86 nutrunner provides a constant tightening speed of up to 10rpm for excellent control and delivers high precision with +/ - 4 %* accuracy (* based on hard joint 15 ° at nominal torque ). This high accuracy ensures that bolts are tightened correctly , preventing over- or under-tightening and the associated risks of bolt joint failure . Thanks to a new battery generation , the tool also offers
excellent mobility , allowing users to work with the tool everywhere for a longer time without needing to recharge it . Since it is cordless , there is no need for pumps or compressors that are required with hydraulic and pneumatic equipment ,” added the company .
Process control can be achieved using the CPLinQ app which provides managers with instant access to the real-time status of the tool and job performance data . The C variant features tool status management , a maintenance timeline and an operating alert so that operators can anticipate any tool issues before they arise and carry out preventative maintenance activities . The P-set mode secures the job by decreasing human error on torque or angle selection .
The CQ version offers the additional functionality of data collection , quick reports and P-sets with counting sequence . Armed with the performance data , operators can save time spent on each job , decrease error rates and time reworking a bolt . The CP86 also features a long-lasting and compact 36V / 2,5 Ah battery for extended use . Protection features include a second start button and swivelling with an ergonomic handle for a firm grip .
Chicago Pneumatic is celebrating its 120- year anniversary in 2021 . n
. cp . com
‘ Free pass ’ to Industry 4.0
The “ cost of entry ” into productivityboosting Industry 4.0 technology has been slashed to under £ 200 , following the launch of a secure cloud-based smart app by tech start-up , FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics .
“ The launch of the app – and easy-to-install MachineLink sensors – enable precision engineering firms that supply the aerospace , defence , medical and other high-value manufacturing sectors to access Industry 4.0 levels of data analytics which are unlocking five-fold increases in shop floor productivity ,” it told ISMR .
FourJaw co-founder and CEO , Chris Iveson said : “ We designed the app and hardware to be simple to install and even simper to use – less than four minutes for Industry 4.0 . This gives operators and ops managers immediate visibility of business-critical data on a tablet , smart phone or laptop .
“ The beauty of the system is that it can be deployed on any machine , any age , any model , anywhere at any time . All for less than £ 200 per machine . We even offer a no-cost light option to trial the kit , but no one
has taken us up on that offer as the standard price is seen as no brainer …”
Lindsay Atkins at UK precision engineer CBE + is already seeing the benefits of adopting the app : “ It ’ s an absolutely fabulous tech to use and has become an essential aspect of our production planning processes . We are also using it for pricing . Sometimes , especially with a new job , we estimate production time based on similar components , but now we can see instantly how long the job actually takes . If we find that we have overestimated , we are able to reduce our costs to the customer which helps us win new contracts . The simplicity of using FourJaw ’ s tech has convinced us to roll it out across the shop floor . It ’ s literally opening our eyes to see things for the first time .”
Alex Harding , CEO of Cajero ( a UK-based high value-added manufacturer ) is also an early adopter .
“ We ’ d been looking at Industry 4.0 but ran into a number of hurdles . Firstly , it has to be the machine tool builder ’ s software , if they even have it . Secondly , there is the cost aspect of it . And thirdly , we don ’ t just have one machine type here . So the universality , accessibility and price of FourJaw ’ s technology sparked our interest ,” he explained .
“ Visibility and access to data is a big part of taking our business from where we are now to where we need to be , not just for our own performance but for our customers . We set out a goal that we are going to be an Industry 4.0 smart factory in five years , having data-driven decisions across multiple machines , and we feel that FourJaw supports our ambition . It ’ s accessible ; we like the idea of plug-and-play .” n
ISMR July / August 2021 | sheetmetalplus . com | 65