EDITOR’S CHOICE
PROVEN MECHANICAL TOOLING
ATLAS COPCO TOOLS
MECHATRONIC – THE QUEST FOR
ERROR-FREE PRODUCTION
Helping achieve error-free production lines is a major objective
of Atlas Copco and its unique Mechatronic system enables
manufacturers get closer to this goal. By combining proven
mechanical tooling with the latest in wireless and digital technology,
Mechatronic delivers the best of both worlds.
As well as providing the same reliability, performance and ease of use
from its standard mechanical wrenches, the addition of monitoring
hardware and software offers significant value to the whole
production process by ensuring greater accuracy, traceability and
quality assurance, all in one package.
Whilst still used as a standard mechanical wrench, the Mechatronic
system (MWR) adds a digital interface to the wrench, effectively
building in a quality assurance process to the actual tool. MWR
enables the wrench to monitor three critical areas, namely that the
correct angle has been achieved, the right torque has been applied
and that the operator has released the joint at the optimum time.
As easy to use as the click wrench it is based on, the Mechatronic
system gives the operator a clear physical (LED green light) indication
when the required torque is achieved. Sending the tightening data
wirelessly to the complementary Focus controller means that any
faults can be identified instantly and therefore rectified before they
become a costly production issue and everything is audited and
traceable down to a single screw. It can also be used to verify that all
required elements of a joint are present and correct, avoiding missing
washers and checking screw quality.
Mechatronic uses a gyroscope to measure operator movement,
thereby increasing the accuracy of angle readings and improving
controlled tightening. By narrowing down the angle window, the
most common assembly problems such as damaged threads, re-hits,
premature shut-offs and torque overshoot can be avoided, thereby
improving productivity and quality.
Flexibility is obviously a key consideration for many manufacturers,
where there are multiple assembly lines. Mechatronic facilitates a
wireless connection of up to 10 wrenches, as well as programmable
jobs and two wrenches in simultaneous operation.
Commenting on the many advantages of Mechatronic, David Embley,
General Manager, Atlas Copco Tools UK, said:
“Our ultimate goal is zero defects in the manufacturing process
with 100% traceability. With increasing complexity of products and
demand for higher quality at the lowest cost, in the quickest time,
manufacturers are under pressure to minimise any negative impact on
production.
“Atlas Copco’s Smart Connected Assembly philosophy is focused
on achieving quality, productivity and traceability in all assembly
processes and as part of that, our Mechatronic system is designed
to maximise productivity and increase customer efficiency, whilst
eliminating human error and ensuring operator safety.”
For more info please visit www.atlascopco.com
18
PECM Issue 35