Work on assembly lines relies heavily on repetition, and using power torque tools repeatedly can be exhausting for workers. This fatigue significantly increases the likelihood of errors, which can compromise the reliability of the final product. Additionally, repetitive motions on assembly lines pose a risk of repetitive stress injuries, potentially leading to workers' compensation claims. A practical solution to these issues is the torque arm.
What is a Torque Arm? A torque arm is a mount for a torque tool that supports it, allowing the operator to move the tool smoothly around the work area to perform fastening operations. Torque arms reduce worker fatigue, prevent injuries, and enhance productivity, making them an essential component in stage-by-stage assembly line design.
Types of Torque Arms There are various types of torque arms, each with unique features. These arms are typically attached to a vertical mast with one or more torque balancers at the top. The balancers allow the arm to move vertically with minimal effort and hold the arm in place as set by the operator. Both the arm and balancers can rotate around the mast freely, enabling operators to guide the torque tool without lifting its full weight. This setup absorbs torque reactions, further reducing the risk of strain and injury.
The movement mechanism of the arm itself differentiates torque arm types:
Telescoping Arms: These arms adjust their length relative to the mounting mast. With full 360-degree rotation around the mast, telescoping torque arms handle most simple fastening operations efficiently. There are two types: traditional telescoping arms, with tubes of slightly different sizes that slide into each other, and linear torque arms, which expand and contract the tool’s radius using a mount that glides along structural tubes for smoother movement.
Articulated Torque Arms:Featuring an elbow-like joint, these arms offer a second rotational axis, allowing for greater motion control. They are ideal for assembly stations with screw presenters or counters, enabling easy tool movement from the presenter to the joint. Regardless of type, torque arms provide better control over fastening, preventing cross-threading and side loading.
Positioning Torque Arms In many assemblies, fastening in the correct sequence is crucial for joint reliability. Position control torque arms are designed for sequential fastening on assembly lines. They minimize the risk of improper fastening using a position-control system (posi-control device).
A torque tool is mounted on the torque arm, and the posi-control device is programmed with the correct fastening sequence. The encoder on the arm sends positioning data to the posi-control device, which records the data and the time taken to complete the rundown. During subsequent fastening, the posi-control device ensures the sequence is followed within set parameters, effectively acting as a quality control inspector at each station.
Compatibility of Torque Tools with Torque Arms With appropriate tool clamps, nearly any power assembly torque tool can be used with a torque arm. Air screwdrivers, pulse tools, and DC control tools, whether inline, right-angle, or pistol grip, are all compatible. Whether working in heavy industrial manufacturing or assembling delicate electronic components, torque arms alleviate stress on workers’ hands, elbows, and shoulders.
Benefits of Ergonomic Assembly Ergonomic assembly not only boosts productivity but also significantly contributes to employees' long-term health. By reducing fatigue during fastening, torque arms enable employees to focus on correct sequence, torque settings, and proper positioning. This improvement in ergonomics enhances precision, product quality, and reliability while ensuring better care for employees.
In conclusion, torque arms are fundamental tools on modern assembly lines. Investing in their purchase and setup should be a priority for anyone aiming to develop a productive and healthy manufacturing environment. By incorporating torque arms, manufacturers can reduce errors, prevent injuries, and improve overall efficiency and product quality.
The Mountz Advantage At Mountz, we understand the importance of human customer support. That's why our experienced team takes the time to understand your application requirements comprehensively. Drawing on our extensive industry experience, we offer personalized recommendations to streamline your assembly processes and enhance efficiency.
Mountz stands out in terms of durability. We know that preventing downtime is paramount to your success, so our tools are built to last. Rigorously tested to meet the highest standards, our products deliver unmatched reliability, ensuring your operations run smoothly without interruption.
Trust Mountz for industry-leading torque solutions designed by experts, backed by exceptional customer support, and built to withstand the demands of your assembly processes. Contact us today and experience the Mountz advantage firsthand.
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