Fallstudie in demnächst auf Deutsch

Readstar Keeps Tumble Dryer Production Rolling

August 2002
A ReadStar torque indicator from Crane Electronics is being used in General Domestic Appliances (GDA) in Yate to ensure that the correct torques are being applied to the fasteners on tumble dryers.

Before the arrival of Readstar, the accuracy of some of the torque readings was questionable - especially for screws inserted into plastic components. The Readstar is used in conjunction with Checkstar transducers to check what torque is being applied by the air-powered wrenches used on the production lines. An older piece of equipment was being used to check torques but this did not have the same accuracy as the Crane system - certainly not over the 0.5Nm to 5NM range that the ReadStar and Checkstar are being used for.

The ReadStar is easily portable and can be taken down to the assembly stations on the production line. Although GDA tries to check the air wrenches at times when they are not being used, occasionally the operator has to be interrupted. But with the ReadStar there is less disruption to production and virtually no time lost. This has proved much more convenient than the old bench-mounted instrument.

As well as being used on the production lines, the ReadStar is also making a difference in the air tool room, where the tools are set, adjusted, serviced and repaired. The ReadStar is giving GDA better accuracy and this is having a positive impact on quality levels.