Accuracy and safety are crucial in manufacturing and assembly across every industry. Effective torque measurement through torque sensors and transducers helps prioritise precision and mitigate the risks of failing parts and components.
At Crane Electronics, we pride ourselves on delivering torque transducers for every type of assembly line, industry and application. For companies seeking reliable, durable and adaptable tools, our range of torque transducers are designed to meet the highest standards, offering repeatable torque and angle measurement for complete traceability to support assembly and quality processes worldwide.
In this article, we explore three of our leading torque transducers that are designed to excel in different environments and applications. But let’s start by looking at what a torque transducer is and explore the important role it plays in torque measurement.
View our product range online.
What is a torque transducer?
A torque transducer, also known as a torque sensor, is a precision instrument used to measure the rotational force or torque applied by a tool or to a component or fastener. They are an essential tool in the assembly process to ensure parts are tightened together correctly and that machinery functions as it should.
Torque transducers are particularly critical in high-precision industries like automotive, aerospace and electronics, where even a slight deviation in torque can lead to costly errors, inefficiencies or safety risks.
There are different types of torque transducers, including rotary (used for rotating tools) and stationary (fixed in place). Some are designed for impact tools and can withstand heavy force, while others are made for non-impact applications where the highest precision measurement is paramount.
The transducer converts the force it measures into an electrical signal, which is then used by operators or automated systems to monitor and control the assembly process. At Crane Electronics, we have developed and continue to develop a range of torque transducers that cater to diverse applications, ensuring our customers have the right tools for the job.
Let’s take a closer look at our top 3 torque transducers and their key features.
1. CheckStar Multi – Rotary Torque Transducer
The CheckStar Multi rotary torque transducer raises the standard for dynamic torque and angle measurement of all continuous-drive and impulse tools, with proven reliable performance in thousands of applications worldwide.
Based on the CheckStar, one of Crane’s original products, the CheckStar Multi delivers superior versatility across a range of industries and assembly processes. While it is predominantly used within the automotive and aerospace industries, it can be used in any application where there is an assembly tool.
The CheckStar Multi rotary torque transducer incorporates a 360 degree light ring, giving the user visual feedback on the status of a tightening when used with a Crane readout or data collector. The CheckStar Multi torque transducer fits in-line between the assembly tool and the fastener, measuring the actual torque applied and the angular rotation of the fastener, under production and assembly conditions.
Whatever the vibration and shock load experienced, the CheckStar Multi’s patented contact system ensures a connection is always maintained between the readout and the strain gauges. Inferior systems can suffer from “brush bounce”, which ultimately leads to unreliable torque readings.
The low inertia design of the CheckStar Multi torque transducer ensures accurate and repeatable measurement of high-speed transients, such as the point of shut-off on continuous-drive tools and the pulsing of impulse tools.
Using onboard data, the transducer is automatically recognised by Crane data collectors, eliminating set-up errors and enabling the logging of serial numbers against measurements for complete traceability.
Key features of the CheckStar Multi rotary torque transducer
- In-line rotary torque transducer with optional angle measurement
- Low inertia benefits accurate dynamic measurement
- Low friction eliminates wear and supports accuracy
- Patented design ensures no brush bounce, even when used with impulse tools
- Suitable for use with all continuous-drive tools, impulse tools and torque wrenches
- Automatic transducer recognition with Crane data collectors and readout devices
- Compatible with most industry standard data collectors & readouts
- 360o light ring showing fastener status when used with Crane devices
- Square and hex drives are available
- Can be supplied with a cable or our RFm wireless communication device
- Available in various sizes ranging from 1Nm up to 5000Nm
2. Stationary Transducers
Crane’s static torque transducers are the quality choice for testing all continuous-drive, impulse and hand torque tools in the workshop and production lineside environment. It comes in a wide range of sizes from 3Nm up to 5,000Nm, and both Industry Standard (IS) and UTA (Universal Torque Analyzer: allows for ‘Plug and Play’ operation with Crane readouts) versions are available.
Static transducers, also known as stationary transducers, are used off the production line in a workshop or on lineside testing stations. Combined with joint kits, these transducers can help represent the actual production joint condition on which the tool will be used. The stationary transducer forms an effective offline test for the verification of assembly tool performance.
Stationary Transducers enable ‘Plug and Play’ operation with Crane readout and data collector devices which are automatically recognised, eliminating set-up errors and enabling logging of serial numbers against measurements for complete traceability.
An Industry Standard version is available where a user needs the features of the Static Transducers but already has a readout device from another manufacturer.
Key features of the Stationary torque transducer
- Suitable for the measurement of all continuous-drive and impulse power tools and all hand torque tools
- Automatic transducer recognition (Auto ID) with Crane readout and data collector devices, such as the TorqueStar and IQVu-2
- Combine with Crane’s joint kits for workshop simulation of both soft and hard joints
- Incorporate into custom-built mobile testing stations
- Wide range of sizes from 3Nm up to 5000Nm, with both UTA and Industry Standard versions available
- Light ring versions available (up to 1/2″ as standard) for visual indication system
3. Impact Tool Compatible Stationary Transducers
Our Impact Tool Compatible Stationary Transducer is made specifically for heavy-duty tools and high-impact assembly environments. It can withstand vast amounts of force and is the trusted transducer for testing and auditing continuous-drive tools, impulse power tools, impact tools and hand torque tools.
The Impact Tool Compatible Stationary Transducer can be used alongside a Crane torque wrench when setting up an impact tool and for verification both offline in workshops or line-side on mobile testing stations.
It can also be combined with a Crane joint kit that represents the production joint condition. Together, they form an effective off-line test for the verification of assembly tool performance.
The Impact Tool Compatible Stationary Transducer is automatically recognised by Crane readouts and data collectors thanks to onboard data, which eliminates the risk of set-up errors and enables the logging of serial numbers against measurements for complete traceability.
Key features of the Impact Tool Stationary torque transducer
- Suitable for the measurement of all continuous-drive, impulse power tools, impact tools and all hand torque tools
- Automatic transducer recognition (Auto ID) with Crane readout and data collector devices, such as the TorqueStar series
- Combines with Crane’s joint kits for workshop simulation of both soft and hard joints
- It can be incorporated into custom-built mobile testing stations like the MTTS
- Available in a range of torque ratings from 75Nm up to 600Nm
Crane offers a wide range of both rotary and static torque transducers and systems measuring an extensive span of torque values for use in a variety of applications.
Get in touch
If you would like more information on our torque transducers or any of our torque measurement products and services please get in touch with a member of the Crane team today.
Our experts are on hand to answer your questions about our torque sensors and transducers, providing you with the support and advice to help you choose the right products and solutions for your torque measurement needs.