Torque data collection is vital to help manufacturers ensure they have correctly assembled a product but also eliminated potential health and safety risks during both the assembly and quality auditing stages. Manufacturers not only have to adhere to and record specific torque tightening levels due to legislation but it also helps to provide peace of mind for their customers and end-users.
Here, the team at Crane Electronics takes a closer look at what torque measurement and data collection are and how torque data collectors are used across a variety of industries.
What is torque data collection?
The measurement of torque along with the collection, recording and storage of torque data are some of the most crucial aspects of manufacturing high-quality products. Torque measurement and torque data collection are particularly important when it comes to the correct levels of tension within critical joints and fastenings on cars, aeroplanes, heavy-duty machinery and white goods.
The tension in a fastener, such as a nut and bolt, holds the assembly of a product together. This fastener needs to be tightened at a specific, correct level for a good stable joint ensuring that it is secure.
Too little tension and the fastener can become loose. Too much and the fastener or joint can become deformed or break due to overstress. The way to properly ensure an accurate level of tension on a fastener is to measure the level of torque applied to that joint during the tightening process.
How are torque data collectors used in industry?
Torque data collectors are used across a whole host of industries including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Rail
- Marine
- Pharmaceutical
- Food & Beverage
- General Manufacturing e.g. white goods and electronics
Every industry has its own requirements for monitoring, recording and storing torque data, all of which are becoming increasingly important but none more so than in industries that demand a precise, high-quality product finish with accurate and reliable data records, such as automotive and aerospace.
Torque data collectors are utilised differently depending on the application, but they all ultimately perform the same function. Some of the areas torque data collectors are used include:
- For the testing of assembly power tools to monitor and analyse torque readings to ensure they are performing as they should
- Torque data collectors are also used to test the torque levels of individual joints and fasteners on the actual product, during both the assembly and quality auditing stages of production
- To provide proof for manufacturers and end-users that assembly tools used in the manufacturing process were applying the correct levels of tightening torque
Across all manufacturing industries, ensuring correct torque levels on critical fasteners is vital to ensure safety, quality and prevent product failure which could result in costly recalls, damaged reputation or in severe cases, user injury or death. Download the full article on why torque data collection is important, here.
Are you in manufacturing?
Torque data collection is undoubtedly essential for those working in manufacturing. Crane Electronics offers a variety of torque data collectors which have helped revolutionise and lay the platform for effective torque measurement and auditing.
Working with customers across the globe, we proudly provide torque data collectors to suit all budgets and requirements. To find out more about our TorqueStar Lite, Plus and Pro series or any of our products contact Crane Electronics on 01455 25 14 88 or email sales@crane-electronics.com.