The screwdriver, in tandem with a controller, can become eight tools in one, capable of operating with eight different torque strategies and parameter sets. Photo: SPX GSE tech-motive tool

Sometimes it is that last half turn that is critical. Come up short and over time that screw or fastener could vibrate out; a little too much torque and the part can be damaged.

A new torque screwdriver from SPX GSE tech-motive tool (Novi, MI) means to take the operator error out of the process. The SD25 Screwdriver and CS2000 Controller can be used on assemblies that require thread cutting into plastic, laminated and composite materials without fear of damaging parts.

Users can set the torque or download torque information into software to program the torque and angle degrees of rotation for a variety of fastening sequences and applications. The push-to-start or trigger screwdrivers can be programmed to achieve torque to precise engineered specifications.

The unit has green, red and yellow torque indicating lights. The LEDs indicate acceptable, high and low torque/angle, and give operator feedback on rundown status and system errors. The lights flash in a counterclockwise fashion to indicate reverse torque.

"The indicator light is on the tool itself," says product manager Greg Korn, SPX GSE tech-motive tool. "The user sees a green light when he hits the right amount of torque, but a bad torque generates a red light."

When coupled with the company's CS2000 Controller, the SD25 Screw-driver, which weighs 15.5 ounces, becomes eight tools in one, capable of operating with eight different torque strategies and parameter sets.

The parameter sets can be used in any combination with strategies such as self-tap monitor with torque control that monitors thread cutting, self-tapping or thread-rolling screws to prevent thread tear-out. Prevailing torque monitor with torque control checks nylock or tri-lobular nuts or nuts with heavy Locktite to qualify existing or prevailing torque and control the final torque. Torque plus angle provides a consistent clamp load into a joint and allows complex joints to be more accurately controlled. It minimizes joint relaxation in joints with gaskets or joints that clamp a variety of different materials together. Yield control generates a consistent clamp load into a joint but is difficult to audit. Yield control leverages off of a consistent tensile strength of the fastener to produce a consistent clamp load in the joint. The yield monitor functions create a safety net superimposed over torque control and torque plus angle control that identifies thread pullout and fastener stretching failures.

The screwdriver uses a DC electric brushless motor and a strain gage torque transducer. Other features include headlights that help the operator to see where to drive the fastener in hard-to-see work areas. Bits are changed with a pull-to-change 1⁄4-inch quick chuck.

Data stored by the internal memory of the screwdriver includes the following: the model number, build date, serial number, minimum and maximum torque, and speed. Capabilities that can be stored include: opposite rotation, left-hand tightening, fixtured tool, multipurpose pushbutton, cycle count, locked rotor count, overtemperature count and preventive maintenance counter.

The controller can accommodate a bar code scanner, and controllers with an Ethernet are available. It controls the torque and monitor angles continuously and is programmed using software called Visual Supervisor (VS). The VS program is a fastening system setup, graphing and diagnostics software program that includes batch counting with up to 32 fastening operations. It helps detect cross-threaded and stripped screws, enables connection to programmable logic controllers and remote sensing devices.

Technology contact

For more information on the SD25 Screwdriver and CS2000 Controller, contact:

SPX GSE tech-motive

42860 Nine Mile Rd.

Novi, MI 48375-4122

(800) 795-7875

Fax: (248) 596-0601

www.gsetechmotive.com

Sidebar: Benefits

1. LED lights indicate acceptable, high and low torque/angle and give operator feedback on rundown status and system errors.

2. When coupled with the company's CS2000 Controller, the screwdriver becomes eight tools in one.

3. Users can set the torque or download torque information into software to program the torque and angle degrees of rotation for a variety of fastening sequences and applications.

4. Software helps detect cross-threaded and stripped screws and enables connection to programmable logic controllers and remote sensing devices.