Flexible Assembly Systems announces the release of the first torque tester on the market to use touch screen technology--the TSTT series. This unique torque tester will enable users to test torque tools, such a torque screw driver, to a ±0.5% bidirectional accuracy using touch screen technology. The TSTT also allows for fast data recording and transfer via USB 2.0 and SD Card media ports—another first in the industry.#1- Create an in-house calibration and repair management program.
Equipment failure can cost many thousands of dollars in product recall, product replacement, and lost worker productivity. Manufacturing firms can face significant issues around throughput and product quality if equipment isn’t properly maintained. “Setting up an in-house calibration program is a lot easier than most people think. Being a little disciplined about tool use saves lots of money on the back end,” says Eddie. Calibration programs include finding an in-house advocate to lead the program, setting up regular calibration and maintenance intervals for tools, and investing in on-site calibration systems like torque testers.
#2 – Develop a more ergonomic workspace for the technician.
Ergonomics have a role in improving technician fatigue, throughput, and product quality. The sheer number of industrial ergonomic products available has grown tremendously over the past two decades. These options give manufacturers inexpensive options to implement. “Sometimes, improving the ergonomic workspace is as simple as buying a new tool balancer. Other times, an ergonomic torque screwdriver is worth its weight in gold,” states Eddie. Creating a thoughtful ergonomic improvement plan is simple, and doesn’t have to eat into your budget.
#3- Automate your manufacturing bottlenecks with measurable systems.
Automated workplace systems are becoming more and more inexpensive. These products can be measurable, reliable, and accurate. “Customers come to us after purchasing automated screwfeeders, and wondered how they got the job done before they found us. We’re always hearing positive feedback about the simple systems we’ve put in place that help the worker.” There are many standardized solutions in the marketplace. These systems can pay for themselves within a few weeks or months, help preserve the budget, and keep quality high.
Flexible Assembly Systems has been working together with firms requiring light-assembly solutions since 2003. The company's product list is extensive, and includes Assembly Tools, Robotic Assembly, Automotive Tools, Torque Products, Bits and Fastener Systems, Workplace and ESD Systems, and Material Handling Systems.
For additional information, contact:
Eddie Silverberg, President
Flexible Assembly Systems
800.696.7614, x250
www.FlexibleAssembly.com
#1- Get manufacturer advice on how to extend the usage life of your equipment.
Industrial firms can place many thousands or millions of dollars on the purchase of new capital equipment. In Flexible Assembly’s case, a high-end torque screwdriver or electric screwdriver can have a lifespan of less than six months if not used properly. “We find that our happiest customers tend to be the ones who know what they’re buying. We work hard with every customer to make sure to educate them on how to properly torque down a fastener, maintain an ergonomic environment for the operator, and use ESD tools where appropriate,” states Eddie. Doing your background research can add many months and years to the life of heavily used tools and equipment.
#2 – Calibrate and maintain your equipment onsite, at regular intervals.
Equipment failure costs dollars in lost productivity and customer dissatisfaction, especially when part of an automated assembly system. Manufacturing firms, large and small, can face significant issues around throughput and product quality if equipment isn’t properly maintained. “In the past, our customers may have leaned towards replacing equipment that fell out of repair or calibration. Now, they’re leaning towards inexpensive ways of keeping their pneumatic screwdrivers and torque screwdrivers in shape,” says Eddie. Plan to check and calibrate your equipment and tools at regular intervals, and not when problems arise. Invest in an in-house calibration tool like a torque tester. Over time, you’ll save money, and you might just improve product quality, too.
#3- Contract an outside agency to calibrate and maintain your capital equipment.
There are many firms that specialize in maintaining and calibrating the equipment you already own. Build relationships with the ones you trust, and it will pay off. “Over the years, our customers know they can get a reliable NIST certification from us, or bring us into the manufacturing plant to discuss long term torque tool repair. The best capital equipment companies stay for the life of the tool,” Eddie states.
#4- For the simple repairs, buy the spare part, and fix it yourself.
When purchasing capital equipment, find a company that sells the equipment, knows how it’s put together, and sells the spare parts. “A few minutes of homework can be the difference between a three dollar clutch spring, and the purchase of a brand new tool,” continues Eddie. In Flexible Assembly’s case, they’ve launched a spare parts section of their website, created step-by-step YouTube repair videos, and exploded online views of their tools for customers to reference. By keeping things simple, the company has been able to help customers with some common basic repairs.
#5- Seek out product replacement with firms focused on ongoing repair.
Equipment and tools eventually need to be replaced, and dollars eventually do need to be allocated to purchase. Again, try seeking out firms with a long-term maintenance policy, as opposed to a focus on new product purchase. If you do your research online, you’ll notice these firms because of easily accessible technical resources and product warranties they provide. “We were very vigilant when we went online to let customers know we were there for the long-haul”, Eddie says. “We wanted our customers to know that if their electric screwdriver fell out of repair, we were the experts, whether or not they bought the tool from us.” Try calling a technician at the firm, and ask a few basic questions before throwing down your money. Some quick conversations can give you a much deeper sense of how devoted the company is to maintaining your budget.
Flexible Assembly Systems Inc recently posted a new Torque Tester page to include a larger variety of torque testers, torque meters, and torque gauges. Please visit the link below for additional information.
http://www.flexibleassembly.com/Products/torque-testerFlexible Assembly Systems Inc recently updated the Pneumatic Screwdriver page to include a larger variety of torque controlled Pneumatic screwdrivers. Please visit the link below for additional information.
http://www.flexibleassembly.com/Products/pneumatic-screwdriverSince the recent downturn in economic conditions in the manufacturing marketplace, manufacturing companies have not just been trimming payrolls, but also capital budgets, as a way of staying competitive. Despite the growing need for assembly with high torque accuracy, expenses associated with ISO 9000 or internal quality metric compliance have stayed constant for assembly firms. Poor product quality due to improper torque measurement has been costly for many firms. Recognizing the need for torque calibration and maintenance with its own clientele, Flexible Assembly Systems launched a torque calibration and maintenance program for light assembly companies seeking to extend their capital budgets, without compromising on quality.
In the past, light assembly companies would allocate significantly more dollars to new capital equipment, including new torque screwdrivers. Maintenance and calibration were important, but have taken a new role as companies are seeking ways to extend the life of their tools. “Instead of buying new capital equipment, one of the services we’re providing is helping companies maintain existing electric screwdrivers, torque screwdrivers, and torque tools,” states Eddie Silverberg, President of Flexible Assembly Systems. The company has launched a series of well received services over the last year, including YouTube repair videos, a torque screwdriver spare parts section of its website, torque tool resource pages, an expanded torque tester webpage, and a revamped NIST certification request process.
“Our customers have asked for a 360 degree field of services to help them keep their tools functioning well over the long-run. With our torque tool calibration and repair services, we’ve seen a spike in electronics, automotive, and other industries seeking to maintain existing fastening tools in the face of cost-cutting,” states Eddie Silverberg. By providing products and services for both in-house calibration and repair, and a full-time torque calibration and repair staff at Flexible, the firm has been able to help with the increasing demand for these types of customer requests.
About Flexible Assembly Systems, Inc.
Flexible Assembly Systems has been working together with firms requiring light-assembly solutions since 2003. The company’s product list is extensive, and includes assembly tools, automotive tools, torque products, bits and fastener systems, and material handling systems.
Listen to Eddie Silverberg and Ken Rayment discuss how Flexible Assembly Systems has helped its customer base maintain capital equipment and their budgets in tough economic times.
Podcast Interview with Eddie Silverberg from Flexible Assembly Systems
With every use, your tools loose torque accuracy.Flexible Assembly is a leader in torque testing and calibration you can count on for expert advice. Here are some common questions our customers ask about torque testing:
When do I know if I’m ready for a torque tester?
If 6 months have passed since your tool’s purchase, or it’s undergone some heavy short-term use, chances are, your tool is out of torque calibration.
What are important features to help me choose a torque tester?
Large Variety: We offer torque analyzers from 5 In Oz to 5000 Ft Lbs of torque range. With that amount of torque range coverage, we can get you the right torque tester for your needs.
High Accuracy: You’re going to need very good accuracy to ensure your tool is calibrated. Our torque testers have accuracy to within 0.25%.
Quality: Our torque testers include a standard 1 year warranty with some models offering up to 3 years of warranty coverage.
Lowest Price: Flexible Assembly offers the lowest price on our torque testers. You’ll find one of our high quality models at below $1000.
How do I determine the right torque meter for my calibration need?
You’ll first need to know the torque of your target application. You’ll notice that our torque analyzers fall into different ‘series’ groupings, with each series containing the same general product, with a different torque range. If you’re calibrating a torque tool, please note the manufacturer’s specifications.
Example: Our Ingersoll-Rand ES60P tool has a range of 4.0 – 17.0 In Lb, and your torque fastening application requires a torque of 10.0 In Lbs (plus or minus 0.1 In lbs, or within 1.0% accuracy). A smart choice would be our FAS-QCI series torque tester, with between 2.5 to 25.0 In Lbs of torque range.
How do I convert between different torque metrics of In Lbs and N-M commonly used in manufacturer specifications?
You’ll notice our torque calculator on all of our pages under the tab, Shop. This will allow you to convert between different the different metrics. Please note that we have an easy-to-use Torque Conversion Table in our Technical Resources page.
Are there other things I need to know about torque testers?
Flexible Assembly offers all the software, cables, and mounting hardware you’ll need, including technician advice to guide you through your torque tester’s setup.
When should I send my tool into Flexible for in-house calibration?If your tool needs repair or ongoing maintenance to maintain high accuracy or your tool needs NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) certification, then in-house torque calibration may be the better option. If so, feel free to visit our Tool Service and Calibration page for instructions on how to do things in-house.
Any other torque gauge questions?Please feel free to Contact Us or call us at (800) 696-7614
http://www.flexibleassembly.com/Torque-Testers-and-Torque-Meters
