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Writer's pictureRob Seymour

Micro Screw-Feeding and Fastening on #0-60, #2-56, and #4-40 with Dispensing, Inspection, and Torque Validation.

Updated: Oct 20



Small screw feeding and fastening is a critical process in many industries, from electronics to automotive. Ensuring that screws are accurately fed, fastened, and torqued is essential for product quality and reliability. In this article, we will discuss a small screw feeding and fastening system that incorporates dispensing Loctite, inspecting the thread count, and validating torque using a double redundancy system. Additionally, we will explore how to collect and analyze data to establish baseline trends and identify potential issues.



System Components

The small screw feeding and fastening system consists of several key components:

* Screw Feeder: This device accurately feeds screws to the fastening station.

* Loctite Dispenser: This unit applies Loctite adhesive to the threads of the screws before fastening.

* Thread Count Inspection System: This system verifies that the correct number of threads are present on each screw.

* Torque Screwdriver: This tool applies the required torque to fasten the screws.

* Torque Transducer: This sensor measures the dynamic torque the screwdriver applies to validate no sensor drift.

* Data Acquisition System: This system collects data from the various components of the system, including torque readings, thread count inspections, and Loctite dispensing information.


Process Overview

The small screw feeding and fastening process involves the following steps:


* Screw Feeding: Screws are fed from a hopper to the screw feeder, which accurately dispenses them to the fastening station.

* Loctite Dispensing: The Loctite dispenser applies a predetermined amount of adhesive to the threads of each screw.

* Thread Count Inspection: The thread count inspection system verifies that the correct number of threads are present on the screw. If a screw is found to have an incorrect number of threads, it is rejected.

* Fastening: The torque screwdriver fastens the screw to the specified torque.

* Torque Validation: The torque transducer measures the torque applied by the screwdriver and compares it to the target torque. If the torque is within tolerance, the screw is considered properly fastened.

* Data Collection: The data acquisition system collects data points for each screw, including torque readings, thread count inspection results, and Loctite dispensing information.


Double Redundancy Torque Validation


To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the torque validation process, a double redundancy system is implemented. This means that two separate torque transducers are used to measure the torque applied by the screwdriver. The readings from the two transducers are compared, and if they are within a specified tolerance, the screw is considered properly fastened. If the readings differ significantly, the screw is rejected and further investigation is required.



Data Analysis and Trend Establishment

The data collected by the system is stored in a database and analyzed to establish baseline trends and identify potential issues. By tracking trends over time, it is possible to detect changes in process performance and take corrective action as needed. Some of the key metrics that can be analyzed include:


* Torque Variation: The variation in torque readings over time can be analyzed to identify trends and detect potential issues with the fastening process.

* Thread Count Defects: The rate of thread count defects can be tracked to assess the quality of the screws being used.

* Loctite Dispensing Accuracy: The accuracy of the Loctite dispensing process can be evaluated to ensure that the correct amount of adhesive is being applied to each screw.

* System Uptime: The overall uptime of the system can be monitored to assess its reliability and identify areas for improvement.





By establishing baseline trends and analyzing data for deviations, it is possible to identify potential issues early on and take corrective action to prevent product defects and downtime. This proactive approach can help to improve product quality, reduce costs, and increase overall efficiency.


Explore how SEYMOUR Advanced Technologies can help you embrace the future of micron-precision manufacturing—today.



 


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