Lockbolt for Heavy-Duty Structural Applications
High strength, vibration resistant, and eco-friendly, the NeoBolt lockbolt is for heavy-duty structural applications. This unique two-piece fastener features locking grooves for strength and vibration resistance.
Unlike traditional lockbolt fasteners, there is no pin break, so there is reduced noise, no metal waste, no installation shock, no risk of pintails being dropped into the application or work area, and no corrosion at a pin-break surface. With no shock loads, tool life is extended and operator fatigue is reduced. Additionally, the helical “fit- up” feature allows rapid pre-assembly of the collar onto the pin. There’s no need to support the pin during placement.
NeoBolt creates a maintenance-free hold, with no torque or re-torque required. Radial bars on the flange provide a visual indication that the fastener has been fully swaged. Installation is not dependent on operator experience.
Assembly applications include railcars, trucks, trailers, commercial vehicles, solar and wind energy installations, mining equipment, and screening equipment. Available in many diameters and lengths, the lockbolts can be placed with a range of installation tools.
Stanley Engineered Fastening
www.stanleyengineeredfastening.com
Robotic Screwdriving System
Cartesian or SCARA screwdriving robots can be integrated into standalone assembly cells or fully automated assembly lines. Cartesian systems can be equipped with one or more screwdriving spindles and can accommodate almost any fastener pattern.
These systems increase production volume while reducing assembly cost. High actuator speeds decrease travel time, which reduces overall cycle time.
The controller interfaces with the machine PLC to govern the movement of the robot, feeder actuation, and driver advance. The robot can be programmed through various means, including a teach pendant, which allows for easy changes in the assembly pattern.
The robots can be equipped with pneumatic or DC electric screwdrivers. If the machine uses multiple pneumatic drivers, it can be equipped with an air tank to ensure a stable air supply. The DTI 5000 bowl feeder can deliver fasteners to multiple drivers from a single bowl.
The machines can be designed with shuttle tables or indexers to allow the operator to load assemblies while the machine is cycling.
Various safety systems are available to prevent injuries. Light curtains and palm or optical-touch buttons ensure that the operator’s hands are clear of the assembly area when the cycle begins. Guards are also designed for each machine to eliminate the chance of someone entering the machine envelope while it is operating.
Design Tool Inc.
www.designtoolinc.com
Cobot Installs Clips
This cobot workcell automatically installs clips in automotive interior trim assemblies. It combines a UR-10 collaborative robot from Universal Robots with a VIM-700 clip insertion and feeding system from Visumatic. Automating the clip insertion process saves labor costs and provides ergonomic advantages. The height of the work surface is adjustable to allow the operator to work in optimal comfort. The workcell includes a smart clamping part fixture that senses part presence. A dual-hand optical-touch cycle start button ensures operator safety.
All sequencing is managed by the Universal Robot controller. The machine installs the clips in a predetermined order, monitors the process for proper insertion depth, and logs each successful insertion to qualify the assembly.
Visumatic Industrial Products
www.visumatic.com
Cordless Nutrunner for Safety-Critical Fastening
The next generation of the NEXO cordless nutrunner has a modern, user-friendly design with significantly improved ergonomics and reliable performance. The browser-based operating system and integrated display provide a clear overview of the current tightening results and reliable connectivity to remote systems. The handheld tool is available as a pistol or right-angle nutrunner and meets the strict requirements of the VDI/VDE 2862 for Category A tightening, which is ideal for safety-critical tightening applications.
The intuitive user interface ensures ease of use. Accessing the tool is simply accomplished via a web browser over Wi-Fi or USB, allowing any connected device such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet to be used for setup, diagnostics and monitoring. With the controller integrated directly onboard the tool, no additional hardware is required for operation, enabling the tool to work independently and flexibly in any production environment.
With decentralized operation and enhanced diagnostic options directly on the large color display, users experience increased engagement at every step of the process. This provides clear worker feedback, contributing to higher uptime and improved ability to troubleshoot production issues directly in the workcell.
The tool is powered by the widely available Bosch ProCORE 18-volt battery. Short charging times and quick battery changes are possible with an innovative keep-alive function to ensure minimal downtime. In addition, multicolor LEDs on the tool body provide visual feedback to the user, even in difficult working positions.
The tool is also equipped with a modern WLAN module for Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and network performance. This allows the tool to remain online during a software update or provide options, such as a manual mode, where the tool can continue to be operated with full functionality even in the event of a network failure.
The tool also features an all-new hardware platform based on a four-core processor, ensuring reliable computing power even for complex applications. A new servomotor delivers maximum performance, with an improved power-to-weight ratio and higher speeds. Maximum flexibility for every application is guaranteed by a modular output system. An accessory interface enables flexible hardware expansion with items such as an external trigger or handling device. The integrated camera-based scanner can also be used to process many new types and sizes of ID codes.
Bosch Rexroth Corp.
www.boschrexroth.com
