In most assemblies that are joined with threaded fasteners, the cost of the fasteners is not as important as the cost of installing them. That makes choosing the right fastening tool of paramount importance. Pneumatic tools are inexpensive, but DC electric tools offer more control and precision. Cordless tools enable assemblers to access fasteners in confined spaces, but they’ll need a steady supply of fully charged batteries. Do you need torque control, angle control, or both? Is it a hard joint or a soft joint? Is it an ordinary run-down or a “safety-critical” joint? Could the materials crack or strip if the fastening parameters are insufficiently controlled?

Do the fasteners need to be installed in a particular sequence? Is data collection and analysis important? Is ergonomics a concern? If production volumes are high enough, you might be able to justify an automatic screwfeeding system or even a screwdriving robot.

Whether you need a handheld torque wrench or a fully automatic screwdriving system, you’ll find it at The ASSEMBLY Show. Nearly two dozen suppliers will be displaying the latest fastening technology at the show.

Become an informed consumer! Before you hit the show floor, tune into this exclusive panel discussion featuring executives from three of the nation’s top suppliers of fastening tools: Desoutter, Panasonic, and TorqTec.

You will learn:

• The advantages and limitations pneumatic tools vs electric tools.
• How to match a tool’s clutch or drive system to the application.
• How to error-proof fastening operations.
• How to collect and analyze data from fastening operations.
• How to justify investment in a fully automatic screwdriving system.

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