Did you know that an incorrect screw fastening sequence can provide unreliable results? The wrong sequence could cause manufacturing failures and add additional rework expenses. Joint relaxation occurs to some extent in all fastened joints and is a problem in joints where gaskets, or parts such as spring washers and plastics, are utilized. It can…
Flat-pack furniture famously exported by Scandinavia offers practical lessons about the importance of assembly line ergonomics. Assembling the furniture doesn’t seem difficult, especially if you have your own power tools, along with the small disposable screwdrivers and hex keys that come with the furniture. However, once you have it assembled, you may find your hands…
Workplace injuries are a multi-billion dollar dilemma, especially for the manufacturing and production industry. These injuries result in: Lost productivity Increased insurance premiums Legal expenses All of which cost companies time and money. The cost of preventing these injuries before they happen is always lower than the cost of dealing with injuries after they occur.…
Safeguarding against sequence and tightening failures requires you to deploy tools equipped with error-proofing capabilities that track each screw the tools fasten. Eliminate product rework and warranties by adding another layer of error-proofing to the manufacturing line. Common Sequence & Tightening Failures Under-tightening: Loose fasteners cause slippage between parts, placing unwanted shear stress Gasket creep…
Since the day we figured out the wheel, humans have separated ourselves by working smarter, not harder. After all, our bodies can only take so much. There’s no way we could transport, lift, and stack the granite and limestone of the pyramids without barges, ramps, and pulleys. Modern electric screwdrivers allow workers to manufacture the…
Imagine your job is lifting a five pound weight. Pretty easy, right? Most healthy adults don’t have an issue picking up something that light or even holding it about their heads for a few minutes. Pick it up, put it down, go home, get your paycheck. Unfortunately, your boss knows how easy it is for…
The daily repetitive process of fastening screw after screw with a power tool exposes operators to the risk of injury. An assembly operator freely holding and using a power tool is an opportunity for cross threading and side load to occur, which causes fastening failures. Implementing an ergonomic torque arm into the assembly process will…
Specifying a fastening sequence is a good manufacturing procedure to implement for many assembly projects. It can be critical for key torque applications. The wrong sequence could cause manufacturing failures and add additional rework expenses. The sequence of tightening bolts or screws can have a major influence on the resulting preloads. A good tightening sequence ensures…
A poorly designed and functioning assembly worksite leads to potential employee injuries and additional expenses can incur. With large volume manufacturing facilities, power tools are often used for tightening down fasteners. Assembly power tools increase productivity and reduce manufacturing costs. Tools that operate at high speeds increase risk factors. Power tools generally produce unwanted torque…
Many joints consist of more than one fastener and tightening together surfaces that are not completely flat can be a very challenging torque problem. The sequence of tightening fasteners can have a major influence on the resulting preload and clamping force, which is what holds two parts together. With such joints, consideration should be given…