WHITE PAPER EZ-TORQ III TORQUE ANALYZER
Torque verification plan and schedule
A quality manufacturing process must have a daily torque verification plan for any assembly power tools being used in the production area. Manufacturing processes have critical and non-critical assembly parts. An engineer should identify these in order to create a Torque Verification Program, selecting a power tool for a fastening application and establishing a maintenance program. • Power tools used for critical assembly parts must be verified before the start of each manufacturing shift. • Power tools used for non-critical assembly parts should be verified on daily basis. • All power tools must be verified after being serviced or after being relocated to a new work station or new fastening application. • A power tool that drifts out tolerance must be removed from the production area immediately. Potential issues that cause the power tool to be out of tolerance: • Routing maintenance is required for the power tool. • Power tool is due recalibration based on usage. • Poor quality fasteners used for the application impact tool’s performance. • Any changes to the joint components, such as humidity, lubrication, and/or change of materials. • Torque measurement equipment has not been recalibrated as scheduled. Note: All torque testing equipment in a quality manufacturing process environment must be recalibrated at least once a year per ISO17025.
Torque measurement is a key component for any quality control process. Simply tightening a fastener or bolt down until it’s snug and tight, and assuming the torque control process is complete, is no longer sufficient. Measuring torque doesn’t stop once the assembly process is complete. As part of the overall quality control process, manufacturers should include a Torque Verification Program, a method to detect loose fasteners or any signs of joint relaxation. Torque verification validates the fastening process, the torque tool, the product design, and the materials used for the application. The precise control of torque is a key to quality assembly and can ensure that products perform as expected. A single fastener, inaccurately or incorrectly tightened, can lead to the failure of a product, which impacts the bottom line. In many cases, companies spend a great deal of time and money for disposal or repair of damaged parts during assembly, the result of improper torquing. Key reasons for conducting a torque verification: • Substantiates that assembly procedures reflect actual practice (what we say is what we do). • Reveals the consistency with the assembly process (from person to person, or day to day). • Uncovers inaccuracies with the assembly process so it can be quickly corrected. • Promotes ongoing corrective actions. • Encourages process improvement.
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