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Electric torque wrench, also known as adjustable torque electric wrench, is a kind of electric wrench, and its main feature is that the torque can be set. It is mainly used for fastening high-strength bolts. In mechanical engineering, electric torque wrenches play an important role.

In this article, we will explore the advantages and benefits of using electric torque wrenches in mechanical engineering applications.

I. Working principle and characteristics of electric torque wrench

A. Working principle:

An electric torque wrench generates torque through an electric drive. When the power is turned on, the electric motor drives the torque output shaft to rotate, and the output shaft transmits the torque to the planetary gear at the front end of the wrench, and the torque is amplified by the planetary gear to reach the torque required for tightening the bolt.

The electric torque wrench has an automatic control function, which can preset the required torque value. The electric torque wrench monitors the torque value on the output shaft in real-time through the built-in sensor. When the set torque value is reached, the electric wrench will automatically stop the torque output to prevent over-tightening.

Features:

Efficient and fast: The electric drive enables the electric torque wrench to complete tasks quickly when tightening and loosening bolts, improving work efficiency.

Precise control: The built-in torque sensor can accurately measure the torque value to achieve precise torque control, avoiding the risk of over-tightening and loosening of bolts.

Automatic stop: The electric torque wrench will automatically stop outputting torque after reaching the preset torque, avoiding human judgment and operation errors.

Wide range of applications: The electric torque wrench is suitable for bolts and nuts of different specifications and sizes, and can be flexibly used in various mechanical engineering scenarios.

Improved Safety: Precise torque control and automatic stop function help prevent bolt breakage, loosening, and work accidents, improving work safety.

Data recording and tracking: The electric torque wrench is equipped with a data recording function, which can record the torque value and tightening process, and can be connected to a computer via WIFI or Bluetooth.

Lightweight and Portable: Some electric torque wrenches are designed with a lightweight design, which is easy to carry and move, and is suitable for on-site operations.

II. Improve work efficiency and accuracy

A. Automatic control and preset torque

In mechanical engineering, the electric torque wrench can apply precise torque for the tightening of bolts to ensure the safe and stable operation of machinery. Insufficient bolt torque will not cause damage to the machine during operation and endanger the safety of workers, and excessive torque will not cause damage to the bolts.

Through simple output torque preset, the electric torque wrench can automatically control the torque output to complete the bolt tightening.

B. Ability to quickly tighten and loosen bolts

The electric torque wrench is equipped with an electric motor, which can generate high-speed rotating power output. This enables the electric wrench to quickly complete the action when tightening and loosening the bolts. Once the set torque value is reached, the tool will automatically stop the torque output.

C. Reduce human labor and operating time

Due to the high speed and automatic control function of the electric torque wrench, it can be independently completed by one operator to tighten and loosen the bolts without additional manpower. The speed and efficiency of the electric torque wrench make it especially suitable for production lines and assembly processes that tighten and loosen bolts in large quantities.

III. Suitable for high-strength and high-volume fastening

A. High torque output and high strength application

High torque output:

Electric torque wrenches usually have a large torque output range and can cover different torque levels from a few Newton meters (N·m) to thousands of Newton meters.

The large torque output enables the electric torque wrench to cope with the fastening tasks of various large and important equipment, such as bridges, building structures, oil and gas equipment, wind power generation equipment, etc.

In these applications, a large torque output is usually required to ensure that the bolts are tightened firmly to meet the engineering requirements under high loads and complex working conditions.

High-Strength Applications:

High-strength applications often involve the tightening of high-strength bolts and nuts, which are often used for special engineering projects that require torque beyond the normal range.

The high torque output of an electric torque wrench makes it ideal for high-intensity applications. It provides sufficient torque to tighten high-strength bolts and ensure they meet specific design requirements and engineering standards.

High-strength applications include aerospace, shipbuilding, nuclear power plant construction, large-scale mechanical equipment, and other fields. These projects have very strict requirements on the fastening of bolts and have high requirements on the reliability and accuracy of tools.

B. Advantages of mass fastening and mass production

In batch tightening and mass production, a large number of bolts need to be tightened, and using a manual wrench will consume a lot of time and manpower. The electric torque wrench has high-speed drive and automatic control functions, which can quickly complete the tightening of bolts and greatly improve work efficiency.

Batch fastening and mass production often require significant labor input. The use of electric torque wrenches can reduce the dependence on manpower, reduce labor costs, and reduce the risk of errors and accidents caused by human operations.

Electric torque wrenches can usually work continuously without frequent stops to change batteries or perform other maintenance. This is very important for long-term continuous operation to ensure the smooth progress of the production process.

In mass production, it is very important to maintain consistent product quality. The electric torque wrench can ensure that each bolt is tightened to the precise torque value, so as to realize the unified control of product quality.

C. Reliability and stability in the face of challenges

Electric torque wrenches usually have a large torque output range to handle a variety of high-load and large-scale tightening tasks. It easily handles those applications that require a high torque output, ensuring a strong and reliable bolt.

Electric torque wrenches are designed with long-term continuous use in mind. It is usually equipped with a high-quality electric motor and cooling system to ensure stable operation under high-intensity operations without overheating or damage.

In the face of engineering scenarios that require very precise torque, the electric torque wrench can provide high-precision torque control.

The structure of the electric torque wrench is usually made of high-strength materials, which have good durability and reliability. After strict quality control and testing, it is guaranteed that it can still operate stably under harsh environments and high-intensity use.

IV. Improve safety and avoid overtightening

A. Advantages of preset torque control

The preset torque control allows the user to set the desired torque value before using the electric torque wrench. This ensures accuracy and consistency in the tightening process, preventing over- or under-tightening.

For high-precision and sensitive engineering applications, preset torque control can avoid damage caused by the over-tightening of bolts.

Preset torque control makes the tightening process faster and more efficient. Workers do not need to repeatedly check the torque value during the fastening process but only need to set the required torque value, which saves a lot of time and labor and improves work efficiency.

The preset torque control makes the operation of the electric torque wrench simpler and easier to master.

B. Prevent the risk of bolt loosening and nut slippage

The electric torque wrench is equipped with a torque sensor, which can monitor the torque output in real-time and achieve precise torque control. Ensure accurate torque output for each bolt or nut, preventing the loosening of bolts and slipping of nuts.

C. Protecting the Safety of Workers and Equipment

Electric torque wrenches are usually equipped with an automatic stop function, once the preset torque value is reached, the tool will automatically stop outputting torque and send a clear stop signal. It reduces the chance that workers need to operate manually for a long time. This reduces the risk of labor injuries and hand fatigue from prolonged exertion. And remind workers to remain alert to the fastening process to prevent safety accidents caused by negligence or neglect.

High-precision torque control ensures accurate torque output for each bolt or nut. This is essential when installing delicate components or high-load equipment.

V. Suitable for different types of bolts and nuts

Standard Hex Bolts and Nuts: Electric torque wrenches are suitable for a variety of standard hex bolts and nuts, the most common type of bolts and nuts used in a wide variety of engineering and assembly applications.

Studs: Electric torque wrenches are also suitable for use with studs, which are bolts without a nut that are typically used in hollow pipes to join two parts.

Allen bolts and nuts: Allen bolts and nuts have hexagonal holes and usually require an Allen wrench or wrench socket for tightening. Electric torque wrenches can also be adapted for this type of bolts and nuts.

Ring bolts and nuts: Ring bolts and nuts are a special connection, and electric torque wrenches can also be applied to this type of bolts and nuts.

Special bolts and nuts: In addition to the common types of bolts and nuts, the electric torque wrench can also be applied to some special bolts and nuts, such as special materials, special shapes, or specially designed joints.

Electric torque wrenches have wide applicability in mechanical engineering applications and can be used for many types of bolts and nuts. When in use, the appropriate sleeve can be replaced according to the need to fasten different bolts.

VI. Cost-effectiveness and long-term investment

A. Return on investment in the electric torque wrench

The returns brought by electric torque wrenches are huge, mainly including:

Improve production efficiency: The electric torque wrench can quickly complete the fastening task, saving a lot of time and human resources.

Reduce labor costs: reduce the dependence on manpower and save labor costs.

Reduced Risk of Accidents: High-precision torque control and even torque distribution reduce the possibility of loosening and slipping, improving workplace safety.

Improve tightening quality: Precise torque control ensures that each bolt is properly tightened.

C. Comparison of long-term use costs and benefits

Main cost

Initial Investment: The initial cost of purchasing an electric torque wrench is a significant long-term cost.

Maintenance costs: Electric torque wrenches require regular maintenance, including replacement parts, lubrication, and calibration.

Energy Consumption: Electric torque wrenches require electricity or batteries to power them, so there is an energy consumption cost.

Benefit

Improved production efficiency: The electric torque wrench can quickly complete the fastening task, improving production efficiency.

Quality stability: The electric torque wrench is equipped with precise torque control to ensure stable and consistent tightening quality. Reduce quality problems and after-sales problems.

Labor Savings: For frequent bolting tasks. Reduced dependence on labor.

VII. Application cases and actual effects

Petrochemical Industry – Fastening Operation Steps of Flange Bolts

In this article, you will be able to see the use of an electric torque wrench to tighten flange bolts.

VIII. Finally

In mechanical engineering, the electric torque wrench has unparalleled advantages in tightening bolts accurately, improving work efficiency, saving labor, and reducing the risk of accidents. Therefore, TorcStark hopes that mechanical engineers will adopt the electric torque wrench to improve the level of engineering practice in the right situation.