Articles 

Low Tech Torque

2011-02-23

Modern assembly plants utilize the latest electronic tooling and torque controls to insure accurate fastening of critical joints. While costly in large volume operations like automotive assembly, they are a necessity to meet safety and other governmental and regulated requirements. But what of the manufacturers who do not require ultra accurate torque control? What of the operations that are located in low technology areas, small businesses bringing work to under- employed people? Cost is a critical factor in low volume industries, especially where anything that affects the small profit margin would impact on the business’ continued life. How can tightening be handled without the fancy tooling? The answer to these questions has been ignored largely because few major users are involved. The small, localized operations are often run with a minimum of formally trained engineers, if any. Decisions are made with little knowledge beyond guesswork and a sense of correctness based on experience. Fortunately many of the products made in these places do not become involved in safety related areas. This is changing. Today many of these smaller companies are seeing contracts for critical work (component sub-assemblies) from larger corporations. How can a small company torque parts without resorting to costly capital investments?