Product category:
Tooling and tools
News Release from: Norbar Torque Tools | Subject: Torque Screwdriver Tester
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 12 July 2001
Cost effective testing of torque
screwdrivers
Norbar Torque Tools has introduced an instrument offering simple, cost effective testing and calibration of powered and manual torque screwdrivers and other torque tools
Norbar Torque Tools introduces the Torque Screwdriver Tester (TST), a new instrument offering simple, cost effective testing and calibration of powered and manual torque screwdrivers and other torque tools There are three models of the Norbar TST, each incorporating a different integral transducer
The TST 2 measures torques from 0.04 to 2 N.m, the TST 10 measures from 0.5 to 10 N.m and the TST 25 measures from 1.25 to 25 N.m.
Accuracy is Class 1 (+/- 0.5% of the reading) over the primary range of 20-100% of scale.
A feature that adds greatly to the flexibility of the instrument is that it has a port for an external transducer.
This can either be from Norbar's "Smart" range or a mV/V transducer from Norbar or other manufacturers.
Norbar "Smart" transducers have built in memory so that they will be recognised by the TST.
There are no calibration factors to enter or amplifier units to insert.
As soon as the instrument is switched to the external port, any connected "Smart" transducer will be ready to use.
For transducers that are not "Smart", the procedure is also very simple.
The TST can memorise the calibration parameters for up to 20 transducers.
Once these have been entered into the memory, they can be easily called back using an index numbering system.
The TST is supplied with a Rundown Fixture for testing power tools.
The purpose of this is to simulate the conditions provided by a bolted joint in order to get the tool to behave in a similar way under test as it does in normal use.
Norbar's emphasis in the design of the Rundown has been to engineer a package that will give a greater consistency of reading than is often the case with similar devices.
The TST features a pictorial display panel and a membrane keypad for the simple selection of the numerous operating modes which are available to suit the majority of torque applications.
The basic set-up of the instrument is highly automated to make it the most user-friendly instrument of its type available.
Operators no longer need to understand when to use the four operating modes - "peak", "first peak", "manual reset" and "auto reset".
Instead, the control panel uses diagrams of various types of torque tool, and the operator simply presses the button corresponding to the tool under test.
The TST does the rest, selecting the appropriate test mode and frequency response.
The frequency response can however be set manually by the user, if required, between 100 and 6000 Hz.
To make the system completely foolproof, the TST can be set up by a supervisor and password protected so that when it is issued to the test area, only the required modes of operation and units of calibration are enabled.
Errors resulting from the incorrect selection of options can be virtually eliminated.
The instrument can be mains or battery operated and a rechargeable NiMH battery pack is included which will give approximately 16 hours of operation.
When used on mains power, a display screen back light will come into operation and the battery pack will be recharged.
The Torque Screwdriver Tester is supplied with two UKAS certificates of calibration.
One is for the entire system including the internal transducer and the other is for the instrument itself excluding the internal transducer.
This ensures that, provided the external transducer is itself calibrated, full system traceability is maintained.
Transducer calibrations are carried out to BS7882:1997 in Norbar's own UKAS accredited laboratory.
Other features of the TST include: limit detectors with LEDs to indicate Low/ Pass/ High readings, pulse count for use with impulse tools and both RS232 and analogue data output ports.
Users of powered torque screwdrivers have, up to now, had a limited choice of suitable instruments for their testing and calibration.
Norbar's entry into this field immediately sets a new standard for accuracy, ease of use and flexibility. Request a free brochure from Norbar Torque Tools ...
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