Pneumatic fastening tools are utilized in a wide range of manufacturing applications. These tools are lightweight, strong, and offer rapid and efficient operation as well as reliable fastening across a wide variety of material thicknesses. To get optimal outcomes, several criteria must be addressed while selecting the suitable tool.
The first criteria for selecting a pneumatic tool should be application. What exactly does the work entail? What materials are you dealing with? What obstacles will you confront in completing the work swiftly and efficiently?
Different applications require different types of tools and fasteners.
Application
Fasteners are used in many industrial applications, to name a few.
- Automotive and modes of transportation: Fasteners are used in the assembly of a broad variety of vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, aircraft, and specialised construction equipment.
- Construction: In building and construction applications, scaffolding and other support structures require many fasteners to maintain their stability while in operation.
- Fasteners used in the maritime sector must be corrosion resistant in order to withstand the prolonged exposure to seawater that marine decks, ramps, bulkheads, and tanks endure.
- Military: Heat exchangers, equipment motors and engines, and processing equipment are all common fastening applications.
- Electricity: Electrical equipment, exhaust systems, motors and pumps, and storage containers are examples of typical user fasteners.
Fasteners
“Fasteners” is a term that refers to screws, bolts, nuts, and other tools of a similar nature all fulfilling the same purpose. Fasteners are made from a variety of materials, including alloy steel, aluminium, brass, silicon bronze, and stainless steel. The blend of material, treatment, hardening, and coating (also known as plating) is critical in determining the strength and application of each fastener.
It is extremely important to consider certain aspects when choosing the right bolt for an application. Size, shape, thread type, length, material, coating, fit classes, and grade are some of the factors considered.
Grade of a bolt
The grade of a bolt specifies the maximum amount of stress that it can bear.it also aids in determining which tools are appropriate for tightening particular bolts. Furthermore, the sort of procedure used to tighten the bolt is determined by the grade of the bolt. As a result, understanding the grade of a bolt is critical in order to utilize it correctly.
Bolts are graded according to their strength. There are several bolt grades available that are suited for a wide range of applications and situations.
Grade 2: Grade 2 bolts are typically constructed of low-to-moderate carbon steel. This grade of bolt has no radial lines. In nominal diameters ranging from 1/4′′ to 3/4′′, this bolt has a minimum tensile strength of approximately 57000 psi and a yield strength of 36000 psi.
Grade-5: 5 radial lines are included in grade 5 bolts. Medium carbon steel is used to make these bolts. There are two sizes available: 1/4′′ to 1′′ and 1′′ to 1 1/2′′, with proof loads ranging from 85000 psi to 74000 psi.
Grade-8-bolts: Bolts of grade 8 are constructed of medium carbon alloy steel. This grade of bolt has six radial lines. Grade 8 bolts are available in sizes ranging from 1/4′′ to 1 1/2′′. This grade of bolt has a minimum yield strength of 130,000 psi. Grade 8 bolts can withstand a maximum tensile force (proof load) of 120,000 psi.
Bolts of Grade-S can withstand stresses ranging from 45 to 49.9 MT per 6.45 cm3. Bolts of this type are heavy duty bolts that are robust and long lasting, and are consequently employed in a wide range of high – pressure applications.
Now that we know about different types of fasteners and their grades, it is time to focus on the different facets of the tool.
Torque
Torque is used for creating tension. Bolts connect two components so that they can withstand tensile (pulling apart) and shear (sliding apart) pressures.
The amount of torque required is determined by two relevant questions:
The bolt’s material properties (what metal it is made of) and its purpose.
Torque wrenches can measure the amount of torque exerted in analogue or digital forms. Torque wrenches are precise instruments that must be used carefully to prevent unnecessary recalibration. Once a torque standard has been established, the joint should be audited to ensure that the product has been secured to the prescribed torque. It is critical to audit the joint for accuracy and to verify that your product’s quality, reliability, and dependability are not jeopardized.
Dynamic torque is the amount of torque required for a component to spin at an angular speed after it starts spinning. Running torque measurement is critical for spotting quality concerns with an assembly or damaged components.
Although it is a typical component of the tightening process, operators must have instinctive, effective solutions to minimize issues that might emerge when prevailing torque is overlooked or disregarded. Operators can prematurely move on to the next tightening sequence without adequately completing the one before due to prevailing torque.
Soft or hard joint
Joints that are ‘soft’ have parts that compress easily, meaning that fasteners extend much later and angles are considerably greater. Usually, this consists of a pair of metal parts separated by a gasket or spring washer. The term ‘hard joint’ refers to the assembly of parts or components that do not easily compress during an assembly process. There is a significantly lower angle required and the fasteners begin to yield much sooner. Typically, this is a joint between metals.
Cycle Time
While selecting a fastening tool, it is important to check the cycle time. High speed tools are critical for maintaining maximum productivity in high-cycle applications. A good cycle time is considered to be 3-5 seconds.
Conclusion
Finding the appropriate tools is a critical step for manufacturers. While simpler torque wrenches serve for minor repairs, higher-level work necessitates the use of more advanced equipment. High-quality tools prevent breakdowns and deadly accidents on the road by ensuring that important assemblies remain intact. Consequently, these firms earn a positive reputation as a result of their solid track record.
Since 1972, IEC Air Tools Pvt. Ltd. has been one of the leading producers of industrial pneumatic tools located in Pune, India. The company is likely India’s largest maker of air tools, and its products are used by top manufacturers. Their products are deployed in the ancillary units of automobile and motorcycle manufacturing facilities and white goods industries. To know more about their products and prices, do drop a line at Contact us at contact@iecairtools.com or +91 (20) 25651421 or 25651241.
