Key Takeaways
- EC nutrunners are electronically controlled tools designed for precise tightening and loosening of screws, ensuring accurate torque regulation and preventing material damage.
- They are available in two main types: hand-held nutrunners for mobile use and built-in nutrunners for stationary applications, with torque ranges from 0.05 Nm to 60 Nm for hand-held models and up to 2400 Nm for built-in versions.
- Common applications include the automotive industry, electronics manufacturing, mechanical engineering, and medical technology, where consistent quality and efficiency are critical.
EC nutrunners are an integral part of many assembly processes in numerous companies and are utilized in various industries.
EC Nutrunners — Definition and Types
An EC nutrunner is an electronically controlled tool designed for the precise fastening and removal of screws.
Generally, there are two types:
- Hand-held nutrunners for mobile use
- Built-in nutrunners for stationary applications
Meaning
EC nutrunner is an abbreviation for electronically commutated nutrunner.
The electronic control ensures accurate torque regulation during tightening, resulting in increased precision.
This not only helps to maintain consistent quality in each individual assembly step, but also prevents material damage.
Therefore, EC nutrunners are particularly suited for precision work and are widely used in industrial mass production.
Applications include:
- Automotive industry
- Manufacturing of electronics
- Mechanical engineering
- Medical technology
Although it seems obvious to compare EC nutrunners with cordless screwdrivers, they differ greatly in terms of performance.
Motors in standard products do not achieve the required precision at higher torques to correctly fasten specific screws.
Compact cordless screwdrivers sold for household use have torques significantly below 10 Nm.
On the other hand, hand-held nutrunners for professional assembly are available with torques ranging from 0.05 to 60 Nm — built-in nutrunners even with up to 2400 Nm.
EC Nutrunners: Safe and Efficient Manufacturing
In manufacturing EC nutrunners are of considerable significance as their combined use with other tools greatly enhances workflow and efficiency.
The electronic regulation of the motor helps to avoid undesirable side effects that can occur with manual or pneumatic tightening.
Advantage
Mainly EC nutrunners prevent overtightening or undertightening of screws, thus protecting components from substantial damage.
Screws can be fastened more quickly and each time with consistently applied pressure.
Insufficient clamping force is among the many results of using the incorrect torque and can lead to failure of a screw fitting.
Such defects can occur not only during assembly, but also during disassembly which is sometimes needed for maintenance purposes.
As a consequence, the function of an entire system can be impaired because of one screw.
In addition, many industries require the use of special screws that, due to their shape, have specific installation requirements.
Achieving the correct torque can be especially challenging when it comes to small screw connections.
Therefore, it is crucial to choose an EC nutrunner tailored to the intended task.
Overview: 3 Types of EC Nutrunners
The key factors to consider when choosing the right EC nutrunner include:
- Correct torque
- Size and shape of the screws to be fastened
- Working environment
In high-volume manufacturing, ergonomically shaped nutrunners significantly relieve the workforce.
There are 3 common forms of EC nutrunners:
| Form | Function | DSM models |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | Universally applicable for a secure assembly process. | DSH 16 DSH 26 DSH 38 DS 26 DS 34 DS 44 DS 57 DS 80 DS 80–130 |
| Pistol | Ideal for tasks that need to be performed with a lot of strength over extended periods of time. | DS 34‑P DS 44‑P |
| Angled | Ensure comfortable use, even in narrow workspaces. | DSH 34 DSH 44 |
Consistent documentation
EC nutrunners can not only record, but also evaluate and document the assembly process.
Compared to pneumatic technology they offer higher process reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is an EC Nutrunner?
An EC (Electronically Commutated) nutrunner is a precision electric tightening tool equipped with a brushless motor and integrated sensors for torque and angle measurement, ensuring accurate and repeatable fastening processes.
2. What are the advantages of EC nutrunners over conventional tools?
EC nutrunners offer high precision, real-time process monitoring, reduced maintenance due to brushless motors, and seamless integration into automated production systems, enhancing overall assembly quality.
3. In which industries are EC nutrunners commonly used?
They are widely utilized in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, and general manufacturing industries, where precise torque control and data traceability are critical for quality assurance.
4. How is torque controlled in an EC nutrunner?
Torque is managed through integrated transducers and electronic controllers that monitor and adjust torque and angle parameters in real-time, ensuring consistent and accurate fastening.
5. What types of EC nutrunners are available?
EC nutrunners come in various configurations, including pistol grip, straight, and right-angle designs, as well as handheld and fixtured models, to accommodate different assembly requirements and space constraints.
6. Can EC nutrunners be integrated into automated assembly lines?
Yes, EC nutrunners are designed for easy integration into automated and semi-automated assembly lines, offering communication interfaces for real-time data exchange and process control.
7. What torque ranges do EC nutrunners cover?
Depending on the model and application, EC nutrunners can handle torque ranges from as low as 0.03 Nm to over 4,800 Nm, catering to both delicate and heavy-duty fastening tasks.
8. How do EC nutrunners contribute to quality assurance?
By providing precise torque and angle control, along with data logging capabilities, EC nutrunners ensure each fastening operation meets specified parameters, facilitating traceability and compliance with quality standards.
Note: This FAQ is intended for general informational purposes and does not replace personalized advice. For specific inquiries, please consult a qualified specialist.
