Posted to News on 23rd Oct 2007, 19:39
Easy-to-use angle/torque wrench offers many functions
Crane Electronics' new angle and torque wrench range, IQWrench Opta, is both easier to use and more versatile than a simple audit wrench. Crane has merged comprehensive SPC functions with an advanced torque readout and a superior torque/angle wrench to create a versatile and ergonomic package. The new wrenches cover a torque range from 0.1Nm to 1500Nm.
The IQWrench Opta is described as a light, smart and fast torque tool that is designed to meet the demands of both shop floor operatives and quality management personnel. It has been developed in direct response to the growing need for full torque traceability, accurate torque/angle measurement and elimination of human error from the fastening/audit process.
To achieve torque traceability, the IQWrench Opta can store torque and angle data, as well as information relating to the the user, what work was done with it, and when. For complex fastening and assembly processes it offers automatic toolhead recognition and a choice of communication options, including wireless, to the customer's network. Crane also has the capability of adding automatic recognition into existing bespoke toolheads.
A wide range of measurements can be carried out. Besides torque and angle measurement modes for track, peak, move-on and yield, the IQWrench Opta can also save multiple traces/graphs of this data, which can be downloaded to a PC for further analysis.
User-friendly
With the latest rechargeable battery technology and doubled memory size, the IQWrench Opta can easily be used throughout a shift without the need to for recharging. The tool is extremely easy to work with and operator acceptance is achieved through the light ergonomic design, the easy-to- read display and the fast speed of processing. A choice of vibrating, visual and audible alarms gives the operator a clear indication of the fastening status and whether the defined torque/angle specifications have been met. The IQWrench Opta is also point-of-load insensitive, thereby ensuring precise measurement wherever the wrench is held.
It is easy to set up the IQWrench Opta, which is password-protected to avoid unauthorised tampering with the settings and readings. Authorised users can easily set up torque routines and torque characteristics on a PC and downloaded it to the IQWrench Opta. Equally, torque readings can be uploaded from wrenches to the PC and integrated into existing QA systems, whether Excel spreadsheets or corporate databases.
As an added advantage, the IQWrench Opta can save multiple torque traces for downloading to a PC and then visualising – for example, the overlaying of torque graphs.
As all of Crane Electronics' torque tools are developed and manufactured in the UK, any unforeseen challenges or potential applications can quickly be addressed. The company's customer support team has direct access to the in-house engineering and software departments. Repairs and recalibrations can also be undertaken by Crane's UKAS-accredited calibration and repair centre.
