Posted to News on 20th Nov 2008, 09:48
Modular spindles suit assembly operations
Ingersoll Rand is marketing a full series of modular spindles for automatic or semi-automatic applications with very high duty cycle capacity. The spindles are designed in particular for motor vehicle assembly machines, and more generally for applications requiring precision fastening with full traceability.
Comprising over 50 models divided into four families, the QM spindle series covers a wide range of tightening torques from 3 to 2500Nm. Their modular configuration enables users to select the required torque output, type of drive (square drive size, output length) and mounting arrangement. The spindles are made up of two main sections, the mechanical section (motor, gearbox and torque transducer) and the electronic pod (tool communication board). The latter is protected from vibration and can be positioned separately from the spindle body to suit the space available for the application.
This four-part modular design also makes it possible to replace a single component as and when necessary, for maintenance purposes, or to adapt the spindle for a new application.
The QM spindles' reliability means that they are suited to the productivity requirements for automatic machines; endurance tests carried out on the four families were stopped after 3million fault-free cycles. The QM spindle range can be piloted by Insight IC Module or Display controllers, whatever their torque ranges. Thanks to the ICS Multisync software, users can handle up to 500 spindles via their control stations. In the Enterprise version, users can also manage fastening traceability in an SQL database.
Ingersoll Rand's Solution Centre can customise the spindles on demand, for example with special drives (angle heads, etc). Complete integrated automatic or semi-automatic tools can also be built to specifications.
