A screw counter helps manufacturers detect and eliminate costly screw-fastening errors during the assembly process. Using a screw counter is like putting the eyes and ears of a quality control manager where they are needed most – right on the assembly area. The Scout screw counter from Mountz Inc. verifies that all fasteners have been installed and seated properly. The screw counter takes the control of the assembly process out of the operator’s hands.
Designed to detect cross-threading, omissions, unfinished rundowns and cycle incompletes, the Scout ensures the assembly process is done correctly the first time. The Scout operates jointly with Mountz electric screwdrivers and STC30, STC40, ET-30D, FT30-D and YFC35-D power supplies. With four ports on the side of the Scout, a maximum of four screwdrivers can share one program with the unit. The Scout features the ability to ‘learn’ the characteristics of not only the power tool but also that of the application that it is being used on. This allows the Scout to distinguish between a fastener that was properly seated and one that was either stripped or cross-threaded.
The intent of the screw counting process is to ensure that all fasteners are accounted for during the assembly process. The later an error is detected on the assembly line, the more it costs in rework time and expenses. If a fastening error is committed and detected during the assembly process, the operator can fix it by properly completing the process or prevent the faulty product from being moved down the line.
The Scout can be either programmed by the PC software or manually through the keypad. The unit gives the operator audible and visual indications that the assembly has been completed or if it has been rejected. If a fastening error is detected, the Scout alerts the operator with a buzzer sound and displays a red light indicating a screw fastening error. The unit displays the type fastening error that occurred on its screen.
Key Benefits of a Screw Counter
- Error proofing and process control
- Verifies that all fasteners have been installed properly
- Detect fastening errors
- Ensure the assembly process is done correctly the first time
- Detect cross-threading, omissions, unfinished rundowns and cycle incompletes
- Inputs and outputs for machine & PLC interface for line control
The Scout features the ability to store multiple fastener settings for applications that use a variety of fasteners. The flexible screw counter can be integrated with a PLC system, to activate other functions for line control. The Scout offers password protection to prevent incidental or operator tampering of settings. Requiring little space, the Scout’s compact design and mounting brackets allows the unit to easily be integrated into the workspace without disrupting the production flow.
The Scout screw counter improves production yields, manufacturing costs, product quality, product reliability, reputation and profitability by ensuring that every assembly has been subjected to a quality control review process right on the assembly area.
Using a screw counter makes a safer world through accuracy and precision. Controlling torque is essential for companies to ensure their product’s quality, safety and reliability isn’t compromised. The failure of a three-cent fastener that isn’t properly tightened can lead to catastrophic or latent failures. Fasteners that are insufficiently fastened can vibrate loose and excessive torque can strip threaded fasteners.
Complex fastening regimes with multiple screws and high-speed production can lead to missed screws and compromised quality. Verify fasteners aren’t missing during the production process. Have a Mountz representative visit your facility and provide a demonstration of a screw counter. Request an appointment today.