What Is a Screw Driving Machine?
A screw-driving machine is a device that partly or fully automates the screw fastening process in factory assembly and other processes.
Machine screw fastening is faster and more accurate than manual fastening because of the automated control of position and torque. There are three main types of screw-tightening machines, as follows:
- Handheld Type: Hand-held screw-tightening machines are used for screw tightening.
- Automatic Screw Tightening Type: The screw tightening machine adjusts its position by moving its axis and performs the screw tightening operation.
- Robot Type: Screw fastening is performed by manipulating a robot arm.
Uses of Screw Driving Machines
Screw-driving machines are used in factory assembly processes to automate, ensure quality, and improve work efficiency. Typical applications include screw fastening in automated assembly processes for home appliances and installation of factory equipment.
The appropriate screw fastener should be selected based on the degree of automation of the process and the complexity of the screw fastening operation. Below is an explanation of appropriate screw-diving machines according to their intended use.
- Simple manual screw fastening: Use a handheld model to perform hand-held fastening.
- Simple screw tightening with automated operation: Use an automatic screw tightening model with an adjustment function.
- For complex screw tightening with robot operation: Use a robot model that increases efficiency through automation.
Principle of Screw Driving Machines
Screw-driving machines consist of a control unit, a motor that produces torque, and a part that is a tool to be fitted into the screw hole.
Automatic screw-tightening models have additional equipment for parts and other tools to move around the shaft, and robot models require an additional robot arm. Most screw-tightening machines have a torque measuring device as an integral part of the equipment, while automatic screw-tightening and robot models often have a screw feeder as an integral part of the equipment.
1. Handy Models
Screw tightening is performed by placing a bit on a screw hole and pressing the operation button, and the screw is tightened by rotation of the motor. The type equipped with a torque measuring device automatically stops the screw tightening operation when the tightening is completed, thereby reducing unnecessary load on the screw and the screw tightening target.
2. Automatic Screw Tightening Models
The operation during screw tightening is the same as the handy type of screw-driving machine, but the bit part moves via the shaft to the screw-tightening target for screw tightening. The degree of freedom of movement depends on the number of axes, and if the axes can rotate, screw tightening from diagonal directions is also possible.
3. Robot Models
The operation during screw tightening is the same as that of the handy and automatic screw tightening types of machines. The robot arm is used to move the bit to the screw fastening point. By lifting the screw fastening object and moving the screw fastening part to the direction where the bit is located, the robot type can fasten screws on surfaces that are not possible with the automatic screw fastening type. Freedom of movement is provided by the use of a robot arm, enabling complex screw fastening and many screw fastening operations in a short time.
Other Information on Screw Driving Machines
Advantages and Features of Screw Driving Machines
1. Handy Type
The advantage of the handy type of screw-driving machine is to improve work efficiency and quality in screw tightening. The tightening torque in screw tightening can be kept even, preventing loosening or damage due to excessive tightening. Screws are automatically fed to the tip of the driver, and tightening can be done with only one hand at a specified torque, making it possible to tighten dozens of screws per minute.
2. Automatic Screw Tightening Type
The merit of the automatic screw tightening type of machine is that it can accurately tighten even very small screws, which is difficult to do manually, making it possible to tighten more types of screws more efficiently. As a feature, the fastening part moves via a shaft, allowing for easy adjustment and effortless screw tightening.
3. Robot Type
The merit of the robot type of screw-driving machine is that it can control the amount of torque, rotation, and screw advance, thereby reducing quality defects in screw tightening, and it is also effective in preventing forgetting to tighten screws because the same operation is repeated automatically. The type and size of screws can be selected, and screw tightening conditions can be set according to the workpiece to be assembled. Since there is no variation in speed, productivity is increased and the daily assembly quantity can be increased.