Any manufacturing process is only as good as the weakest link in the chain. That’s why residual torque is so important. This measurement ensures that all junctions are tightened to the correct specification with minimal waste. This article will introduce you to residual torque and explain what it is and why it matters. We will also go into more detail about how to measure residual torque and how to use it to improve your production process!
What is Residual Torque?
Residual torque is the force that remains in a tightened joint after the tightening process is complete. It determines how tightly the joint has been tightened and is an important factor in quality control. Residual torque must be measured to ensure that a joint has been tightened properly.
Importance of Residual Torque
Many factors can affect the residual torque of a joint. These include:
- The type of fastener being used: Different fasteners will have different residual torques.
- The material being used: Different materials will also have different residual torques.
- The surface finish: A joint with a smoother surface finish will have a lower residual torque.
- The environment: The temperature and humidity of the environment can also affect residual torque.
Residual Torque Vs. Installation Torque
It’s important to note that residual torque is different from installation torque. In fact, they’re two completely different measures. So let’s break them down:
- Residual Torque: This force remains in a tightened joint after the tightening process is complete. It determines how tightly the joint has been tightened and is an important factor in quality control.
- Installation Torque: This is the force required to install the fastener. It determines how easy or difficult it is to install the fastener. At the same time, it also affects the residual torque of the joint.
As you can see, residual torque and installation torque are two completely different measures. However, they are both important as they coexist and affect each other.
When to Use Residual Torque
Residual torque is most often used in quality control. It’s a way to ensure that all joints are being tightened properly to ensure minimal waste.
Many factors can affect residual torque. As we’ve seen, it’s important to be aware of these factors to ensure that your joints are tightened properly. In addition, residual torque is a good way to ensure that your production process runs smoothly and efficiently.
Here are scenarios that require the use of residual torque:
- To check if a joint has been tightened to specification.
- To ensure that there is minimal waste.
- To ensure that the production process is running smoothly and efficiently.
How to Measure Residual Torque?
Measuring residual torque requires special equipment. The most common type of equipment used is a residual torque meter. This device is designed to measure residual torque in various ways.
The most common type of residual torque meter is the dial indicator. This device uses a pointer to indicate the amount of residual torque on a scale.
Another type of residual torque meter is the digital readout. This device uses a digital display to show the amount of residual torque.
To measure a residual torque, follow the steps below:
- Attach the residual torque meter to the joint.
- Tighten the joint until it reaches the desired torque.
- Read the residual torque from the residual torque meter.
- Record the residual torque and compare it to the desired torque.
- Finally, remove the residual torque meter from the joint.
As you can see, measuring residual torque is a simple process that only requires a few steps. However, it’s important to know the different types of residual torque meters to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Why Use DATAMYTE?
DATAMYTE is a holistic data and quality management platform offering software and hardware products to promote an overall connected factory. When it comes to residual torque and torquing in general, DATAMYTE has a few key offerings:
- DataMyte Digital Clipboard: create workflows, digital checklists, and SOP’s for each process in your factory.
- DataMyte Analyzer: run real-time analysis on residual torque data to identify process improvements.
- DataMyte Torque Expert: ensure driving process improvement through data collection and real-time reporting with this residual torque management expert.
- LightStar Wrench: ensure accurate residual torque data collection and manage data intelligence in Production & Quality with this residual torque measurement tool.
DATAMYTE has the tools and software you need to guarantee a successful torque. Residual torque is an important aspect of quality control, and DATAMYTE has the products you need to ensure a successful production process.
Book a demo to learn more about residual torque and how DATAMYTE can help. Our team of experts will be more than happy to answer all of your queries and show how DATAMYTE can help you with your torquing needs.
Conclusion
Residual torque is a crucial aspect of quality control. It’s a way to ensure that all joints are being tightened properly and that minimal waste exists. Many factors can affect residual torque, and it’s important to be aware of all of these factors to ensure that your joints are being tightened properly.
