FlexArm Custom Solution: Counterbalancing an Aircat 1994 Superduty Impact Wrench
FlexArm Counterbalances Heavy Aircat Impact Wrench
The FlexArm engineering team recently designed a custom solution to counterbalance an Aircat 1994 1″ Superduty Impact Wrench. The tool has a weight of 35 lbs and needs the freedom to rotate about the vertical and horizontal axes, as indicated by the red arrows in figure 1.
Reduce Operator Fatigue and Increase Productivity
FlexArm’s solution to this problem was to design and manufacture a custom mount that would connect to the tool using the bolt pattern between the handle and body of the tool. The G-30 arm with max cylinders and custom mount counterbalances the tool’s weight, which helps reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity.
Figure 1
In addition to the custom mount, FlexArm also designed and manufactured a mobile base for the G-30 model arm. The base has a roughly 3′ x 3′ footprint and weighs about 700 lbs. This mobile base allows the arm to be moved around to different workstations, reducing the need for operators to carry heavy tools from one location to another.
Ergonomic Solutions Promote Safety and Productivity
Ergonomic solutions like the one provided by FlexArm are essential for ensuring the health and safety of workers. The custom solution provided by FlexArm met the customer’s requirements and helped promote a safer and more productive work environment.
If you’re having difficulties with the weight of your tool and need a solution that makes operation easier and safer, reach out to us HEREor call us at 1-800-837-2503. Our team of engineers would be happy to discuss your needs and offer a solution.
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Auto Stand-Off – This is currently defined to be surface stand-off and not to be confused with vector stand-off in 5-axis mode. The current auto stand-off is based on a changing surface and will adjust vertically based on the angle of the “A” Axis, so there is five (5) axis taken into account during the calculations, but this is not the same as the tool vector stand-off. There is the ability to do the vector stand-off change while the machine is running manually with buttons on the screen.
Z-Reader Probe – The Z-Reader is a device for mapping the location of the surface. It can be controlled manually & programmatically. The option is NOT active while cutting & is retracted out of harm’s way. It can be triggered to verify the surface at every pierce before the cutting process starts, or it could be used to drive surface mapping of the whole part before cutting starts. It begins with initialization or zeroing of the device to the surface at the beginning of a program and then accumulates or tracks the difference from that zeroing effort.
Automatic Edge Finder – The edge finder is or can be utilized manually (Jogging Method & Screen Buttons), programmatically (M & G codes), or fully automatic routine (dedicated program). This option sets offsets & program rotation to match the orientation & location on the cutting table.
AC Unit Installed on Electrical Cabinet – The unit is mounted on the cabinet’s High Power (480v) side. It is close to the location where the drives are mounted. This option keeps the cabinet temperature stable and allows heat dissipation faster. The servo drives for all axes are the most significant contributors to heat inside the electrical cabinet.
5-Axis Renishaw Calibration – The calibration unit is a Renishaw model APCA45 with a modified spherical stylus. The device has a retractable cover and air purge to clear debris & dust during the activation process. It mounts to a swing arm controlled by a pneumatic rotary, so it is out of the way during regular operation and swings into the calibration position for calibration only.