When every screw connection counts:
Process Reliability with the ng-eTDH
Tool of the Month | Hand-Guided Sensor-Based Screwdriver System for Industrial Assembly
The demands on industrial screw assembly are increasing. Advancing miniaturization, more complex assemblies, and varying combinations of materials present ever-new challenges for quality assurance. At the same time, assembly processes must remain efficient and cost-effective. Therefore, especially for critical screw connections, precise measurement, controlled tightening sequences, and reliable defect detection are essential.
With the ng-eTDH, n-gineric offers a handheld sensor-based screwdriving system designed specifically for manual industrial assembly.
Precise Sensing Technology Integrated Directly into the Screwing Process
At the heart of the ng-eTDH is its integrated rotary torque/angle sensor system. A strain gauge-based torque sensor measures the torque directly at the bit chuck. The measurement signal is digitized to 24 bits on the sensor rotor and transmitted to the housing via a contactless connection.
With a rotational angle resolution of 0.1°, the system enables precise monitoring of the screwdriving process.
By programming different tightening stages and overlaying multiple parameter windows, even difficult-to-control fastening processes can be managed. Fastening errors can be detected, and defective fastenings can be identified.
Adaptive Fastening Strategies for Critical Joints
Screw-fastening processes are particularly challenging when there is very little margin between insufficient clamping force and a damaged screw connection.
This is where the ng-eTDH's adaptive fastening strategies come into play. Multi-stage fastening sequences are used to compensate for fluctuations in the head contact torque when driving self-tapping screws.
The goal: clamping force ratios that are as consistent as possible—even for critical bolted joints.
More than just a screwdriver: an intelligent measuring system
Thanks to its integrated sensors, the ng-eTDH is suitable not only for assembly but also for screwdriving analysis. Screwdriving processes can be analyzed and appropriate parameters determined even before production begins.
Furthermore, integration with a process data management system enables seamless traceability of fastening quality.
Precision Meets Ergonomics
The ng-eTDH is also designed for industrial assembly in terms of handling. The ergonomic, rounded handle, push-to-start feature, manual buttons, and clearly visible signal LEDs facilitate manual operation.
The anodized aluminum housing is easy to clean and allows for use in cleanroom environments.
The ng-eTDH is available in six torque ranges, from 0.1–1.0 Nm to 2.0–20.0 Nm. An integrated controller and brushless motor technology round out the system.
Process reliability starts with the bolted joint
Whether analyzing a fastening application or in ongoing industrial assembly, the ng-eTDH combines precise torque and angle measurement with adaptive fastening strategies and the ability to fully document process data.
As a result, the handheld sensor-based screwdriving system provides the technical capabilities needed to perform even demanding screwdriving processes in a controlled and traceable manner.
More about the ng-eTDH and its technical specifications: