Welcome to the MicroTorque question and answer session.
Taking viewer questions today is Matt Moskal, our MicroTorque Product Specialist. In this question and answer session, we’re exploring the MicroTorque line from Atlas Copco. Matt begins the Q&A explaining that microtorque is extremely low torque for fasteners. The first question is about MicroTorque MTF6000 controller communication modes. Matt explains that to support communication, you can use Open Protocol, Fieldbus, or a Digital IO. When asked if there is a way to test Open Protocol, Matt says that we have a tester that is free, you just have to contact your local Atlas Copco representative. We then move into calibration. The typical calibration interval for MicroTorque tools is 1.5 million cycles or one year, whichever comes first.
A viewer then asks if there is an option to have a default batch sequence or Pset when the controller starts up. Matt says that in controller settings, this can be set up under the ‘start-up’ section. When asked if it’s possible to copy and paste steps in a batch sequence or a pset, Matt does a demo and explains that you must first create a new Pset, and then the steps or Psets can be copied and pasted. In the analysis screen, up to eight graphs in the trace field can be shown, including torque traces. In ToolsTalk MicroTorque, you can view live traces as well. On the subject of power supply sizes for the MTF6000, Matt says that a 36V battery can be used for all tools. We move into ToolsNet 8. A viewer asks whether you can get data from the MTF6000 without ToolsNet 8. Matt says it’s possible to get very basic data like a values table when doing rundowns, and you can save that and export it. But for truly valuable, comprehensive data and results reporting, Matt recommends ToolsNet 8.
Staying on the subject of ToolsNet 8, it is explained that you can report clamp torque and angle by setting up each Pset under general settings, in ‘report’. An audience member asks what the Pset and data storage capacity of the MTF6000 controller is. Matt says it depends on the IAM purchased. We then move into tightening strategies. There is the Torque Seating Monitoring that installs fasteners to a final torque and monitors the amount of clamping torque. The seating control strategy refers to the clamping torque, and if it’s within spec, it doesn’t matter what the final torque is. We end the Q&A on the subject of new product updates to the MicroTorque line. Matt explains that we now have the QA Station MT, the MTF6000 Portable Station, the ETD MT, IAM Automation with Fieldbus communication, and the Smart Vacuum Pump MT.