The Nitty Gritty on Torque Reaction Arms

Torque Reaction Arms or assembly arms are commonly used in a variety of manufacturing environments. They take the tool weight and torque out of the operator’s hands. The ergonomic benefits are priceless.

 

The Benefits of Using a Torque Reaction Arm:

  • Reduces wear-and-tear on the operator from tool use: hands, arms, shoulders, neck and more. 
  • Enhances production and saves time and money by supporting the tool for the operator.
  • Saves costs and downtime from tool use injuries.
  • Saves on tool and part damage by holding the tool in place.
  • Improves production quality by keeping the tool perpendicular.

Bottom line: Torque reaction arms improve overall job satisfaction and results!

 

You may be wondering, are torque reaction arms only useful for repetitive, high-torque applications where freedom of movement isn’t needed? Do torque reaction arms have restrictions that limit their utility? Do FlexArm torque reaction arms have limitations the competition can beat?

Wonder no more.

We are here to set that record straight. FlexArm torque reaction arms offer full freedom of motion and true support. This means workers can maneuver tools with full freedom and effectiveness.

 

Here are the facts about torque reaction arms:

Q: What about freedom of motion? Are torque reaction arms designed to only provide support? What about repeated or precision tasks?

A: FlexArm provides full freedom of motion with precise results, no matter the task: FlexArm torque reaction arms offer full mobility in use. An operator can maneuver a tool with every degree and angle of freedom needed without the weight and torque. FlexArm torque reaction arms were designed to provide support and freedom of motion consistently as the tool is used, no matter the task.

Q: Do torque reaction arms often require overhead mounting or bulky infrastructure?

A: FlexArm offers total flexibility in mounting: FlexArm’s universal mounting system and small footprint enable seamless integration in almost any manufacturing environment. FlexArm torque reaction arms are easily mounted onto a table, cart, pedestal or magnet base for ease of use. And that’s not all: FlexArm torque reaction arms and torque tubes can also be mounted overhead to support production requirements. 

Q: Doesn’t the need for a power source (hydraulic, pneumatic or electric) add to the complexity and expense of operation?

A: No extra power source is required for a FlexArm: FlexArm torque reaction arm is 100% mechanical and requires no electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic power source to operate. The arm is operated by easy-to-control long-lasting gas cylinders or a cable balancer with no additional power source need whatsoever. FlexArm torque reaction arms are calibrated to tool weight and torque, with easy weight adjustments available right at the operator’s fingertips.

Q: Do torque arms vary greatly in their payload capacity?

A: FlexArm torque reaction arms will handle a wide range of payload: FlexArm assembly arms are designed to support tools, parts and other payloads all the way to 60 lbs and 800ft/lbs of torque. Don’t let the competition limit your lift! This is true: the utility of a torque arm increases greatly with increased payloads. The heavier the tool, the greater the ergonomic benefit of an assembly arm for the operator.

Q: Does FlexArm offer a “Smart Arm?”

A: Absolutely we do! Our partnership with DOGA France introduced us to The DPC Touch and Position Control Arms. These Position Control Arms are an industry leader in sequencing assembly applications.

Facts are facts, and the proof comes from thousands of loyal FlexArm users. The benefits are real. FlexArm sales and engineering professionals work one-on-one with each customer and application to provide the best solution for their application.

To read more on torque reaction arms, check out our other blog posts on torque reaction and counterbalancing solutions. For more information, contact us or give us a call at 1-800-837-2503.

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Standard Features

  • Hand Pendant
  • 22″ Touch Screen Monitor
  • Omron FlexCNC Controller
  • Mobile Control Panel
  • Through Spindle Coolant 
  • Auto Tool Changer 
  • Flood Coolant
HP
Max RPM
FT/LBS
Series

18

4000

92

C-20-02 / C-10-02

18

6000

61

C-20-02 / C-10-02

33

12000

61

CM-20-02

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 CalibrationThe 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. 

HP
Max RPM
FT/LBS
Series

18

4000

92

G-20-06 / G-10-06

18

6000

61

G-20-06 / -10-06

40

4000

217

GM-20-06 / G-20-06 / G-10-06

40

6000

145

G-20-06 / G-20-06 / G-10-06