Norbar Torque Tools has launched the cordless EvoTorque Battery Tool (EBT), designed to improve performance and data traceability in safety-critical and heavy industrial operations, such as manufacturing.
The new EBT is suited for all applications where conventional electric or pneumatic power is not available or in situations where the removal of hoses and cables is needed to improve workplace safety.
Developed to meet the market need for cordless torque tools, the EBT removes the need for on-site generators, eliminates the problem of unreliable on-site voltage stability and removes trailing cables and hoses from workplaces. Delivering power and accuracy, whilst gathering and transmitting mission-critical data for modern quality control systems.
The new battery tool is equipped with a high-powered, no-maintenance brushless motor which provides significantly greater power than similar tools on the market (according to Norbar) and outstanding thermal durability.
Optional two-speed gearbox
Norbar identified speed of operation as one of the most important factors for most tool users and developed a new automatic Two-Speed gearbox as an option on all EBT models. This allows the tools to run at between 4 and 5 times the speed of single-speed tools under low load and automatically shift to a high torque, low-speed gear for final tightening. The additional benefit of an automatic gear change, compared with the standard manual change offered by many is that no time is lost in stopping, shifting and restarting the tool.
“Most torque tool users want to know how many tightening cycles the tool will perform from a battery, but the more relevant question usually is, how many cycles will the tool perform before it overheats?” said Philip Brodey, project sponsor at Norbar.
Norbar said the new EvoTorque EBT is designed to offer outstanding performance whilst minimising the traditional overheating problem of battery-operated tools. Under the same conditions a Norbar EBT will keep working when most competitors have to be stopped to cool, according to the firm.
“Critical in the design of the new EBT is the ability for the tool to deliver precise torque, to within ±3% of setting. To achieve this, the EBT joins a small group of tools on the market that are transducer controlled rather than current controlled. Coupled with Norbar’s unique joint sensing software, this makes the EBT one of the most accurate torque tools available over a wide range of joint types.”
The EBT allows two-way communication via Bluetooth or USB cable, downloading up to 3,000 time and date-stamped readings or live streaming data from the tool. It is also possible to upload information to the tool, such as tightening sequences. Tools are supplied with a complementary copy of Norbar’s EvoLog PC software.
In addition, the EBT can communicate with smart devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, which enables the ability to gather tightening data specific to a known set of GPS coordinates, enabling the EBT to provide traceability data in safety-critical applications.
The new EBT is also equipped with an ‘Audit Mode’, which offers the ability to perform a check on pre-tightened bolts. Under ‘Audit Mode’, an EBT will run at a speed that allows it to stop almost instantaneously once the set torque is achieved. If a bolt is found to be loose then the tool will tighten it to the desired level, recording the angle of turn required. This feature avoids the pitfalls of some competitor electric tools that will - if applied to a tight bolt - further tighten.
Norbar’s EBT cordless torque tool family has three torque ranges; 1,350 N∙m, 2,700 N∙m and 4,000 N∙m. Tools are supplied kitted in a hard case with two batteries and a three-bay rapid charger that enables cold batteries to be fully charged from flat in 45 minutes. There is also a ‘bare tool’ option for customers who already have a sufficient number of batteries and chargers. Accessories including a ‘Right-Angle Gearbox’ and offset gearboxes that are designed to reach bolts with limited head room will follow shortly after launch.
Norbar shared a case study with Torque explaining how it came up with a solution for a Hitachi Rail maintenance headache. Norbar's parent, Snap On, bought USA-based Power Hawk Technologies earlier this year.
