Installing a Connected Torque Wrench

PostedSeptember 9, 2023

Rapta’s AI platform supports connected torque wrenches that are wired, wireless or electric drive with digital outputs.

Powered Torque Drivers

Our software is designed to work with any connected torque wrench that has a digital output that matches Figure 1. Configuration of each specific tool is not covered in this knowledge base article.

We have tested this integration with the following equipment:

Kolver: KDS-MT1.5 SCREWDRIVER and KDU-1A ADVANCED UNIT FOR KDS

Ingersoll Rand: QX torque tool and INSIGHTqcx™ Cordless Controller with the I/O Expansion Module

Figure 1: Correct and Incorrect Torque input waveform

Interface Wiring

The Connected torque wrench interfaces with our Software via the AI Computer digital I/O. We support two AI Computers with Digital I/O capability, the Siemens IPC520A and the Advantech MIC-733-AO5A1.

Figure 2: Wiring into the I/O Terminal Block. Siemens IPC (Left), Advantech IPC (Right)

Advantech MIC-733-AO5A1 I/O Block Pinout:

Figure 3: Advantech Input and Output Connector. Inputs on top row, Outputs on bottom row.

Siemens IPC520A I/O Block Pinout:

Figure 4: Siemens Input and Output Connector (5), Left four are the inputs.

Helpful Tips

Ensure both signal the ground of the torque wrench is connected the ground and input of the torque driver
Measure the output voltage of the torque wrench when it is connected to the AI Computer to ensure it has sufficient drive current to drive the input high and low. It may be necessary to connect a 5K or potentially 1K resistor from the Input to Ground if the Torque driver does not have sufficient drive current capability. Remember these are industrial inputs so they are protected and have additional filtering that requires higher drive current.

Refer to our Software Configuration Guide for next steps on getting your torque wrench setup.

Unpowered Torque Driver

This example uses the Tonichi QSPCAMS6N however any brand of torque wrench can be connected if they have a way to signal that the desired torque has been successfully reached.

Figure 5: Tohnichi QSPCAMS6N limit switch type torque wrench

The Tohnichi wrench contains a switch that closes when present torque is achieved. The diagram below shows a schematic representation of how the wrench is connected into the GPIO of the Siemens IPC520a computer.

Figure 6: Wiring diagram for a non-powered torque wrench

When purchased from Rapta, we supply a pre-made cable harness that enables the Tohnichi wrench to be connected to the AI computer. If you are connecting your own device you will need to ensure you supply the pull up resistor and ground reference to the AI computer which are essential for this feature to function.