What is it?
Smart tooling involves embedding tools such as industrial screwdrivers, drills or wrenches with chips that enable them to collect critical data and communicate with software.
Why would we need it?
Smart tooling is a critical piece of the puzzle that helps to ensure oversight and traceability of every element of your manufacturing processes. Precisely capturing data directly from the source and communicating it to your software systems ensures consistent productivity, quality and traceability in real time.
What are the expected benefits and potential challenges?
Put simply, the benefits of smart tooling are making sure that every screw and bolt is fastened to the ideal torque, first time. You’ll minimise the need to re-work products, and also track cycle time automatically. If any single step in your machining processes hasn’t gone as intended, you’ll know about it immediately, rather than having to interrupt things further down the production line.
Replacing your existing tools with the right smart equivalent is all about understanding the appropriate level of accuracy and feedback for the task at hand. We work with established smart tooling suppliers to access a range of options for every need and budget – talk to us to learn more about what we recommend for you.
How do we get started?
Every job is different, and starts with understanding how you work currently. Our smart tooling suppliers include reliable and long-established names like DeSoutter and Mountz, who can provide appropriate technology for a wider range of contexts.
Get in touch to tell us more about your current tooling processes, and learn more about where we can make affordable changes to improve quality, productivity and traceability.
