Automatic Screwdriving Technologies in the Production of High-Consumption Industry Components: Which One to Choose?

In the manufacturing industry, automatic screwdriving is one of the most critical operations to ensure precision, speed, and quality in high-volume production. Especially in high-consumption sectors, where production efficiency is key and error margins must be minimal, selecting the right automatic screwdriving system can significantly impact productivity and competitiveness.

In this article, we will explore the main automatic screwdriving technologies, categorizing them and analyzing their advantages. Additionally, we will discover how Bonetto Automation provides tailored industrial automation solutions, ensuring maximum reliability and compliance with international standards.

1. Automatic Screwdriving Technologies: Pick and Place vs. Screw Shooting

The two main automatic screwdriving technologies are Pick and Place and Screw Shooting. Each offers distinct features suitable for specific applications.

1.1 Pick and Place

The Pick and Place system is known for its versatility and precision. This technology uses a magnetic head to pick up screws from a screw feeder system and position them on the screwdriving point.

Here are the main advantages:

Independence from distance: Not affected by the distance between the screw feeder and the screwdriving surface, making it ideal for complex geometries.
Flexibility in screw selection: Compatible with various screw types, without limitations on size or shape.
Accurate positioning: Perfect for non-conventional or angled screwdriving applications.
Seamless integration with automated assembly lines.

1.2 Screw Shooting

The Screw Shooting system, on the other hand, is characterized by higher operational speed, thanks to its ability to “shoot” screws directly onto the screwdriving point. There are two main subcategories:

Screw shooting with mechanical clamping head: Uses mechanical clamps for a strong grip and precise positioning.
Screw shooting with vacuum pickup and retention system: Employs a vacuum-based mechanism, ideal for high-speed and high-precision applications.

The advantages of Screw Shooting include:

Fast cycle times: Ideal for covering large distances between screwdriving points, reducing cycle times.
Simple operation: Perfect for vertical screwdriving and applications with limited workspace.
Compact design: Requires less space around the screwdriving area compared to the Pick and Place system.

2. Choosing the Screwdriver: Classes and Precision

Selecting the right screwdriver is another crucial aspect. To ensure a cm/cmk > 1.67 (process capability index), it is necessary to choose a screwdriver of the appropriate class:

Class A: Torque tolerance ≤ ±0.05 Nm. Ideal for applications requiring extreme precision.
Class B: Torque tolerance between ±0.05 and ±0.4 Nm. Suitable for most industrial applications.
Class C: Torque tolerance > ±0.4 Nm. Used for less critical operations.

The choice of class depends on project specifications and the required torque tolerance to ensure product quality.

3. Advanced Construction Solutions

To maximize the efficiency of screwdriving stations, it is essential to adopt advanced construction solutions, such as:

Magnetic support bushing: Used in the Pick and Place system, it ensures a secure screw grip and easy head replacement.
Screw sensor and anti-rebound system: Integrated into the Screw Shooting system, it prevents screwdriving errors and improves process reliability.
Containment plate: Compensates for any workpiece deformations and acts as an anti-drop shield for screws, facilitating rework operations.
Waste discharge box: Equipped with passage sensors, it monitors the correct disposal of non-compliant screws.

Bonetto Automation offers highly customized solutions for both systems, including advanced features such as:

Screw cleaning: Removal of residues or impurities before screwdriving.
Threadlocker dosing: Precise application of threadlocker to ensure optimal sealing.
Camera control: Verification of the correct screw type and positioning.

4. Station Management and Process Control

Efficient management of the screwdriving station includes:

Flexible programming: Ability to exclude specific screws, modify torque values, and add new screwdriving models. Additionally, Bonetto offers screw-tightening and loosening cycles to test and optimize the process.
Testing and simulation cycles: Verification of tightening torque, simulation of screwdriving points, and process optimization.
Remote control: Monitoring of screwdriving parameters (torque, time, angle) directly from the operator panel.

Bonetto Automation solutions stand out not only for their advanced mechanics but also for their management software, which ensures:

Intuitive interface: Easy programming and monitoring by operators.
Integration with external systems: Compatibility with production lines and higher-level control systems.
Real-time data analysis: Continuous process optimization through performance monitoring.

5. Compliance and Certifications

All solutions offered by Bonetto are designed in compliance with the latest international regulations, including:

Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (updated in 2019)
Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU
ISO 12100:2010, ISO 13849-1:2015, and ISO 10218-1:2011 standards for machinery safety.

6. Why Choose Bonetto Group?

At Bonetto Automation, we leverage our decades of experience to develop tailored automatic screwdriving solutions, ensuring:

Maximum precision: State-of-the-art technologies for impeccable results.
Reliability: High-quality components and certified systems.
Comprehensive support: From design to post-sales assistance, we are by your side at every stage of the process.

Choosing the right automatic screwdriving technology depends on specific production needs, the type of screws used, and precision and speed requirements. Whether it’s a Pick and Place or Screw Shooting system, Bonetto Automation is ready to provide the perfect solution to optimize your production processes.

Contact us today writing an e-mail to sales@bonettoautomazioni.com to discover how we can help you achieve your production goals with cutting-edge technologies and tailored services.

Automatic screwdriving, Screwdriving systems, Automated assembly line, Industrial automation, Screw feeding system, Torque control, Pick and place screwdriving, Inline screwdriving, Fastening technology, Robotic screwdriving