How Associated Fastening’s KEYENCE Machine Improves Fasteners
At Associated Fastening Products, Inc., we understand the ramifications for our clients of using an inaccurate or suboptimal fastener. That’s why we rely on the KEYENCE Image Dimension Measurement (IM) System to take our fastener production and quality control to the next level. This efficient and versatile system features multiple industry-first innovations that speed up the fastener measuring process with precision, streamlining procedures and cutting down on setup time. Learn more about this unique machine and how our experts are using it to increase the quality of your fasteners.
KEYENCE for Fasteners
For die-cast, machined, and pressed components, tooling, springs, gears, and much more, we supply our customers with such fastener types as:
- Bolts
- Bushings
- Connectors
- Pins
- Screws
For any of these fasteners to sufficiently do their job, their dimensions must be exact to properly fit into the intended components and create durable joints or assemblies. Getting the details right and factoring in such critical considerations as proper fastener design, dimensional tolerances, pitch profile, and thread gauge is crucial to guaranteeing everything holds together securely.
The KEYENCE machine’s accuracy, as well as its ability to store and report fastener specifications to assist in future orders, are among the many reasons Associated Fastening Products chose the KEYENCE system for our business. Easy to operate, this system utilizes a specialized lens with auto-focus capabilities and a wide field of vision. The machine scans the surface of a fastener in its entirety in as little as one second, taking automated measurements of thread pitch, head shape, or other required parameters. The VR Series also allows us to measure a higher number of samples, reducing processing times.
Benefits of the KEYENCE Machine
Our KEYENCE Optical Measuring Machine allows our customers to capitalize on a range of benefits.
Exacting Dimensional Precision
The KEYENCE machine imbues our fastener production services with exceptional precision. With its advanced software and optics technology, it measures fasteners with pinpoint accuracy, helping us manufacture tight-tolerance fasteners that meet your dimensional specifications. This level of precision is critical in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical, where even minor variations can lead to equipment failure and safety issues.
Improved Adherence to Quality Standards
Using our KEYENCE machine, we can catch even the tiniest issues in a fastener, helping us to achieve the highest level of quality in our operations and products with heightened quality control. It’s also beneficial for evaluating prototypes and performing shipment inspections. By spotting potential problems as early as possible, we help our customers avoid equipment breakdowns and costly unscheduled downtime. The automated measuring process takes human error out of the equation, so we know each batch is consistent and reliable.
Efficiency Through Enhanced Operational Speeds
Operational speed matters in manufacturing and bringing your product to market. The KEYENCE machine significantly reduces measurement time from hours to mere minutes — all without sacrificing accuracy. We’re able to handle orders more efficiently, cut turn times, and most importantly, keep our clients happy. Also, our inspection operators can now function as production operators to boost productivity along with output.
Additional Opportunities for Customization
One of the best things about the KEYENCE machine is its versatility. We can measure fasteners of all shapes and sizes, be they standard or custom, and ensure they meet your application’s tolerance requirements. This makes it simple for us to handle custom orders, accurately measuring and delivering fasteners perfectly tailored to your needs. We can even reverse-engineer your existing fasteners, producing a 1:1 copy of them with highly accurate results.
Associated Fastening’s KEYENCE Machine Boosts Fastener Quality
At Associated Fastening Products, we use the KEYENCE Model IM 7000 to ensure top-notch precision measurement and quality in every fastener order. As a significant enhancement to traditional measuring processes, this system allows us to:
- Evaluate as many as 99 dimensions in just 3 seconds
- Take precise, repeatable measurements without risking inaccuracies or human error
- Manufacture myriad tight-tolerance fasteners for a diverse client base
- Identify any fastener variations or production trends, rectifying as needed
- Eliminate bottlenecks that used to occur with older and slower fastener measurement methods
- Reduce lead times with batch measurement capabilities
- Access and review fastener measurements stored in the database at a later date
- Receive easily readable reports and data spreadsheets to assist with repeat orders, troubleshooting, or any quality inquiries
- Track any wear that our tooling is experiencing
Whether you need one part measured or are looking to ensure consistent quality across a larger production run, our KEYENCE system lets us exceed your expectations. With more productivity, better quality control, and flexible customization, we’ll confirm your fasteners meet your dimensional and tolerance requirements so that you receive exactly what you need, every time.
Contact us to discover how our team and the advanced technology we use can support your next project, or request a quote today to get started.
