Battery-powered installation tool

Citation

(2000), "Battery-powered installation tool", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 72 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2000.12772dad.005

Battery-powered installation tool

Battery-powered installation tool

Keywords: Tectron Fastening Systems, Fasteners

For users of breakstem fasteners looking for a reliable and durable alternative to conventional compressed air installation tools but without airlines and power cables, Textron Fastening Systems has launched its first ever battery-powered tool. The tool will also suit users of other fasteners for whom the advantages of breakstem fastening can now be realised wherever they work.

The TX2000 (Plate 4) utilises the latest cordless technology, which the company claims enables it to place more fasteners per battery charge and provide quicker cycle times than comparative tools.

Its compact design claims to provide a highly portable, lightweight tool for a variety of applications as well as offering manufacturers greater flexibility in their assembly operations.

Plate 4The battery-powered TX2000 from Textron Fastening Systems

With an average cycle time of just two seconds at full stroke, the TX2000 reportedly can easily place 38 4.8mm (3/16) steel Avex breakstem fasteners per minute and in tests has installed 646 of the same sized fastener in one charge using a 2.0Ah battery.

The TX2000 places a wide range of Textron Fastening Systems' Avdel breakstem fasteners as well as many other brands. These include aluminium fasteners ranging in size from 3.0mm to 6.4mm, steel fasteners from 3.2mm to 4.8mm and stainless steel fasteners from 3.2mm to 6.4mm.

The ability to place such a broad range of fasteners is said to be due to the tool's mechanical and hydraulic operation, which not only gives it greater pulling strength, but is more power efficient and causes less wear and tear on the motor and gearbox than comparable battery tools.

According to Textron the long-life, high-performance battery takes just 40 minutes to charge from flat and can be recharged at any time with no memory effect. The battery can be charged up to 1,000 times and the tool's intelligent charger can be used for 10,000 charges.

The TX2000 features an angled head for operator comfort and claims to reduced risk of Repetitive Strain Injury. It is supplied complete with three easy to change nose tips and spanner neatly contained in the tool's housing as well as an integral quick emptying stem collector which avoids the safety hazards associated with spent stems. Other safety features include a tamper-resistant outer casing, overload protection and overheat protection when charging.

Details available from: Textron Fastening Systems. Tel: +44 (0) 1707 668831; Fax: +44 (0) 1707 668502.