Ingersoll Rand® Smart Torque Arms add encoder-based position tracking and guided fastening to IQi Series controllers and inline screwdrivers. The system helps operators fasten each screw in the correct location and sequence while providing real-time position validation.
Smart Torque Arms integrate directly with the IQi controller, allowing the fastening process to be configured and controlled without additional external software.
How Smart Torque Arms Work
A Smart Torque Arm uses an integrated encoder to track the position of the connected screwdriver. During a fastening Job, the IQi controller compares the tool's position with the programmed screw locations.
The controller can prevent the tool from running until it is positioned correctly. Once a fastening is completed successfully, the system advances to the next programmed location.
Smart Torque Arms can be used with IQi Operator Guidance to provide visual instructions through the IQi Remote Browser. Operators can follow the programmed fastening sequence while the system verifies tool position at each fastening point.
Key Features
Smart Torque Arms provide:
- Position verification – Confirms that the tool is at the correct fastening location before allowing the tool to run.
- Guided fastening – Directs the operator through programmed fastening locations in the required sequence.
- Encoder-based positioning – Tracks the position of the Smart Torque Arm during fastening.
- Operator Guidance – Displays fastening locations and visual guidance through the IQi Remote Browser.
- Job and PSET integration – Uses IQi Jobs and PSETs to define the fastening process and sequence.
- Multiple fastening patterns – Allows screw positions to be organized into Screw Patterns for applications with multiple groups of fasteners.
- Real-time validation – Provides feedback when the tool reaches the correct position and when fastening results are completed.
The Smart Torque Arm system supports applications with up to 999 screws per Job.
Smart Torque Arm Models
The IQi Series Smart Torque Arm family includes articulating and linear models.
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| STA19B | Smart Encoder Articulating Torque Arm, 19 Nm |
| STA02B | Smart Encoder Carbon Fiber Articulating Torque Arm, 2 Nm |
| STA07B | Smart Encoder Carbon Fiber Articulating Torque Arm, 7 Nm |
| STL15B | Smart Encoder Linear Torque Arm, 15 Nm |
| STL30B | Smart Encoder Linear Torque Arm, 30 Nm |
The current Ingersoll Rand product page identifies these five models as the Smart Torque Arm family for IQi Series inline screwdrivers.
Smart Encoder Kits
Smart Torque Arms use encoder kits appropriate to the arm model. Refer to the current product documentation and ordering information when selecting an encoder kit for a specific arm.
Note: Verify encoder-kit part numbers against current IR ordering information before ordering. Current IR product and KB resources contain different encoder-kit listings.
Smart Torque Arms and IQi Controllers
Smart Torque Arms are designed to work with the IQi Series controller and compatible IQi inline screwdrivers.
The IQi controller provides the configuration environment for the Smart Torque Arm, including encoder settings, Jobs, PSETs, interlocks, and screw-position information. Operator Guidance is configured through the IQi Remote Browser.
Operator Guidance
Operator Guidance provides a visual interface for guided fastening applications.
A user can upload an image of the assembly or workpiece and assign screw positions to the image. Screw positions can be assigned dynamically by moving the Smart Torque Arm to each location or by using positions previously defined in a PSET.
During operation, the system indicates the next required fastening location and enables the tool when it is correctly positioned.
For applications using multiple PSETs, screw positions can be organized into multiple Screw Patterns. The fastening sequence follows the order defined by the PSETs.
Typical Smart Torque Arm Workflow
A typical application follows this general process:
- Connect the Smart Torque Arm to the IQi controller.
- Configure and enable the torque-arm encoder.
- Select the Smart Torque Arm model.
- Create or select the required PSET and Job.
- Enable the Torque Arm interlock.
- Define fastening locations and positional tolerance.
- Configure Operator Guidance when visual guidance is required.
- Assign screw positions to the application.
- Save the configuration.
- Run the Job and follow the guided fastening sequence.
For detailed procedures, see:
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