Mountz Inc. (www.mountztorque.com) announced the release of the second generation of Scout Screw Counter. This new Scout screw counter helps users eliminate and detect costly screw-fastening errors in the assembly process. Using it is like putting the quality control manager’s ears and eyes where they are most needed, right on the assembly area. It verifies all fasteners, which have been seated and installed properly. This screw counter controls the assembly process out of the user’s hands.

Designed to detect cycle completes, unfinished rundowns and cross-threading, this new scout ensures users that the cross-threading is done properly and correctly for the first time. It operates jointly with STC40 or STC30 power supply and electric screwdrivers from Mountz. With four additional ports on the Scout’s side, a total of four screwdrivers can share one program with the unit. It has the ability to learn the characteristics of the power tool and the application that is being used. This permits the Scout to distinguish between a fastener that was either cross-threaded or stripped and one that was properly seated.

The screw counting process’ intent is to ensure all fasteners are accounted for in the assembly process. The later an error is found on the assembly process, the more it costs in expenses and rework time. If a fastening error is detected and committed in the assembly process, the user can fix it by completing the process properly or prevent the faulty product being moved down the line.

The Scout can be programmed either manually through the keypad or by the PC software. The unit gives the user visual and audible indications, which the assembly has been rejected or it has been rejected. The Scout alerts the user with a buzzer sound if fastening error is found and it immediately displays a red light to show a screw fastening error.

The Scout has the ability to save multiple fastener settings for applications, which utilize various fasteners. With a programmable logic controller (“PLC”) system, the screw counter can be easily integrated to activate other functions for line control. The scout features a password protection to avoid operator tampering of settings and prevent incidental.