You ask, we answer.

If you need more information on TOM or you’re unsure about anything, look through the FAQ’s below: you’ll probably find the answer. Of course, if you still can’t find the answer to your question, please contact us directly. It will be our pleasure to assist you.

Can TOM only handle one screwdriver at a time?

No, the advantage of using TOM is precisely that it can handle up to 8 screwdrivers, and they can also have different torque and speed settings.

How many screws can be used?

TOM can tighten up to 99 screws in each program, to a total of 8 programs. All this translates into tangible advantages: up to 8 different components can be tightened, each with its own number of screws.

My operator often tightens screws that have already been tightened and so damages the components. Can TOM resolve this problem?

It certainly can! The “Time Off” function is specifically designed to prevent this. In case of tightening done correctly and until the beginning of the next working cycle, TOM is able to keep the screwdriver locked, so the operator cannot activate the clutch a second time. By doing this, as well as avoiding possible damage to the component being assembled and to the screwdriver, increased torque on the joint is also prevented.

I see TOM has a display. What does it show while tightening is in progress?

The display shows the decreasing number of screws that have been tightened, the program that is running, the sequence set, the number of screws still to be tightened and how many out of the total number have been completed.  So just a quick glance is all it takes to have everything under control immediately and to understand how things are going.

My operators speak different languages. How will they read the display?

No problem, TOM can be programmed in 5 different languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.

What is the purpose of the double signal that Fiam air screwdrivers usable with TOM have?

At production sites there may be variations in pressure in the compressed air supply systems and the two pneumatic signals, that are read and converted into electrical signals by the Fiam Transducer, make it possible to monitor either when the screwdriver starts, as well as when the clutch is activated.  It is precisely this dual control that sets TOM apart from the other monitoring systems available on the market. The fact is that with 2 signals, you can always count on TOM working correctly regardless of any variations in the line pressure.

I have a particularly complex production line because it has light towers, alarms and piece clamping jigs: how can I add TOM?

Even if the line doesn’t have a PLC, TOM can be connected through its 24 input signals and 24 output signals to pick and place systems, light devices, systems for correctly picking up screws and accessories to be screwed in, and to locking or unlocking positioning jigs.

I need to print out the tightening results to include a report with the component which then undergoes subsequent working processes: is this possible?

Sure, just connect TOM to a printer to receive a complete report of all the tightening operations carried out on that component or on the entire production batch.

I want to schedule the production shifts. Can TOM help me?

Of course, TOM can in fact collect a large amount of statistical data that can be analysed at a later time.  More specifically it allows you to print: time/date, active output no., result, tightening time, number of screws, program number, sequence, OK pieces, NOK screws, resets pressed, total screw count, up to 6,000,000 screws saved to memory. With all this information it really is easy to check the production efficiency at the end of every shift, but above all to make the necessary improvements.

I want my screwdrivers to be working at their maximum always: how can I keep their maintenance under control?

TOM can be very useful with regard to this too. Thanks to the counter for the number of screws tightened, the number of cycles is constantly under control: screwdriver maintenance can therefore be scheduled in order never to experience any drop in performance.

Can a tightening cycle be halted once a given height has been reached rather than when the torque setting has been reached?

Of course, TOM allows threaded elements to be tightened only to a given height rather than when the torque setting has been reached, by setting the tightening time.  It allows tightening with a tolerance of 360° in relation to the reference height. The system needs to be ordered with the locking and unlocking device to activate “timed” screwdriver stopping. If pneumatic screwdrivers are used, TOM must be combined with the locking/unlocking unit, if eTensil electric screwdrivers are used, TOM must be combined with the TPU2 unit.

TOM also has acoustic signals: how many?

TOM interacts with the operator through three beeps, and each one of these has a precise meaning: end of tightening, end of individual program and error.  This allows the operator to concentrate purely on assembly, because TOM is monitoring how the work proceeds.

Is TOM also compatible with auto-feeding screwdrivers?

Absolutely. TOM can also be used with the auto-feeding EasyDriver range.

Must I purchase the Transducer?

Yes, because it allows air screwdrivers to work with TOM.  The Transducer is entirely designed and built by Fiam, purposely to ensure good reception of the two pneumatic signals coming from the screwdriver and to convert them into electrical signals to send to TOM for processing.  It is therefore an essential piece of equipment: tested, economic, compact and extremely simple to calibrate according to the type of feed present in the line.