5-axis vs single axis bolt tightening machine: comparison of efficiency and accuracy differences

5-axis vs single axis bolt tightening machine: comparison of efficiency and accuracy differences

In the field of industrial assembly, 5-axis and single axis bolt tightening machines are two commonly used equipment, and the difference in efficiency and accuracy between the two directly determines their different application scenarios. Clarifying these differences can help companies match production needs more accurately and avoid cost waste or quality issues caused by improper equipment selection.

From the perspective of efficiency, the difference between the two is mainly reflected in the operational capability of the multi bolt workstation. The single axis bolt tightening machine adopts a "one by one tightening" mode, and can only complete the tightening operation of one bolt at a time. If facing workpieces with multiple densely distributed bolts (such as engine cylinder heads and motor end caps), frequent adjustments to the workstation or mobile equipment are required, and the single batch operation time is usually 3-5 minutes. The 5-axis bolt tightening machine, with its multi axis collaborative design, can achieve synchronous tightening of 5 bolts, and the spacing between each axis can be flexibly adjusted according to the distribution of bolts. Under the same working conditions, the single batch operation time can be shortened to 1-2 minutes, and the efficiency can be improved by 40% -60%. In addition, in continuous production scenarios, 5-axis models support seamless integration with automated production lines, achieving unmanned operation of the entire process of "loading tightening inspection unloading" through program presets, while single axis models often require manual assistance to adjust workstations, making it difficult to adapt to high cycle production needs.

In terms of accuracy performance, the core differences between the two are concentrated in torque control and coaxiality stability. The torque accuracy of a single axis bolt tightening machine is usually within ± 5%, which is suitable for scenarios where bolt stress requirements are not high (such as ordinary chassis shell assembly); However, during multi bolt assembly, due to the need to move and position multiple times, coaxiality deviation is prone to occur, resulting in uneven stress on each bolt, and the error may expand to ± 8%. The 5-axis bolt tightening machine is equipped with independent torque sensors and servo control systems. The torque accuracy of each tightening shaft can reach ± 3% (even ± 1% for high-end models). When multiple axes move synchronously, real-time position compensation technology can ensure that the coaxiality error between each axis and the bolt hole is less than 0.1mm, effectively avoiding component deformation or thread slippage caused by uneven force. Especially in high-precision assembly scenarios such as aerospace and automotive powertrains, the precision advantage of 5-axis models is more obvious, which can meet the uniform stress requirements of key component bolts.

Overall, the single axis bolt tightening machine is suitable for small batch, single bolt or low precision assembly scenarios, with low equipment cost and simple operation; The 5-axis bolt tightening machine is more suitable for large-scale, multi bolt, high-precision production needs. Although the initial investment is high, it can reduce long-term production costs through efficiency improvement and quality assurance. When selecting an enterprise, it is necessary to make a comprehensive judgment based on its own production scale, distribution of workpiece bolts, and accuracy requirements in order to achieve greater equipment value.