Smart Electric Actuators Address Carpal Tunnel Problems in QC

Carlsbad, CA—Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. It is one of the most common ergonomic disorders in manufacturing and QC.

Ergonomic disorders are the fastest growing type of work-related illness. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they account for 56 percent of illnesses reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Further, in the United States, employers spend more than $7.4 billion in workers’ compensation costs, and untold billions on medical treatment, litigation costs, hidden costs, and lost productivity according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Traditionally checking ID or OD threads requires the use of calibrated GO/NO GO thread plug and ring gauges. To this day, this remains the best mechanical method for verifying that thread pitch and depth are within print specifications on virtually all manufactured components/products. Unfortunately, this is the exact type of repetitive motion that can be a major contributor to carpal tunnel in the industrial market. Periodic verification of thread quality following a sampling method while running a shift of production can lead to carpal tunnel, particularly over weeks or months of production. SMAC Moving Coil Actuators has an automated linear rotary solution where the go gauge thread plug or ring gauge automatically does this inspection.

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The automated thread checking solution from SMAC enables a 100% detailed inspection and verification of all parts. It also identifies tool wear sooner and allows SPC data acquisition for process control and quality systems. All of this translates to higher quality and throughput, lower costs, and increased customer confidence.

An optional Thread Check Graphical User Interface (GUI) is also available. Graphical User Interface, SMAC-Motion, provides a straightforward way to configure motion parameters of a variety of SMAC single/dual axis actuators and controllers.