Synchronized tightening
Controller features, such as the Low Reaction Tightening Strategies and controller-wide functions among others, require licenses distributed through the Functionality Management System (FMS). Whereas configuration of features is possible without specific licenses, the assignment and use of those features will require the correct license to be installed on the controller. Please refer to Licenses (FMS) for more detailed information on licenses.
Configuration of Synchronized tightening is done through ToolsTalk 2.
With Synchronized tightening it is possible to connect and to run several PF8 controllers together. The first controller in the configuration is called the Sync Reference and controls all the tightening and data reporting. Up to 5 additional PF8 controllers, called Sync Members, can be connected to the Sync Reference through a PF8 daisy-chain cable. Refer to Setting up hardware for Synchronized tightening. The Sync Members control the tools.
Sync Reference
The Sync Reference is the brain in the system. It controls:
the tightening settings
the data reporting
the configuration of the complete system
the connection to Tools Talk and ToolsNet
Accessories and field buses are connected directly to the Sync Reference.
Sync Member
The Sync Member works as a drive without any extra functionality. The IT part does not run and it is not possible to connect any external accessories or protocols to the Sync Member. Each Sync Member has an assigned channel number. The channel number is used to:
identify a connected tool and drive within the Hardware Layout Configuration in ToolsTalk 2.
select tools and drives that should be included in the tightening in Sync Mode.
produce result reports.
identify faulty parts in error events.
Tightenings
It is only possible to run Synchronized tightening for Multistep tightening programs. To synchronize tightenings between each tool, synchronization points are used. At these points, the tools wait for each other before continuing with the next step in the tightening program. A tightening program can contain up to 25 steps (synchronization points not included).
The assignment of tightening programs can only be done through ToolsTalk 2 and is not possible to do through the controller.
Licensing
Synchronized tightening is an FMS feature. Only the Sync Reference requires a license. It is possible to change any PF8 Controller into a Sync Member without any additional licenses. The Sync Reference license is an add-on FMS controller feature.
If the sync reference license is removed, no tightening can be done in Synchronized tightening mode. If the connection to the license server is lost, the license is still valid for 48 hours. The controller will search for a valid Sync Reference license every hour.
