The new Hoffmann Group Connected Tools (HCT) Windows App brings measurement data from the torque wrench into the quality assurance system (CAQ) – using the CSV/DFQ format or MUX50/DMX16 protocol. If when a screw is being tightened the intended value is not achieved, the system issues an alarm. By this means, mistakes are avoided and the measuring results are reliably documented. In addition, the software permits the creation of plans of work which cater for various different torque wrenches and make step by step guidance available to the worker. Thus, employees have clear instructions to hand which they can follow when tightening screws. The attractive price and ease of use render the software particularly suitable for small and medium enterprises (SME).

The new HCT Windows App supports the GARANT HCT 65 5010 and HOLEX HCT 65 5025 torque wrenches. It either saves the measurement data sent by the torque wrenches to the PC in a structured CSV/DFQ format, or it automatically forwards the values to the quality assurance system (CAQ) using the MUX50/DMX16 protocol. The serial numbers of the torque wrenches, the date, time, intended values of the measurements and many other parameters are also transferred. The wireless connection between the torque wrench and PC is generated by a Bluetooth dongle. Each dongle is able to connect up to 16 HCT torque wrenches concurrently to a Windows system.

The new HCT Windows App can be operated both in manual mode and in plan of work mode. Manual mode allows the torque wrenches and screw tightening parameters to be managed centrally. The time-consuming process of setting up directly at the torque wrench is dispensed with and the values on the torque wrenches that are connected are collected and saved throughout the entire day. In plan of work mode, the plan of work additionally guides the employee through his tasks and shows him which operation should be performed, at what time and using which tool. The serial numbers of the workpiece can be input manually or recorded by scanning the workpiece label and the measured values assigned to it. Images or drawings of the workpieces can be uploaded when creating the plan of work, and the relevant screws highlighted so that it is clear which specific screw is addressed by the plan. Thanks to the bi-directional interface the required intended values are sent from the app to the wrench, which immediately sets itself up and signals when it is the next one to be used. Users need no longer tediously input the screw tightening parameters into the wrench. And, conversely, they can now download screw tightening parameters from the wrenches. This makes for convenient operating procedures.

The HCT Windows App is currently available in English, French, German, Italian and Slovenian. It can be downloaded for Windows 10 and higher versions via the link http://ho7.eu/win-app-hct and used via the chargeable Bluetooth dongle no. 498999. The dongle is available now through the eShop, as well as through the Hoffmann Group's 2022/2023 new products catalogue.

The Hoffmann Group is promoting digitalisation in the tooling sector through Hoffmann Group Connected Tools (HCT) platform. In addition to the HCT Windows App, there are further connectivity options for HCT tools, such as the HCT Mobile App or direct connection by HID.