ZH90 lifting axis for screwdrivers: guiding screwdriving tools ergonomically and reliably
A lifting axis for screwdrivers carries the weight of the screwdriving tool and transfers the reaction torque into the structure instead of the operator's arm. Zeilhofer Handhabungstechnik equips the ZH90 lifting axis, lifting aids and articulated arm manipulators with holders for pneumatic screwdrivers, EC and electric screwdrivers, impulse tools and nutrunner spindles.
Where lifting axes and manipulators are used in screwdriving
Modern mid-size cars require up to 250 safety-relevant screw joints that must be made safely, reliably and with monitoring. Zeilhofer's custom solutions help car manufacturers comply with VDI guideline 2862. Typical screwing applications:
Wheel bolting
Front end and crush can
Axles, axle production, stabilizers and cardan shaft
Engine, engine mount and transmission
Strut braces
Seat belts, seats and hinges
Precise and reliable screw joints also matter in aviation, electronics, mechanical engineering and agricultural and construction machinery. More in the guide engine and transmission assembly.
Case study: ZH90 lifting axis for engine mounts
The aluminium ZH90 lifting axis with a special screwdriver holder enables safe bolting of engine mounts in the vehicle. It is ergonomically mounted on castors and can be moved by hand. With the telescopic extension or double extension and the height adjustment, the operator positions the screwdriver exactly at each screwing point.
Besides the screwdriver, the lifting axis holds monitored storage positions for sockets, bit holders, bits, extensions and socket inserts. A purpose-built holder shows the operator which tool to use. The lifting axis only moves and the joint can only be made with the correct tool.
Together with the integrated control, the ZH90 lifting axis ensures every screw is tightened to the correct torque. Only after a successful joint can the lifting aid move to the next screwing point. The operator is physically relieved and supported by haptic, visual and acoustic feedback.
ZH3 multi-axis arm: rotating the screwdriver in tight spaces
As an extension for lifting axes and lifting aids, the compact ZH3 multi-axis arm holds the screwdriver. It rotates the tool in several axes and reaches positions in the tightest spaces. Via the control of the lifting aid, the arm moves to predefined positions along a defined curve and holds them. Positions can be taught without programming and adjusted later by your own staff.
Reaction torque: why the operator is relieved
When screwing, a reaction torque always acts back on the tool in addition to the holding force. On the ZH90 lifting axis, this torque is not absorbed by the operator but transferred into the structure via the rigid linear guide, which also enables joints with high torques. How to calculate and design for reaction torque is explained in the guide reaction torque in screwdriving.
Which screwdriving tools can be integrated
Pneumatic screwdrivers and impulse tools
Electric screwdrivers and EC tools
Nutrunner spindles and multiple spindles
Hand-held and cordless screwdrivers
Sockets, bits and extensions with monitored storage positions
Zeilhofer provides the matching manual or fully automatic holder and guide, whether for hard, soft or critical joints.
Benefits at a glance
Ergonomics: the lifting aid carries the screwdriver and the reaction torque.
Process reliability: monitored joints, support for VDI 2862.
Operator guidance through haptic, visual and acoustic feedback.
Precision even at hard-to-reach points and at different angles.
Holders for screwdrivers of all common manufacturers, including high torques.
Lightweight aluminium lifting axis, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic or electric.
No rail system: floor trolley or articulated arm manipulator
If there is no rail system for a lifting axis at the workstation, the mobile floor trolley absorbs the torque free-standing on the floor. For screwing points positioned freely in space, the articulated arm manipulator is the right choice. Both are equipped with a suitable fixture for screwdrivers and spindles, just like the ZH90 lifting axis.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about lifting axes for screwdrivers
Which screwdrivers does the ZH90 lifting axis hold?
Pneumatic screwdrivers, EC and electric screwdrivers, impulse tools, nutrunner spindles, cordless screwdrivers as well as sockets and bits. Zeilhofer builds the holder to suit the screwdriver of the respective manufacturer.
How is the reaction torque absorbed?
Via the rigid linear guide of the ZH90 lifting axis. It transfers the counter-torque into the structure and rail instead of the operator's arm. The guide Reaction torque in screwdriving explains the design by torque, load and stroke.
Does the lifting axis support VDI guideline 2862?
Yes. Modern mid-size cars have up to 250 safety-relevant screw joints. Zeilhofer's custom solutions guide the screwdriver reliably and with monitoring, helping manufacturers comply with VDI 2862.
How does the system prevent incorrect screw joints?
Monitored storage positions show the operator the correct tool. The lifting axis only moves with the correct socket or bit, and only after a successful joint with the correct torque does it move on to the next screwing point.
Is the lifting axis only suitable for the automotive industry?
No. The example comes from automotive production. Zeilhofer designs the same screwdriving application for engine and transmission assembly, mechanical engineering, aviation and other of the 18 industries it serves.
What if there is no rail system?
Then the mobile floor trolley absorbs the torque free-standing on the floor. For screwing points positioned freely in space, the articulated arm manipulator is an alternative.
What is the ZH3 multi-axis arm used for?
The ZH3 multi-axis arm is an extension for lifting axes and lifting aids. It rotates the screwdriver in several axes, reaches screwing points in tight spaces and holds previously taught positions.
What does a lifting axis for screwdrivers cost?
The ZH90 lifting axis starts at around EUR 15,000; with a fixture, most systems cost EUR 20,000 to 25,000, special designs more. Prices are net, excluding installation and commissioning.
Zeilhofer Handhabungstechnik, Holzkirchen, Germany: lifting axes up to 1,200 kg and manipulators up to 800 kg for screwdriving, designed and manufactured in Germany.
