SENCO, a leader in professional power fastening technology, has expanded its offering of tools and fasteners specifically designed for automated bridge systems with the new DS342-SL mounted collated screwdriver.
The SENCO DS342-SL is engineered to increase the speed, durability and precision of high-volume fastening, making the automation of previously manual operations easier for construction products manufacturers.
Built on SENCO’s DuraSpin auto-feed screw driving platform, the DS342-SL offers a variety of features proven on construction sites and in industrial settings over the past 25 years. These include:
- a 2500 RPM motor designed to deliver high torque suitable for driving collated screws into dense materials such as engineered wood or steel
- a feed on return system that advances screws after the previous drive without having to wait for nosepiece compression, which provides quicker, more precise fastening
- a tool-free, easily adjustable nosepiece for different screw lengths
- a quick bit release for efficient bit replacement
In addition to these general benefits of SENCO’s DuraSpin auto-feed screwdriving platform, the DS342-SL was developed with the challenges of universal bridge mount systems in mind. In consultation with both bridge designers and panel manufacturers, SENCO engineered the DS342-SL to address three key requests: ease of installation, ability to mount multiple tools for complex assemblies, and fewer interruptions in operation.
All mounting parts for the SENCO DS342-SL are built into the tool to make set-up on bridge systems easier. A specially designed mounting plate provides one connection point and easily adapts to various bridge configurations. Because all connecting parts are pre-mounted to the DS342-SL, there is no need to modify the tool housing in any way.
With a width of just 6.8 inches, the SENCO DS342-SL provides a slim profile, which means several tools can be mounted side by side. This is essential for complex wall and floor panel assemblies where there can be multiple closely spaced fastening points.
SENCO has made loading collated screws into the SENCO DS342-SL much more seamless than current systems and provides 500 screws per spool for continuous operation.
Users simply open the SENCO packaging and remove a 500-count screw spool box, insert the DS342-SL’s spindle through the center of the box, lift the screw spool out, and slide the spindle onto the spool support block of the DS342-SL. After feeding the screw strip into the specially engineered screw guide, which prevents the strip from tangling, and placing the empty box onto the used strip collection mount above the tool, users can begin fastening, getting 500 continuous drives per spool.
One of the most significant drawbacks of current bridge systems is the need to have operators continually monitor and reload tools, which cuts into productivity. The SENCO DS342-SL reduces the time, effort, and human capital involved in the process.
“Off-site construction of wall and floor panels has become increasingly popular – and essential – due to labor shortages and the need for faster, more efficient, and cost-effective building methods,” says Ryan Distler, product manager of screw systems at SENCO. “The DS342-SL is an off-the shelf solution for both bridge designers and their customers to help smooth the transition to pre-fabrication panels.”
