From our humble beginnings in 1980 with three employees and a leased facility, SWD Inc. has evolved into an industry-leading provider of metal finishing and fastener sorting services. Today, we employ over 240 employees operating around the clock in our 250,000 sq. ft. manufacturing space, and currently provide the most comprehensive array of fastener sorting services and equipment in the industry.
As part of our commitment to continuing industry advancement and ongoing customer satisfaction, we also work to share our extensive knowledge of fastener sorting. In this in-depth guide, we will provide customers with a deeper understanding of fastener sorting machines’ capabilities, exploring the various uses and benefits of different sorting techniques. We will also take a closer look at the factors and options to consider when choosing the best method of sorting for your specific needs.
Vision vs Laser Sorting
Vision sorting machines offer a level of efficiency that proves beneficial for both single-commodity sorting lines and complex processes. Laser sorting may sound more advanced, but in most cases, the 40MP cameras are as accurate and typically faster.
Vision sorting is an automated process that uses machine vision cameras and sensors to identify and separate parts based on their dimensional characteristics. Some of the key sorting parameters assessed during the process include:
- Shank length
- Overall length
- Head height
- Presence of threads / partial threads
- Major / minor diameter
- Head diameter
- Foreign material
The process, sometimes incorrectly referred to as laser sorting or 100% sorting, can also sort mixed sizes, missing washers, head height, double washers, and sometimes hex size. It provides consistent, automated quality control 24/7 to maintain quality output and reduce the risk of product recalls.
Laser sorting utilizes a laser array to analyze part dimensions. It effectively sorts parts with a 5/8″ minimum length for:
- Multiple diameters (i.e. grooves and collars)
- Body diameter
- Foreign material
- Overall length
- Major and Minor Thread Measurements
- Underhead grooves
Laser sorting is utilized when you have headless parts or parts with critical dimensions that can’t be seen with a standard vision camera. It can also be used on a dedicated machine when extremely tight tolerances are required.
Overhead Vision Methods
Eddy current and overhead vision sorting are both frequently employed in industrial settings, including recycling and waste management sectors.
Pace Eddy current inspection is an electromagnetic technique that can be applied to conductive materials to quickly sort items according to material discrepancies, size variations, and more. It is a reliable method for verifying the following:
- Material Mass
- Missing features
- Obtaining conductivity measurements (for case depth determination, heat damage detection, heat treatment, and material differences)
An Eddy Current probe focused on the head of a part can also effectively detect and sort parts with cracked heads that have a minimum size of M6 x 18mm (with pan, truss binder, or other types of round heads). It is especially useful for identifying hairline cracks on safety items and other goods.
Most vision machines have a second or third camera that looks down directly on the top of the head of a part to sort for multiple characteristics that can affect the quality and assembly of a fastener. It is commonly used to sort for the following issues:
- Ballcaps
- Concentricity issues
- Cracked heads
- Excess flange
- Out of round and flowering heads
- Verification of recess drive configuration
- Head markings
Fastener Sorting: Applications Across Industries
Fastener sorting machines have revolutionized how many industries handle their sorting needs, providing a fast, accurate, and efficient solution for automotive, defense, stampings, and other major sectors. Common applications for sorting include:
Ammunition
Food processing (sorting and grading)
Medical and pharmaceutical
Mining and ore sorting
Recycling and waste management
Screws, nuts, and bolts for automotive assembly
Quality checks
By harnessing the power of advanced sorting, teams in these and other applications can elevate quality control standards, reduce costs, and boost overall productivity.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Needs
As an independent sorting job shop, SWD Inc. Fastener Sorting Corp. operates eleven specific types of machines, all of which have distinct benefits in specific cases. We consider the following factors when choosing a sorting method that will meet your precise needs:
- Specifications and tolerances
- Vision system sensors and technology
- Sorting speed and capacity
- Sorting versatility and accuracy
- Supplier support and reputation
- Total cost
Let SWD Help Identify Your Ideal Fastener Sorting Machine
At SWD Inc., we are dedicated to meeting or exceeding our customers’ expectations. With over 40 years of industry expertise, we have a proven reputation for delivering the top-quality products and services that our customers have come to rely on. We maintain an unwavering commitment to providing world-class, socially responsible, customer-focused fastener sorting solutions.
Our facilities are equipped with cutting-edge fastener sorting machines to promote ongoing efficiency and precision across our operations. These include the following:
- Full recess probes
- Headless stud/pin sort
- Laser sort
- Overhead vision sort
- Roll sort
- Vision sort
- Vision nut/washer sort
