Advanced Witness Systems Ltd - Torque News

Update: Kepler 4 Version 3.27

May 2025

We have just released Kepler 4 Version 3.27 for all customers within their maintenance period. This update adds new features for simplifying the operation of the software.

Kepler 4 will automatically update when you open the program. Here is a short summary of updates in v3.27:

• Changes to streamline the selection of calibration / conformity on new works order page.

Update: Kepler 4 Version 3.26

May 2025

We have just released Kepler 4 Version 3.26 for all customers within their maintenance period. This update adds new features following requests from users.

Kepler 4 will automatically update when you open the program. Here is a short summary of updates in v3.26:

• Added 'Browse' button to report builder to search for image files.
• Streamlined selection of calibration / conformity on new works order page.
• Fixed an issue where data entry boxes for 6 position wod and / or wint would be displayed incorrectly.
• Fixed an issue when pasting in image path name in report builder.
• Fixed formatting issues.

AWS Product Catalogue 2025

January 2025

The 2025 AWS Product Catalogue is now out! It features fresh information about all our torque calibration machines, including the recently upgraded Universal Torque Calibration Machine, 2Nm Calibration Machine and 1.5kNm Supported Calibration Stand. There's also a sneak peak into our Excalibur software, which is coming soon to assist with your BS7882:2017 torque measuring device calibrations.

The Benefits of Automated Operation for Torque Calibration

November 2024

With a brief look at the AWS website, you'll see numerous mentions to the automated operation of the Universal range of torque calibration machines. But what does this actually mean, and why should you be looking into torque calibrators with automated operation?

Update: Kepler 4 Version 3.25

September 2024

We have just released Kepler 4 Version 3.25 for all customers within their maintenance period. This update adds new features following requests from users.

Kepler 4 will need to be downloaded from our website to update. Here is a short summary of updates in v3.25:

• The minimum resolution is now 1080p. Window sizes have been adjusted to reflect this.
• Where the time is stated on a certificate, this will now use 24 hour format, rather than 12 hour.
• When using custom torque settings on the pre-readings screen, the percentages of applied torque will now update to reflect this. Historic readings will not be affected by this.
• Minor design changes to improve the look of Kepler 4.
• Spelling corrections.
• Additional bug fixes.

How to Maintain and Store a Torque Wrench

July 2024

When treated with care, maintained appropriately and calibrated frequently, your torque wrenches and torque screwdrivers should be giving you accurate and reliable torque output for years to come. Speak to our experts today to discuss how AWS equipment can improve your torque maintenance procedures.

Poster for Determining Torque Tool Resolutions

March 2024

We have just released a new poster which will aid you in determining your torque tool's resolution in accordance with the ISO 6789:2017 international standard.

Poster for Determining Torque Tool Type & Class

March 2024

We have just released a new poster which will aid you in determining your torque tool's type & class in accordance with the ISO 6789:2017 international standard.

AWS Product Catalogue 2024

January 2024

The AWS Product Catalogue 2024 is now out, featuring the only automated torque screwdriver calibrator to meet ISO 6789:2017 standards on the market, as well as our innovative automated Universal Torque Calibration Machine for calibrating torque tester devices without the need for beams and weights.

The Importance of Torque Control in the Oil, Gas and Chemical Industry

December 2023

The Oil, Gas & Chemical industry is a highly dangerous working environment, with quality and safety playing a vital role in keeping operations moving and staff out of danger. Due to this, precision tools such as torque wrenches and torque screwdrivers are utilised to ensure fasteners are installed with exactly the right amount of torque, leaving no margin for leaks or failures due to the tightness of the fixing.

Why Following Correct Torque Procedures is Critical

December 2023

Torque tools play a key role in ensuring safety and quality in a variety of industries. But these torque tools can only provide this quality when the correct torque procedures are followed. Click on the case studies to read about what can go wrong when torque procedures aren’t followed correctly in a variety of industries.

Bench Mounted Universal Torque Wrench Calibration Machine

October 2023

We have released a new 500Nm version of the Universal Torque Wrench Calibration Machine that allows the machine to be desktop / bench mounted for space saving. The machine requires desk space which is just 70cm wide and 75cm deep, and will overhang the front of the desk by 45cm. It needs just 56cm of free space above the desk. The overall width of the machine is 110cm. All dimensions for the various versions of UTWCMs can be found in the UTWCM Tech Spec section of our website.

Update: Kepler 4 Version 3.24

September 2023

We have just released Kepler 4 Version 3.24 for all customers within their maintenance period. This update adds functionality improvements.

Kepler 4 will automatically update when you open the program. 
Here is a short summary of updates in v3.24:

• Certificates can now be printed without locking the report template, allowing users to freely modify and print each template until the design is correct, with users making the decision as to when to lock the template.
• When storing the Kepler 4 database on a server, users can now change the database name. This allows users to store the databases of multiple copies of Kepler on a single server. Please note that the database is still unique to each individual copy of Kepler.
• General literal improvements.

ISO 6789:2017 Inconsistencies, Discussion Points and Possible Amendments

May 2023

The torque standard BS EN ISO 6789:2017 has now been in limited use for the past six years and has now reached its possible revision date. The regime required for calibration does seem overly complex for use, highlighting that these are hand tools and not instruments. Our latest white paper deals with the issues by part and section with each parts issue in section by section.

AWS Master Torque Screwdriver

March 2023

The AWS 25cN·m Master Torque Screwdriver has been produced to be used in proving that the AWS Universal Torque Screwdriver Calibration Machine meets the timings required by ISO 6789:2017 Part 1 Section 6.2.4 for 80 - 100% of the applied torque. In conjuction with the timing pulse output from the Universal Torque Screwdriver Calibration Machine.

Update: Kepler 4 Version 3.23

January 2023

We have just released Kepler 4 Version 3.23 for all customers within their maintenance period. This update adds functionality improvements.

Kepler 4 will automatically update when you open the program. 

Here is a short summary of updates in v3.23:

• Tools with a resolution of 0 can now be saved as a Model.

How Often Should I Calibrate My Torque Wrench?

December 2022

You might see torque tool calibrations as an unnecessary additional cost, but in reality the truth could not be further from this. In our latest blog, we discuss why calibrations are so important, how often you should be performing these calibrations, and general maintenance procedures that can help protect your torque tool's accuracy.

AWS In Transport Engineer Magazine

November 2022

Have you seen us in the November edition of the Transport Engineer magazine? Our Managing Director Ron Sangster discusses the dangers of overtightening or undertightening bolts in the automotive industry, as well as the do's and don'ts when it comes to bolts.

Update: K Factor Verification Module

November 2022

In keeping with an accredited auditing authorities understanding of ISO 6789:2017, referring to verification of the k Factor when calculating the Expanded Uncertainty (W), we are releasing a new version of the K Factor Verification Module. 

This version, under the Reliable Inputs verification, converts the Error due to Reproducibility (brep) parameter from a Type A to a Type B contribution, as the standard states that only 1 Type A contribution should be considered, this being Error due to Repeatability (bre). We have found in trials that this change greatly increases the Effective Degrees of Freedom (Veff), and in consequence reinforces the k Factor as 2.

This new version will not affect your past calibration results, but it aligns itself with one audit authorities' request.

Update: Kepler 4 Version 3.22

November 2022

Good news! We will shortly be rolling out Kepler 4 Version 3.22 for all customers within their maintenance period. This update adds new features following requests from users, which require a Database version change. Very Important - Before updating Kepler 4, please ensure your database has been backed up.

Kepler 4 will automatically update when you open the program. 

Here is a short summary of new features and updates in v3.22:

• Number of exercise readings in 2003 normalised.
• Further error handling on CSV file creation.
• Additional functionality improvements.

What is Torque?

October 2022

Whether you're still in school or a seasoned veteran, torque can be a confusing subject to wrap your head around. In our latest blog, we discuss the fundamental basics of what torque is, how it can be calculated, and go in depth into some of the key terms in the torque industry and international torque standards.

A General Guide on Torque Transducers

October 2022

Torque transducers come in a variety of designs, types and ranges. In our new blog, we discuss what a torque transducer is, when they might be used within multiple industries, and the current UK torque transducer calibration standard BS 7882:2017.

New Kepler 4 Major Update

June 2022

Our new Kepler 4 major update is out now! It continues to expand our software's capability to ISO 6789:2017. Key features of the update include:

• The Coverage Factor (k) can now be calculated at each setting, using the AWS K Factor Verification Module (see below for more information).
• The Coverage Factor (k) can be added to the Readings block in your Certificate Template, using the new Database fields , and . These replace, and respectively, adding a row for the Coverage Factor at each setting.
• The Coverage Factor calculated at each setting has been added to the CSV Export File for importing into other software if required.
• The Coverage Factor at each setting can be reviewed for completed readings under the Calculations tab.
• Other improvements.

The new optional K Factor Verification Module is a supplement to Kepler 4 , to carry out the automatic verification of the K factor k=2 as proscribed in ISO 6789:2017 Part 2. This module is based on the M3003 document Appendix's B (Unreliable inputs) and C (Dominant uncertainty contributions) to verify the K factor.

The Need for Torque Calibration in the Automotive Industry

May 2022

In our latest blog, we discuss why torque calibration is an essential stage of the automotive manufacturing process, and the dangers of not calibrating your torque tools correctly.

Update: Kepler 4 Version 3.09

September 2021

Good news! We will shortly be rolling out Kepler 4 Version 3.09 for all customers within their maintenance period. This update adds new features following requests from users, which require a Database version change.

Very Important - Before updating Kepler 4, please ensure your database has been backed up.

Kepler 4 will automatically update when you open the program. After you have updated Kepler 4, you will be asked to update your database to Version 12. This will add a Coverage Factor (k) and Coverage Probability (p) to all of your completed readings, which will be set as k=2 and p=95%. Once you have allowed Kepler to continue, it will tell you how many readings have been updated. If there are any issues, please let us know and we will do our best to resolve them as quickly as possible.

Here is a short summary of new additional features and updates in v3.09:

• The Coverage Factor (k) and Coverage Probability (p) can be changed in Settings
• The Coverage Factor & Coverage Probability can be added to your Certificate Template, using the new Database fields READ_CoverageFactor and READ_CoverageProbability
• The Coverage Factor & Coverage Probability have been added to the CSV Export File for importing into other software if required
• The Coverage Factor & Coverage Probability for each completed reading can be reviewed under the General tab
• Other bug fixes

Update: Kepler 4 Version 3.08

July 2021

Good news! We have rolled out Kepler 4 Version 3.08 for all customers within their maintenance period.

Very Important - Before updating Kepler 4, please ensure your database has been backed up.

Instructions for updating Kepler 4 - Kepler 4 will automatically update when you open the program.

Here is a short summary of new additional features and updates in v3.08:

• The return key can now be used to move between reading fields
• Improvements to Kepler 4 when using a comma as a decimal separator
• Other bug fixes

Why is there a need for calibration and verification of torque tools and torque measuring devices?

May 2021

In our new white paper, we show you why both calibration and verification have a place in quality control and performance.

AWS in Fast Magazine

May 2021

Torque tools provide vital assurance that bolts are the right tightness. In the latest issue of FAST magazine, we talk to Will Dalrymple about how torque tool's readings are not fool proof and their need for calibration and verification.

Calibrate 10x Faster with the AWS Universal Torque Screwdriver Calibration Machine

May 2021

Using the AWS Universal Torque Screwdriver Calibration Machine, typical calibration time is just 25 minutes, and takes much less operator skill, saving you considerable time and generating faster throughput of torque screwdrivers. Payback can be as short as a phenomenal 8 days!

Universal Torque Screwdriver Calibration Machine Camera

March 2021

Our Universal Torque Screwdriver Calibration Machine can come with the optional extra of a flexible probe camera to allow for easier use during calibration of dial screwdrivers.

Update: Kepler 4 Version 3.07

March 2021

We have rolled out Kepler 4 Version 3.07 for all customers within their maintenance period. This update adds additional COM Port data entry support, and translation improvements. Very Important - Before updating Kepler 4, please ensure your database has been backed up. Kepler 4 will automatically update when you open the program.

ISO 6789 White Paper

February 2021

Review our latest updated information on this torque tool conformity and calibration standard.

The Importance of Quality Control in Fastening using Torque Tools

February 2021

Check out our webinar, first shown at at 3:30pm (GMT) on Wednesday 24th February 2021, to hear us talk about the importance of quality control in fastening using torque tools. You'll learn about:

• Why you should calibrate your torque tools
• How often you should calibrate your torque tools
• Different requirements for torque wrenches and torque screwdrivers
• Understanding the complexities of the manual torque tools ISO 6789:2017 standard
• Practical solutions in how to use the standard

Update: Kepler 4 Version 3.03

August 2020

We have just released Kepler 4 V3.03 containing several updates and bug fixes including the addition of Range as a certificate field, and modification to the tool resolution field, which checks to ensure the correct value is used for the type and class of tool at reading entry.

We have also enhanced importing databases from previous historic versions of Kepler. Please contact us if you require further information.

New Presentation: Understanding and Implementing Torque Standards relating to Torque Tools

April 2020

The presentation made by Managing Director Ron Sangster at the Engineering Solutions Live exhibition last month, is now available to view online. It focusses on BS EN ISO 6789:2017.