The evolution of hydraulic torque wrenches by PLARAD (Part 2.2)
The development continues: Plarad’s modern hydraulic torque wrenches
PLARADS’s torque wrenches have undergone continuous development from 1978 to 1994, achieving significant technological advancements during this time. But how did the success story continue? Through constant innovation and the introduction of new models, Plarad has solidified its market position in hydraulic torque wrenches to this day and continues to set benchmarks for meeting the growing demands of the heavy industry with pioneering solutions.
KSX (from 1994): Lightweight and versatile
The KSX stood out with its lightweight aluminum housing and a performance range of up to 30,000 Nm. With an operating pressure of 350 bar and wrench sizes up to 170 mm, the KSX proved to be highly versatile and ideal for applications in wind energy and offshore industries. As the predecessor to today’s K-tool, it remains widely used in various industrial sectors.
TSX/VSX (from 1994): Flexibility with interchangeable heads system
The TSX and VSX models combined aluminum or steel sheet housings and delivered torques of up to 45,000 Nm at 800 bar. Their flexible interchangeable head system and rotatable hose connection made them ideal for maintaining large machinery.
HSX Series: Adaptation to specific requirements
The HSX series includes a range of models designed to meet specific industrial needs:
– HSX-Sandwich (TSX): Up to 20,000 Nm, combining steel sheets with an aluminum core, which balances stability and lightweight design—a construction method that has proven reliable in the industry.
– HSX-RS (from 1996): Aluminum housing, 5,000 Nm torque; innovative design, but it did not achieve the desired market success due to its weight and size.
– HSX-IQ (2003): Blue aluminum housing, up to 5,500 Nm; developed as a high-end model for particularly complex product requirements, which limited its application to specialized use cases.
– HSX-ZA (2012): Up to 5,000 Nm at 800 bar, with central support and dual-sided gearing. Despite its versatility, the model did not achieve long-term market success due to high production costs.
Consistency in torque wrench technology
The evolution of Plarad’s hydraulic torque wrenches highlights the importance of continuous development and adaptation to industrial demands. From the HP-R R+K to the modern HSX series, Plarad has consistently optimized its torque wrenches and remains firmly established across numerous industries today.
