Riveting machines are used to join metal pieces together. They use hot rivets, which are short metal pins with a head on one end, to weld two components together.
They can be manually operated or robot-mounted for automation. This is a semi-permanent joining process with low energy requirements compared to spot welding. It is also a clean process with no fume emissions.
Fasteners
Riveting is used to fasten metals, plastics, wood and other materials. The riveting process is more flexible than welding, because it can be used on brittle or delicate materials that cannot be welded. It also requires less equipment than welding, and it leaves no waste residue.
Depending on the application, there are several types of rivets that can be used. The most common are the squat and flange rivets, which can be used in a variety of applications. They are available in various sizes and have varying head shapes to accommodate different holes.
A percussive riveting system typically comprises a fastener feeder, a bucking bar or gantry and a rivet gun. Generally, the bucking bar is heated and then pressed down on the fastener carrier to deform it and seal the hole. The hammer is then used to pound the shaped shank of the rivet into the material. The force-displacement data is monitored to ensure proper riveting. Orbitform offers a process monitoring system called Watchdawg that uses this technology.
Power Sources
Riveting machines use either electricity, pneumatics or hydraulics as their power source to punch rivets into metal sheets. These machines have automatic feeding hoppers and tracks that reduce the need for manual positioning. This can greatly improve the quality of a riveted product, and it also increases productivity.
Rivets come in a variety of sizes and materials, and there are different types of riveting processes, such as orbital, compression and blind (pop) riveting. These rivets can be used to fasten a wide variety of materials and products, including metal, plastic and thermoplastics.
While welding is the best option for many applications, riveting offers more strength and versatility than other methods of joining metals together. For example, the Eiffel Tower and Sydney Harbour Bridge are held together with rivets, as are armored tanks, automobile bodies, gutter construction, and hanger straps. A custom riveting station can be integrated into a robotic cell to increase production efficiency. The process can be noisy, so a noise-reducing system is available for work environments where noise is a concern.
Controls
There are several different controls used in riveting machines. Most riveting machines use a pneumatic system, but others can be powered by electric motors or even hydraulic systems. There are also various head sizes and options for multiple riveting heads to be installed simultaneously.
Some riveting machines have an intensification valve that adjusts the amount of pressure applied during the process. There are also safety devices that allow the jaws to lower to check for clearance before actuating.
Riveting machines are often paired with part validation and data collection systems to ensure the rivets are being installed properly and that the machine is working correctly. Some machines are stand-alone, while others can be mounted to robots that use bowl feed and automated poke yokes to rivet parts with blind (pop) rivets. Stryver has experience building both types of systems. We can help you decide which is right for your application. Call us today! We are always happy to help.
Maintenance
Using a riveting machine can be an effective way to attach metal materials together. These machines use heat to create a strong bond between the pieces of metal and can be used in a variety of applications. The machine can be easily cleaned and maintained to ensure that it is operating at its optimal performance.
One ot the dies b of the head carries a peen f which may be readily replaced to suit different work. The peen f is held in place by a compression spring.
Dedicated systems monitor the force and punch movement throughout the process, generating a riveting process curve that is compared to a trained reference curve. This allows the system to flag issues or halt the operation if necessary. It can be a great way to save time and money while also improving the quality of the product produced. The system can be hydraulic, electric or pneumatic, depending on the application.