by Riveting machinery is used to fasten materials together using rivets. These machines are used in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, aerospace and automotive. These machines are capable of riveting many different materials such as wood, metal and leather. They can also be used to create a weld-like joint in brittle materials such as plastic or electronics. These machines can be used to create strong and durable connections that can withstand a great deal of pressure or stress.
Standard impact riveting machines work quickly and are ideal for high volume production. They are ideal for a wide variety of products from household appliances, furniture and electronic equipment to automotive parts, metal cabinets, range hoods, and medical equipment. These machines use a downward motion to push the materials together which then forces the end of the rivet onto a forming tool called a rollset. This forces the rivet to flare outwards, creating a solid connection between the materials that is resistant to corrosion and stress. These machines are available in both semi-automatic and automated form and can operate with or without pneumatic components depending on the type of machine.
Self-piercing riveting machines (SPR) can be handheld or robot-mounted to operate in a production line. They have a low energy requirement, compared to other types of riveting machinery, and don’t require the use of external fixturing. They can be used to join deformable materials and have a short cycle time, similar to spot-welding. They have gained popularity for their ability to create a weld-like connection with a minimal amount of heat and no fume emissions.
When a SPR machine is activated by a human operator via a button or foot pedal, it feeds the rivet from a hopper down a track and into open jaws that close and insert the shank into the part holes. Then, a hammer strikes the rivet with enough regulated force to flatten the opposite end of the rivet to create a head. SPR systems can be customized with process monitoring to assess the quality of the weld and make sure that the riveting process meets specific requirements.
The SPR process has been a popular choice for manufacturers who want to reduce assembly times and the cost of labor. But it can be tricky to find the right machine for your needs, as each riveting machine has its own unique capabilities and strengths. Defining your assembly objectives and process constraints before you start searching for a machine will help ensure that you choose the best tool for the job. This will give you the best results and help you avoid wasting time or money on equipment that isn’t ideal for your application. In addition, you’ll need to consider the number of heads on a SPR machine, as this can have an impact on cycle time and overall efficiency. A multi-head machine can increase productivity by reducing the number of tools that are needed to complete each job.
