A Riveting machine is a custom machine built and configured to perform a specific riveting process. Riveting is a process that joins two laminated materials with a metallic fastener known as a rivet, using a high input force to create a permanent and durable joint. Unlike welding, which involves melting the material to be joined together, riveting is a non-melting process that can be used on metals as well as plastics and other materials. This makes it a suitable choice for use in the manufacture of consumer products and industrial equipment, as well as other applications that require highly rigid and strong joints.
Riveting machines come in a variety of configurations, from manually operated handheld riveting guns to multi-head automated tools that are electrically, pneumatically (pop riveters and air riveters), or hydraulically actuated. Generally, there are three main categories of riveting machine types: compression riveting, non-impact forming (also called orbital or radial forming), and impact riveting.
Compression riveting machines press or hammer the rivet heads to deform them and form the second retaining head. This type of machine is ideal for use in cases where the rivet heads must be formed over a larger area, such as the heads of aircraft or automobile parts.
Orbital forming riveting uses a series of contact points to spread the rivet heads over a large area, instead of a single contact point as in compression riveting. Typically, this method is less accurate than other methods, but is used where the rivets must be distributed evenly over the surface of the part. Spiralform riveting is a subset of orbital forming, where the rivet heads are formed into a spiral shape.
Impact riveting machines set the rivets by driving them downwards through the materials to be joined, forcing the end of the rivet onto a forming tool known as a rollset. This causes the end of the rivet to flare out, joining the materials together. These machines work very quickly, with a cycle time of 0.5 seconds or less.
Spin riveting machines use a weaker force to deform the rivet heads, but also have problems with excessive or uneven deformation of the rivets. Fortunately, there is now a new riveting machine design that uses the jaws of the tool to check for proper clearance prior to the mechanism that delivers the initial setting force lowering them.
While there are many different models of riveting machines, the right one is crucial for the quality of the finished product. To achieve the best results, you should follow all of the relevant safety guidelines and operating instructions for your model of machine. In addition, you should make sure that your rivets are of the correct size and type for each application. Stryver has extensive experience building standalone riveting machines that can be loaded and unloaded in a safe riveting station, with poke yokes, part validation, and data collection built in to confirm that the rivets are fully fastened and seated properly.
Leave a Reply