A Riveting machine is a custom-designed equipment used to fasten two laminated materials together using a metallic fastener known as a rivet. This type of process is ideal to automate because of the repetitive nature and high input force required to complete the task. The different types of rivet machines vary by the riveting process, speed desired, and type of material to be joined. Choosing the right machine for your production needs requires a clear understanding of the different processes and their characteristics.
The main categories of riveting machines include impact and orbital (or radial) machines. The former uses an electric motor to deliver a downward force on the mandrel shaft after it’s inserted through a hole into multiple laminated sheets. The resulting friction creates the setting force that deforms and secures the rivet to the sheet metal materials. The latter uses a hopper and feed track to automatically deliver and present the rivet to the setting tool without requiring any human guidance or intervention from the operator. The rivet is then set by the machine’s driver, which is typically a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.
Both riveting and welding are popular joining processes for metals. The differences between the two, however, are significant. For instance, welding produces a much stronger and more rigid joint, but it also exposes the metal to excessive heat that can be detrimental to its overall strength and durability. Hence, it isn’t suitable for sensitive or delicate materials or components like electrical or electronic parts. Riveting, on the other hand, offers a much more stable and reliable joint and is appropriate for most metal materials.
A riveting machine is a highly versatile piece of equipment that can be used to join all kinds of materials and shapes. It can even be used to make rivets out of raw materials or to set rivets that have been pre-formed and cut.
There are many types of riveting machines available on the market, including manual, impact and abrasive. To find the best one for your specific application, consider factors such as the volume of rivets to be made, the level of automation needed and whether you need a riveting system that is capable of making abrasive rivets.
It is also important to select a riveting machine that can produce quality results in a short time. This will help reduce downtime and improve productivity. Lastly, it is critical to choose a riveting machine that can be used with various materials and thicknesses.
Choosing the right machine for your assembly line can be difficult, especially when you’re looking at several different models of riveters. A good starting point is to review the product quality attributes you require, the assembly cycle times, the footprint or space available for the riveter, and any plant utilities that might be required to run it. From there, it’s a matter of matching those factors to the capabilities and constraints of each model of riveter. Lastly, make sure you’re aware of what kind of monitoring or process verification is available for each model. Orbitform’s ‘Watchdawg’, for example, provides a powerful tool for monitoring non-impact and orbital riveting.
