A riveting machine is a custom machine built for a specific type of riveting process. Riveting machines are used to automate riveting, a metal joining method that doesn’t use heat.
Riveted products can be disassembled without damage, making them easier to inspect and repair. Different types of rivets are used in products like trailers, electrical motors and automobiles.
Types
Riveting is one of the most widely used fastening methods. It has been used to construct famous structures such as the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also used in gutter construction, aircraft and car chassis and hanger straps. However, the process has some disadvantages. For example, rivets are not airtight and they are prone to loosening over time due to excessive weight or large temperature variations.
To overcome these problems, a number of different rivet machines are available. These range from standard impact and orbital riveting machines to rotary and hot upset machines. They can use a variety of rivets, including oval-headed and brazier headed rivets. They can be powered by a motor or pneumatically driven and offer custom riveting stations, offset tooling, and load compensating devices. Some also feature a process monitoring system, such as Orbitform’s ‘Watchdawg’ (see Fig. 8.1). This provides data on force and displacement, allowing for tolerances to be built into the machine process.
Advantages
Unlike glues or sealants, rivets provide a permanent bond between two pieces of metal. This makes them very strong and durable, as they can withstand a lot of pressure applied to them. They can also withstand temperature extremes, making them suitable for use in a variety of different environments.
They can be used to connect different types of materials, including metals and plastics. They also have a high level of flexibility and can be used for assembly line work. Additionally, they are easy to repair.
A riveting machine can be used to make a wide range of products, from automobiles and appliances to furniture and tools. However, it is important to understand how the machine works before using it. There are many different types of riveting machines, ranging from simple pneumatic units to hydraulic and orbital models. Some even include a process monitoring system, such as Orbitform’s Watchdawg, which uses dedicated sensors to monitor the setting force and punch movement during riveting. This produces a force-displacement curve, which is then compared with a trained reference curve.
Functions
When two pieces of metal need to be joined together firmly, rivets are the perfect tool for the job. These metal fasteners are a necessary part of manufacturing industries and have helped to build many innovations throughout history. They are also often used in conjunction with welding to create a strong bond.
Rivets are inserted into holes in the plates that are to be joined, and their protruding head is upset by a hammer. This process is known as hand or machine riveting, and it can be done either by a person or with a machine.
It can be dangerous to work with a machine like this, so workers should always follow safety precautions. This includes using paint thinner to clean up any mess, and keeping the machine away from surfaces that could be impacted by the heat. The machine should also have an emergency stop button that is easily accessible so that people can use it if they become entrapped in the machinery.
Applications
Riveting machines range in size and capability from handheld riveters that resemble pneumatic hammers to multi-head riveting stations paired with rotary indexing tables. Determining assembly process objectives and constraints upfront can help manufacturers select the machine type and capabilities that will yield optimal results.
For example, an automotive ventilator control damper may be assembled on a line of single-head riveters staffed by multiple operators, but the same assembly could be accomplished more quickly on a custom multi-head riveter with rotary indexing table that provides operator safety, poke yokes and part validation & data collection built in.
In addition to forming and riveting, some riveting machines also have additional functions such as embossing and knurling. Riveting can be used with a variety of materials including delicate and brittle materials as well as sensitive electrical or electronic components. The versatility of the technology, coupled with the ability to disassemble products without causing damage to individual parts, make riveting an attractive alternative to spot welding for some applications.
