Riveting machinery is used to rivet metals together using a metallic fastener known as a rivet. This type of process is a popular choice for joining materials that require high strength, durability and corrosion resistance. Riveting can be done by hand or with a machine. These machines can be automated and include features like poke yokes, part validation and vision to confirm that the rivets have been properly fastened and seated.
Generally, riveting machines are used in production and manufacturing settings. Some examples of products that are riveted together using these machines include brake linings for commercial vehicles, aircraft and locomotives, metal brackets, window and door furniture and latches. The ability to fasten these materials with rivets allows these products to be produced faster, stronger and at a lower cost than would be possible by welding or bolting the parts together.
There are a few different types of riveting machinery available to manufacturers including pneumatic and hydraulic machines as well as rotary riveting machines. Each type of machine can be used for different applications depending on the needs of the manufacturer. Some of these machines are designed to be portable and can be used on site by a single person, while others are built to be integrated into an assembly line. Some of these machines are rotary and can be used on large, continuous parts, while others are pneumatic and can be used to make smaller, more precise joints.
Self-piercing riveting is a popular type of machine that uses a mechanism to create the hole in the material for the rivet to be inserted into. This is a low energy process, compared to spot-welding and is suitable for use with deformable materials that can be easily formed. It can also be used to join thin sheets of material. The system is capable of making a joint in a relatively short amount of time (typically 0.5 seconds) and can be robot-mounted for use in a flow-line.
Hydraulic and pneumatic riveting machines are designed to be used in a shop or factory environment. These machines use a combination of air and oil to provide the force required for the process. The pressure is controlled to ensure that the material being joined is not damaged and the force is only applied in a short burst, which is safe for the operator.
Before selecting a specific riveting machine, it is important to define the assembly process objectives and constraints. This includes the type of product, the quality characteristics of the finished assembled component, the assembly cycle time requirements and any other factors that could impact the selection of a particular fastening method. It is also helpful to work with an assembly machine vendor that offers a variety of riveting options and has an unbiased approach when it comes to which fastening process is best for your application. This will help to ensure a successful outcome.
