A riveting machine is a piece of factory equipment that is capable of automatically setting rivets to fasten materials together. The machines come in a variety of styles to suit different production processes. These machines can save significant time and labor costs compared to manual riveting, where an individual worker uses a hand-held rivet tool. Riveting machines can be used to join a wide range of materials, including metal and plastics.
Before selecting the type of riveting machine, it is important to define your assembly process objectives and constraints. Then, select a machine that meets those requirements. Self-piercing riveting (SPR) is a popular, highly flexible fastening technique that requires little energy and produces minimal noise. It is used to connect a variety of materials, including mixed materials and aluminum. It is also a more economical option than spot welding.
This type of machine can produce high outputs and offers a low cost per rivet, which is an advantage for companies with large production runs. The machines use a pneumatic cylinder to create the downward force required to deform the rivet. This type of machine can be used to produce a variety of types of joints, including lap joints and butt joints. Lap joints are created by overlapping two pieces of material and installing a rivet on the overlapped portion. Butt joints are created by butting up two components and using an additional piece of material to bridge them on one or both sides (called cover plates).
In addition, orbital riveting machines can be used to create a variety of rivet shapes and sizes. These machines use a mechanism to deliver the initial downward force and then an automatic feed system to present the rivet to the forming tool. The rivet is then deformed with the tool until it is a specified shape. Radial riveting machines, which utilize a rose-petal pattern of deformation, are another subset of orbital riveting. These machines are most appropriate for high-quality, lightweight connections in which the rivets do not need to be as long as the workpiece.
Lastly, the impact riveting machine is another type of machine that uses an impact mechanism to generate the downward force. These machines can be used to produce a variety of different rivets, depending on the material and application. These machines typically produce a larger diameter rivet than other types of machines, but they are also less expensive and more portable.
Regardless of the type of riveting machine you choose, it is important to follow the safety guidelines and operating instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will help ensure that the machine is used properly and safely to protect workers. It is also important to wear the proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles. The proper handling of the machine can make all the difference in ensuring the quality and longevity of your product. Lastly, it is important to understand the differences between riveting and welding. While both are effective methods of joining metals, riveting is safer than welding, because it does not require the use of heat.