A Riveting machine is a device that can be used to rivet materials together. They can be powered by electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic power and can range in size from hand-held handheld machines to large multi-head automated riveters. They can also be categorized by how they crush the rivet head, with press riveting using strong pressure from one direction to deform the rivets, and orbital and spiralform riveting using weaker, continuous pressure to create a bond.
Choosing the right machine for the job is important as it will help to ensure that the workpieces are correctly fastened and the rivets are set in a way that is durable enough to meet quality standards. Different riveting machines offer various levels of control, with some requiring human guidance via a foot pedal or other user interface, while others do not require any manual intervention at all and rely on a feed track and hopper to automatically perform the riveting process.
There are many different types of riveting machine designs, and each type is suited to specific applications. Some are more effective than others for particular materials, such as aluminum. This is because aluminum is not stable under high heat, and riveting offers a better alternative for connecting multiple sheet metal parts without damaging them. Riveting is also more suitable for aluminum products than welding, as it can be disassembled easily without damage to individual components, allowing for further quality inspections and repairs.
The first step in selecting the right type of machine is deciding whether to use compression, non-impact, or impact riveting. Compression riveting uses a squeezing action to form the rivet head, non-impact riveting (also known as orbital riveting) utilizes a rolling process to create the rivet head, and impact riveting uses an impact hammer or punch to form the rivet head.
Once an operator has determined the type of riveting machine that is best suited for their application, they can begin to explore other features of the machine. For example, some machines use dedicated sensors to monitor the force that is being applied during the riveting process. These sensors generate a data curve that can be compared with a trained reference curve, and the machine can be programmed to flag or halt the operation if the process is outside of a pre-set tolerance. This is particularly useful when working with delicate materials, as it prevents damage to the part that could be caused by over- or under-riveting it.
In addition to this type of monitoring system, some riveting machines have integrated vision to confirm that all of the rivets are properly seated. This is an important feature to have in an automated assembly line, and can reduce waste and increase productivity.
In addition to these types of machines, Stryver can also build standalone riveting stations with poke yokes and part validation built in, as well as fully automated robotic riveting systems for larger production lines. Contact us for more information on the range of solutions we can provide.