Riveting machine use rivets to join materials permanently by deforming the rivet head and filling in the hole. They are used to create joints that are strong and durable, such as those found on aircraft or automobiles. There are several types of riveting machines available, each designed to meet the needs of a particular type of material or application. Choosing the right machine will help ensure that the rivets are placed in the correct locations and have enough force to hold the materials together.
The first step in selecting a riveting machine is to define the product assembly objectives and constraints, such as assembly cycle time requirements, footprint or space availability, cost of equipment, plant utilities available and finished part aesthetics. Outlining these factors up front will help guide the selection process, making it easier to find a riveting machine that can meet or exceed the assembly goals.
There are two primary types of riveting machines, impact and non-impact. The former uses an impact hammer to deform the rivet head and create the second retaining head. The latter, also known as orbital riveting, does not use an impact hammer but instead performs a spinning or rolling action to the end of the rivet shank. This produces a different shape to the head of the rivet and allows it to be used on brittle materials that would crack or shatter when struck by an impact rivet.
BRALO offers a wide range of manual riveters for professional applications. The BM-92 is a lever machine with high quality lever and body, that reduces effort and the BM-160 and BM-164 are professional machines that can effortlessly set rivets from M-4 to M-12 with a single stroke. They feature a high quality anchor and a rivet stem collector to keep the work area clean.
When choosing a riveting machine, it is important to consider the power sources, speed and ease of operation. The speed can be adjusted to match production needs and the machine can be powered by electricity, pneumatically (pop riveters or air riveters), or hydraulically. A programmable control system can be installed in the riveting machine to monitor performance and make adjustments to the setup, such as changing settings or calibrating sensors.
Riveting is a popular joining method but it can cause damage to the materials being joined. It is important to follow proper practices for riveting to avoid damaging the materials and causing premature failure of the fastener.
To prevent riveting problems, it is important to check the riveting machines regularly and lubricate them when needed. It is also important to make sure the machine is properly set up for the type of rivet and material being used. Regular inspections of the machine will help to identify potential issues and address them quickly before they become a problem for the assembly process.