A riveting machine is a piece of factory equipment capable of setting rivets automatically and at high speed. They are used in a number of production processes and can help increase efficiency and reduce costs by eliminating the need for a person to set each rivet individually with a hand-held tool. There are many different types of riveting machines, and the best choice for your company depends on your specific process and material needs.
Before choosing a riveting machine, it is important to determine the type of rivet you need to use and how your parts are joined together. There are three main categories of riveted joints: blind (pop) riveting, rotary (spin) riveting, and molded or formed riveting. Each type of rivet requires a different method of installation, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Blind (pop) riveting is a fast and easy way to join materials together. It uses a gun to snap the mandrel shaft off of the blind rivet, causing it to expand and curl around the hole opening. It is a popular choice for riveting laminated materials, as it provides good resistance to vibration and moisture. It can also be used to join dissimilar metals, since the rivet will form a strong bond with both materials.
Compared to other riveting methods, spin riveting is more gentle on the material being joined. It uses a weak force to deform the head of the rivet, and it can be used for even delicate materials such as bakelite or ceramic. It is ideal for applications that need to keep the workpiece loading low, such as in aerospace and automotive manufacturing.
Radial riveting is a subset of orbital forming, but it works differently in that the contact force is spread out over the surface of the workpiece rather than focused on one point. This can be a useful technique when the parts being riveted are very delicate, or when the workpiece cannot be clamped.
Rollerforming is a variation of the orbital forming process that uses multiple wheels instead of a peen. It is a more sophisticated machine that can combine two similar or non-similar materials into a single joint with a seamless and smooth, yet gentle bonding. It can be used for a wide variety of materials, and it is especially effective for joining plastics.
Having the right riveting machine can make all the difference in your manufacturing process. It is important to choose the correct model for your needs, so you can get the most out of your investment and ensure that your rivets are installed properly. AGME’s riveting machine selection guide will help you identify the right size and type of machine for your specific application, so you can get started with confidence. Once you have selected a machine, it is important to keep it well-maintained to avoid problems. That means avoiding jams, keeping it oiled, and clearing any other issues as they arise. It is also important to walk the production floor regularly and make sure all equipment is working correctly.