There are many factors taken into consideration when designing an assembly, such as material properties, aesthetics, and joint function. Design engineers review all requirements when determining the shape of each component along with where and how they will connect. At times, this can lead to riveting locations that are hard to reach. When the part design requires unconventional joint locations, it becomes a requirement of the assembly process to find a way to reach the joint. This can be solved in numerous ways, including special orbital heads, anti-rotate devices, long-reach powerheads, deep throat riveters, or other special equipment.
One machine builder came to Orbitform, looking to design an assembly solution for their customer to assemble latches onto a large box door. Due to the size of the door and the location of the latches, it would be extremely difficult for an operator or automated assembly system to turn the part on its side to allow for standard riveting. The end user was using a Milford 57-HR Horizontal Pedestal Impact Riveter built in 2007, but was looking to replace it with a more automated solution. Orbitform’s engineers reviewed the application to ensure that the 57-HR impact riveter was the best solution for the application.
Orbitform’s Milford Model 57-HR is similar to a standard Model 57 but is turned 90 degrees to install the rivets from the horizontal position. This is typically used for applications where riveting in the horizontal plane is more practical than the conventional vertical position. The Milford 57-HR proved to be the best solution, allowing the rivet to be installed on the side while the door rested on a flat surface. Our engineers modified it and provided a custom mounting plate to allow for integration into an automated solution. With this solution, the end-user was able to eliminate an operator while still meeting volume requirements.
Every assembly is uniquely designed with requirements for strength, aesthetic, function and more. To ensure those requirements are met, the assembly equipment must be uniquely designed as well. We partner with each manufacturer to evaluate each application and design the best solution to achieve the desired outcome. Contact us today to review your next assembly application.