Cycle time is one of the most critical factors to consider when designing assembly equipment and is driven by volume requirements, number of shifts, and hours worked per day. There are many ways to design assembly equipment to meet cycle time requirements, which is why it is critical to understand the application in full. When developing an assembly process, one way to improve cycle time is to form multiple rivets in one machine cycle.
Orbitform’s Orbital Forming process offers two multi-hit options: Multi-Spindle and Multi-Point. Both of these forming head options attach to our standard powerheads and allow for forming multiple rivets at once.
Multi-Spindle
Orbitform’s Multi-Spindle Forming Head is the ideal choice for decreasing cycle time with a multi-hit solution. Multiple orbital heads are attached to the powerhead and can be set on different planes to accommodate forming locations at different heights. The center distance between forming locations depends on the size of the rivet as well as the diameter of the orbital heads being used. Typically, the center distance can be between 2” and 4”. If center distances are outside of that range, our in-house engineering department can review part models to determine if the Multi-Spindle forming head is a viable solution. The use of individual orbital heads allows for force monitoring at each riveting location with the use of spindle-mounted load cells. The Multi-Spindle forming head is preferred over the Multi-Point because it does not require any lubrication and results in a more consistent finished form as the individual orbital heads are easier to align.
Multi-Point
When forming locations on an assembly are close together, Orbitform’s Multi-Point forming head may be the best solution. Multi-Point forming heads are eccentric-driven with integral, fixed-center forming peens. The forming locations must be on the same plane because each peen is set on the same vertical position. The center distance ranges from .188” to 3”. Unlike the Multi-Spindle forming head, individual forces at each forming location cannot be monitored. A load cell mounted to the spindle will only monitor the total force exerted on all rivets. The Multi-Point head requires frequent lubrication and an anti-rotate device to ensure the forming head remains in alignment during forming.
Multi-Spindle and Multi-Forming heads are two of the many solutions Orbitform provides for decreasing cycle time. Other options can include assembly stations with multiple powerheads, dial tables, and servo slides. Orbitform’s experts partner with your engineers to review application requirements, including joint function and cycle time to determine the best solution.
Contact us to discuss the best path to meet your volume requirements.