Smooth, Non-Impact Forming Solutions
Assembling parts can take a lot of force, time, and precision. The experts at Orbitform have spent over 30 years perfecting a process that takes on these challenges. Enter orbital forming and riveting.
Orbital forming and riveting is a cold forming process using a peen tool held at a fixed angle to create a sweeping line of pressure around a rivet or tenon. This movement progressively collapses the rivet or tenon shank down onto the upper material with each rotation, permanently forming a rivet head in the process. The motion and angle of forming used reduces the amount of force required by approximately 80% of that of a standard press. The orbital process can form mild steel solid rivets from less than 1/16” up to 1-1/2” in diameter. Orbital forming creates a low profile, aesthetically appealing finish, and allows for joint articulation. The final rivet head form is determined by the type of peen.
ARTICULATING JOINTS
Orbital riveting forms the rivet head without swelling the rivet shank. This allows the rivets to articulate, giving the ability to form free moving joints and hinges as seen in applications like multi-tool pliers, automotive door hinges, casters, and more. Process monitoring and intelligence also allows for control of tension on the joints, although testing is always recommended. These pressure specific joints and hinges can range anywhere from climbing carabiners to delicate surgical instruments. When you need a permanent and reliable hinge joint, orbital forming and riveting is the way to go. Using process monitoring and pressure pads, it is possible to control clamping pressure. Possibilities range from a floating rivet, such as in a hinge, to creating a seal using a gasket and high compression. Testing is highly recommended for all applications involving air tight or liquid tight seals.
INCREASE THROUGHPUT
Orbital machines typically have a 3 to 5 second forming cycle time, from advance of the orbital head to a finished form. Times may vary based on fixture loading time and other variables. It is possible to increase throughput of parts with multiple rivets by forming them in the same cycle using multi-point or multi-spindle orbital heads. Using the force from the same Powerhead, multi-point and multi-spindle use two or more forming peens to form multiple rivets at the same time.
Overall, orbital forming and riveting is a highly versatile process that has the potential to save your production process both time and money.
If you are interested in learning more about orbital forming and orbital riveting, please contact us by clicking here or call 800.957.4838 to speak with the experts. Orbitform…solutions delivered.