Finding The Right Match
Posted on 02/17/2016 | by The Orbitform Blog Team
The word "best" can be a tricky word sometimes. In order to answer the question of which riveting machine type is best for your fastening process it is important to start by defining your objectives. Some helpful tips include creating a list of the assembly factors important to the components you are assembling and developing a set of operating constraints within which your fastening system must function. Other distinctions between the varieties of riveting machines are outlined below to help you learn more and to help you decide which rivet machine is appropriate for you.
Different Rivet Machines For Different Fastening Methods
There are many different fastening methods just as there are several types of rivet setting machines.
A list of common riveting machine types is shown below:
Impact Riveting Machine
Orbital Riveting Machine
Press Riveting Machine
Spin Riveting Machine
Tumble Riveting Machine
Radial Riveting Machine
Hot Upset Riveting Machine
Self-Pierce Riveting Machine
Clinch Riveting Machine
It is important to understand the variations between riveting machine types as each machine offers certain advantages and disadvantages based on the assembly process under investigation. For example, if your fastening process involves fragile components being assembled then you are likely to look to orbital forming or radial riveting as a way to provide more control over the assembly forces being applied. If you are looking to upset a very hard material such as tungsten then the hot upset riveting process could be a good candidate since the workpiece can be formed with less force once heat is applied to the rivet or post. Defining your assembly process objectives and process constraints, before you begin searching for a fastening machine, helps select the most appropriate riveting machine.
Primary Differences Between Common Riveting Machine Types
The main factors that differentiate between riveting machines include the following:
Forming capacity or forming strength as defined by riveting force What type of rivet can the machine handle (solid, tubular, semi-tubular, etc.)
Riveting speed which may include the pace of feeding rivets, speed of loading components, quickness of upsetting the rivet, and/or the time it takes to remove the assembled product from the machine
Price as rivet machine price is always a critical factor Rivet machine safety
Quality of the formed part: can the machine offer process monitoring and process control?
Method by which the riveting force is applied
Size of the machine
Utilities need to operate the machine such as electricity, air, hydraulics, etc.
The list above is only a starting point when it comes to outlining the differences between rivet machine abilities and constraints. It is critical to take the time at the start of your product assembly project to outline the key attributes of the assembled joint in order for you to achieve your goals. Knowing the assembly process success factors up front such as product quality characteristics, the assembly cycle time requirements, the footprint or space available for the riveting machine, the number of people and/or the amount of automation required, along with the important factors of cost, plant utilities available and finished part aesthetics will help you achieve a positive outcome.
Select a Rivet Machine Vendor Who Listens To What You Need
You can learn a lot about the rivet machine vendor you are talking with by asking him or her what other assembly processes could be utilized to assemble the product in question? If they offer no other component fastening options then you are likely talking to someone who doesn’t want you to look at any other assembly methods or you are dealing with a person who doesn’t know very much about product assembly alternatives. It is crucial for the success of your product assembly system that you learn about the different riveting machines and riveting methods available. Of course you will be able to narrow down the options once you have defined some of the specifications discussed above, however, if you work with a rivet machine manufacturer who only offers one type of riveting process then you may find yourself with limited advice. Look for a rivet machine supplier who offers several varieties of riveting machines and who also offers a spectrum of options involving process automation, assembly process control, machine speed, machine lead time, etc. Working with an assembly machine vendor who has an unbiased approach regarding which fastening method is best for your application will help you achieve success.