A riveting machine is a piece of factory equipment that is used to automatically set rivets in order to fasten materials together. Riveting machines are able to perform many times faster than manual riveting using a hand-held tool, and can often work with a wide variety of materials. These machines can be powered either by electric or pneumatic sources, and are available in a number of styles and sizes to suit different applications.
A large range of rivets are available for use in production processes, with each type of rivet offering different strengths, durability and flexibility. For example, standard blind rivets are useful for securing metal pieces that do not require heavy weight bearing, while high-strength rivets are suitable for use in areas where weight must be supported, such as with aircraft and automotive parts. Rivets can also be created in a variety of ways, depending on the needs of the assembly process.
The most common type of riveting is called impact riveting, which uses an impact mechanism to set the rivet in place. This type of riveting is ideal for large production runs and works well with a variety of materials, including both metallic and plastic components. It is possible to achieve a very strong joint with impact riveting, although it is important to note that the quality of the finished product can be affected by issues such as the surface finish of the material being joined.
Spin riveting is a more delicate method of joining materials, using weak force to deform the hinge shaft of the rivet and bind it in place. This type of riveting can be more successful when working with sensitive materials such as glass or mirrors, as it reduces the risk of unwanted deformation.
Another type of riveting is known as radial forming, which involves applying pressure to the outer edge of the rivet in order to form it. This type of riveting is particularly effective when working with thin materials such as sheet metal. In addition, this technique can be used to create rivets with a more attractive appearance than other types of riveting.
To create a riveted joint, it is first necessary to prepare the materials by aligning them, and then inserting the rivets through their respective holes. A specialized tool is then used to set the rivet by pressing it against both sides of the material and bending the head of the rivet to provide a second retaining head. Once the rivets are set, they can be checked to ensure that the joints are solid and secure.
The riveting process can be automated by using a special machine that is designed for the specific riveting process. These custom riveters are able to achieve much higher levels of productivity than manual riveting, and can be used for a number of different production processes. The type of riveting machine required for a particular assembly process will depend on the specific requirements of the product being assembled, including cycle time requirements, foot-print or space limitations, plant utilities availability and the level of automation desired.