Rivets are one of the most commonly used mechanical fasteners. They are simple to use, economical, and provide a permanent and durable joint. They can be set using a hydraulically, pneumatically, or electromagnetically actuated squeezing tool or even a hand-held hammer. They can be driven from one or both sides, although for applications where the rivet must be inserted through a hole that is only accessible from one side, solid (non-head) rivets are used. They can be used for many types of manufacturing, construction, and repair tasks including the joining of metals, plastics, composites, and pre-coated or pre-painted materials.
A riveting machine is a device that automatically sets and bonds rivets in order to join materials together. These machines offer greater consistency, productivity, and lower cost than manual riveting techniques. They can be sub-divided into two broad categories: impact and orbital riveting machines.
Before welding techniques and bolted joints became widely available, riveting was the primary method of holding metal structures together. Buildings such as the Eiffel Tower and the Shukhov Tower, automobiles, and aircraft were all assembled with this method of joining metals and alloys. In addition, a great deal of military and industrial equipment is still riveted. Riveting has a number of advantages over other types of joining methods such as welding, including the ability to create a strong joint with little or no distortion and low energy demands. It also produces no heat, sparks, or waste, and does not compromise the structural integrity of the material being joined.
When determining the appropriate type of riveting machinery, it is important to define your assembly process objectives and constraints. Consideration should be given to the production speed you require, as different machines offer a range of cycle times. It is also a good idea to think about the amount of maintenance and operating costs that are associated with the type of machinery you choose.
To ensure a high quality joint, the size of the rivet should be chosen with care. The rivet’s diameter and length should be selected according to the materials being joined. The rivet should have a grip range that extends beyond the material thickness to ensure proper bonding. The diameter and length of a rivet are often indicated by a series of dash numbers with the latter being expressed in increments of 1/16 inch.
Riveting tools and machines are offered in a wide variety of sizes, head styles, and materials. The most common rivets are semi-tubular and are used for applications that include lighting, brakes, ladders, binders, HVAC ductwork, mechanical products, and electronics. These tools are available in a range of price points, from handheld hammers to PLC-controlled robotic systems.
There are also a number of options for riveting machines that utilize orbital, radial, or roller-forming technology in addition to the more traditional impact techniques. These machines are often referred to as non-impact riveting machines and operate using the same force-displacement technology as impact machines but have tolerances that are wider. These allow the machine to be more flexible in its application and are more appropriate for a wide variety of applications. Riveting machinery