Fastener insertion machine

Types of fastener insertion machines

The term ""fasteners"" refers to any item that assists in holding two items together. An insertion machine for fasteners typically assists in inserting numerous fasteners into various products without manual assistance. The fastener insertion machines are designed so that they can assist in inserting buttons, snaps, holes, studs, etc., with great convenience and efficiency.

Over the years, many different models and machines have been manufactured so that the mass production of goods can take place. Some of the most common types of fastener insertion machines include:

• Shock Press Fastener Insertion Machine: This machine is commonly found due to the ease of using it with various types of fasteners, such as buttons, jeans buttons, snaps, hollow snaps, etc. The fasteners are directly inserted into the fabric layer with the help of a shock breathing valve. The facility of full control over the air compressor can alter the pressure used to insert the fastener, which is the advantage of this method. It is mainly applied to garments, bags, leather products, and auto interiors. More specialized versions of this machine can also be used to insert hollow snaps and rivets with ease.
• Pneumatic Snap Press Fastener Insertion Machine: This machine is versatile in that it can insert various fasteners, such as buttons, snaps, and jeans buttons. With the help of a snap press, the fastener can easily be inserted into the mentioned materials, i.e., fabric, leather, etc. It works effectively and efficiently in the same manner as the shock press fastener insertion machine. However, it differs from the shock press fastener inserting machine in that it uses a snap press to insert the fastener.
• Electromagnetic Fastener Insertion Machine: The electromagnetic fastener insertion machines are different from other insertion machines because they use an electromagnetic drive to apply the fasteners. This insertion machine is diverse and can install different fasteners like buttons, snaps, studs, etc. The effectiveness, efficiency, and speed of the machine are what set it apart from others. Moreover, it is easy to operate and possess a low maintenance cost.
• Mini Press Fastener Insertion Machine: These machines' compact designs offer portability and convenience, making them suitable for small-scale production or on-the-go fastener installation.
• Button-hole fastener insertion machines are specialized devices used to insert fasteners into buttonholes during garment manufacturing or tailoring. These machines ensure precise and efficient fastener placement, particularly for buttonholes that require buttons or other fasteners.
• The snap button insertion machine inserts snap buttons into fabric or other materials. These machines streamline the process of attaching snap buttons, ensuring consistent placement and secure fastening. Snap button insertion machines may be manual, semi-automatic, or automatic, depending on the level of automation and efficiency required for the production.

Specifications and Maintenance

Specifications

• Working Voltage: The working voltage of the fastener machine insertion varies according to the model but falls primarily within the area of 110V to 220V. It should correspond to the power supply standard of use places.
• Power: The power of the fastener insertion machine is the driving force of its work; it directly affects the performance and function of the machine. Machines with different uses have different types of fasteners, and their powers will naturally vary.
• Operating Methods: Operating methods may vary depending on insertion machines, such as automatic, semi-automatic, or manual ways. Automatic machines are usually suitable for working environments that require a great deal of fastener insertion and efficiency. Semi-automatic and manual fastener insertion machines are used for those with less need but more control.
• Production Efficiency: Production efficiency refers to the speed and number of fastening inserts produced in a certain time. In general, production efficiency will vary according to the operating method and the fastener insertion machine type. For example, automatic machines may have a production efficiency of 3000-6000 units per hour, while semi-automatic and manual fastener insertion machines may be 1000-3000 units per hour.
• Machine Size and Weight: Machine size and weight are factors that determine whether the machine is mobile, suitable for small space use or large space use. The weight of the machine usually varies from 500 kg to 3000 kg according to the model and specification.

Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning: It is important to keep the device clean by frequently cleaning it. Remove any screws, fragments, and dust from the insertion head and working platform. Use a blower or brush to clean the fastener insertion machine to ensure that no residual fasteners are stuck in the machine.
• Lubrication: Lubrication of the moving parts of the fastening insertion machine is essential. Regular lubrication of the fastener insertion machine parts, such as bearings, guides, etc., helps to ensure the smooth operation and longevity of the machine. Select the appropriate lubricant according to the instructions, and evenly apply it to the parts that need lubrication.
• Maintenance of Pneumatic and Electric Systems: If the operation of the fastener machine relies on pneumatic or electric systems, attention should be paid to the maintenance of these systems. Periodically examine the air pipes and connectors to ensure there is no air leakage or looseness. For electric systems, examine the wires and connectors to ensure they are not worn or loosened, and clean the electric elements to ensure they work properly.
• Fastener Adjustment and Maintenance: The fastener machine insertion has many different fasteners, and their adjustment and maintenance are crucial. Periodically adjust the positions of the fasteners to ensure that the fasteners can be accurately inserted into the fastener holes. In the meantime, maintain the fasteners, clean them, and examine them for damage or wear that requires replacement.

Applications of fastener insertion machines

Fastener insertion machines are used in industries to improve production efficiency by speeding up the installation of fasteners, especially in applications where many screws need to be fixed, upwards of a hundred or more on a single workpiece, per day. Some of the common uses include in the:

• Textile and Garment Industries

  In the textile and garment industries, snap button insertion machines can create firm and secure buttons on clothes. This is particularly useful when working with outerwear, like jackets, where the weight of the fabric requires strong buttons. The fastener insertion machines can insert the snap buttons quickly and accurately, helping to boost productivity.

• Furniture Manufacturing

  In the furniture sector, fastener insertion machines install fasteners like wooden dowels, cam locks, and screws used to assemble chairs, tables, cabinets, and other pieces of furniture. The machines help to secure furniture joints quickly, which is particularly useful for ready-to-assemble furniture.

• Automotive Industry

  In the automotive industry, fastener insertion machines help fans of the assembly line secure components like interior trim, dashboards, door panels, and electronic housings with plastic clips and screws. The machines insert these fasteners quickly and accurately, streamlining production.

• Construction Industry

  In construction, fastener insertion machines secure structural components, like steel frames and wooden frameworks, with screws. Robots are used to screw down pre-cut steel plates and sheets in the tertiaries of Solar Mounting Systems, where dozens of screws are needed on each solar bracket.

• Packaging Industry

  In the packaging industry, carton fastener insertion machines can insert fasteners like plastic stitching, grommets, and rivets into cartons or other packaging materials. These machines help improve packaging accuracy and efficiency.

• Aerospace Industry

  In aerospace machine fasteners are used to secure panels, components, and structural parts of the aircraft. Aerospace has strict quality control standards, so fasteners are machines used economically, with consistent insertion.

How to choose fastener insertion machines

Buying or selecting suitable machines for the industry is a challenging task. Buyers need to ensure the longevity, reliability, and optimum performance of the fastener insertion machines. Some significant points to consider when buying are

• Type of Fastener:

  The fastener insertion machines are made specifically for different types of fasteners. For instance, some machines are only tailored for screws, whereas others are made for rivets. Buyers should identify the fasteners they use the most and choose an insertion machine that corresponds to their fastener of choice.

• Volume Requirements:

  Companies and businesses should consider the amount of fastener they often use in production. This may include the amount of production or assembly they typically do in a month. This helps in selecting a fastener machine with insertion speed and capacity that matches the volume of the company. In addition, considering the insertion rate enables the selection of machines that ensure optimum productivity.

• Insertion Mechanism:

  Fasteners have different insertion mechanisms depending on the type of fastener one is working with. Some require pressing, while others need gripping and swiveling. Buyers should familiarize themselves with the insertion mechanism of the fasteners to choose the most suitable machine for work.

• Adaptability:

  When selecting the best fastener insertion machine for the job, buyers should consider the most adaptable and versatile machines. These are the machines that can successfully handle multiple types of fasteners and fastener sizes with little to no adjustments.

• Quality of Build:

  Choose a fastener machine of insertion with quality build and a sturdy construction to make it last for years. The most sensitive components of the machines are the driving mechanisms and feeding systems. Opt for durable materials and high standards of manufacturing.

Fastener insertion machine Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between automated and semi-automated fastener insertion machines?

A1: Fastener insertion machines perform automated, semi-automated, and manual tasks. In fully automated systems, the fasteners move through the system on conveyer belts to be inserted into fastened objects without human intervention. Semi-automated systems require the operator to move the object that needs the fastener into place after the fastener is inserted. Insertion machines may assist with this task, but the object will not be assisted through the system to help fasten it.

Q2: How does the feed system supply fasteners to the insertion point?

A2: The feed system works with gravity, vibratory, or linear tracks to move fasteners to the insertion point. Gravity feed systems allow fasteners to filter down into different orientations and drop into the pre-aligned area for insertion. Vibratory systems give energy to the fasteners to make them bounce around and into preferred orientations. In linear tracks, the fastener is pushed along the track until it is in the proper position for insertion.

Q3: How does the fastener insertion machine sort different types of fasteners?

A3: Fastener sorting is mainly done through feeding systems' funnel shapes and exit paths. The funnels will have different widths and orientations, and the vibrational energy of the machine will cause the fasteners to exit the system in different orientations. Also, some sorting machines have sensors that detect the specific type of fastener and uses automated robotics to place the fastener in the desired location.

Q4: Can fastener insertion machines be customized for specific applications?

A4: Industries can customize fastener machines with feeding systems, fastener type, sorting funnel shape, and packaging desired to insert fasteners at an optimum speed with minimal downtime.

Q5: How does the machine handle different materials, such as plastic or soft metal?

A5: The machine is handled by the driving force used in its gears and moving parts. When inserting fasteners, the material being fastened is crucial when calculating the clamping force required to apply the fastener. The fastener insertion machine's manual or automated torque setting can also be adjusted according to the material.