Orbital riveting machine

Types of orbital riveting machines

An orbital riveting machine joins workpieces by deforming a metal component or rivet with an eccentric motion. An orbital riveting machine differs from a regular riveting machine in that it uses orbital forming technology. An orbital riveting machine can insert and form any pre-shaped or designed metal into any specific shape at any desired location. The advantage of an orbital riveting machine is that it can secure a tighter and more accurate fit between two or more objects, increasing the overall performance and efficiency of the piece.

An orbital riveting machine is also helpful for workpieces with thin walls. An orbital riveting machine can secure a perfect fit without cracking or splitting a thin workpiece. This is achieved by the orbital impact forming method, which makes it possible to securely fit thin workpieces without using excessive metal flow.

Many modern metal manufacturing plants must have an orbital riveting machine. Heavy-duty riveting machines can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. A general riveting machine can cost anywhere from two to ten thousand dollars. A quality-heavy riveting machine will cost more than a small light-duty riveting machine. The model, manufacturer, quality, and features, including safety, assembly, speed, capacity, accuracy, and automation, will determine the price of a riveting machine.

Many riveting machines have several safety features, such as being crash-safe and overloaded. An automatic riveting machine is safer than a manual riveting machine. The jaw guards, clutch guards, and cover guards are some of the safety features in an automatic riveting machine. Talk to a riveting machine supplier to learn more about its safety features.

Like all machines, an orbital riveting machine's condition is vital before purchase. Machine parts wear out over time, and the riveting machine is no exception. Please ask the supplier for service records to know the condition of the orbital riveting machine. Sometimes, an entire part must be replaced, while other times, only small parts need replacement to keep the machine running smoothly. The riveting machine's core, its vital part, must be examined to ensure no significant wear and tear.

A warranty may come with a riveting machine if bought new. A warranty will not be offered if a used machine is purchased. Further, used riveting machines will require more repairs and service, which may lead to extra costs for the business.

Specifications and maintenance of the orbital riveting machine

Specifications

• Rivet size range: The machine can rivet a wide range of sizes, from small to large diameters.
• Material compatibility: The materials suitable for the orbital riveting machine are soft metals, hard metal alloys, and composite materials for various orbital riveting machines.
• Operation speed: The orbital riveting machine works at a specific speed, measured by the number of rivets per minute. The riveting speed may vary depending on the size and type of rivet, the material being joined, and the machine's power and settings.
• Pneumatic pressure: The pneumatic riveting machine operates at a specific pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (psi). It determines the force applied during the riveting process.
• Electrical requirements: The voltage and current requirements for an electric orbital riveting machine to function correctly.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential for optimum performance, safety, and longevity. Here are some general maintenance tips for an orbital riveting machine:

• Always keep the riveting machine clean. Remove any chips, dust, and dirt with a soft brush or compressed air. Regularly clean the work area to prevent any safety hazards.
• Inspect the riveting tool regularly for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, chips, or rough edges. Promptly repair or replace the tool if necessary to ensure quality rivets and avoid source material defects.
• Lubricate the machine's moving parts, including bearings, slides, and pivots, regularly to keep it operating smoothly. Use the appropriate orbital riveting lube, as recommended for the riveting machine's manual. The lubrication prevents excessive friction and wear and prolongs the riveting tool's life.
• Check and maintain the air compressor or pneumatic system's pressure regularly if it's a pneumatic riveting machine. Ensure it operates at the recommended pressure level to optimize rivet quality and machine performance.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance, lubrication, and servicing for specific parts of the orbital riveting tool.
• Provide training in safety and maintenance practices to operators and ensure they have the proper knowledge and skills to use the rivet machines safely and efficiently.

Scenarios for using an orbital riveting machine

The uses of an orbital riveting machine are diverse and growing as industries continuously seek novel ways of using these machines.

• Aerospace industry

  An orbital riveting machine is used in advanced assembly of complex structures such as fuselage sections, wing components, and empennage parts. Also, the riveting machine can assemble carefully engine components, landing gears, and exhaust systems. The riveting machine produces quality rivet joints that can withstand the high stresses and strains encountered in space flight and aviation.

• Automotive industry

  An orbital riveting machine is popular in the automotive industry for assembling vehicle parts. It is used to assemble structural parts such as chassis, frames, and roll cages. An automotive orbital riveting machine can assist in joining the body panels, doors, and windows. Some pivotal interior and exterior automotive parts are assembled using the friction or orbital riveting technique. Examples include attaching the steering system, suspension system, and hybrid or electric vehicle battery packs. The machine ensures successful production lines of vehicles with durable and reliable rivet joints.

• Heavy Industry

  In heavy industries, an orbital riveting machine is commonly used in construction, shipbuilding, energy production, and various other industries. The machine is used to efficiently assemble large structural components such as beams, columns, and trusses. These structural components support heavy machinery and equipment. An orbital riveting machine can be used to join large plates and hull sections in the naval and maritime industry. It ensures the durability and strength of the ship that can withstand harsh marine environments and seawater.

• Medical devices and implants

  Medical technology manufacturers use orbital riveting machines to produce surgical instruments and medical devices with critical tolerances. Examples are catheters, stents, and orthopedic implants. The riveting machines make the surgical devices stronger without compromising their sterile design and small assembly.

• Electronics and connectors

  An orbital riveting machine can join small electronic components and connectors with precision. It is commonly used to make durable and connection points such as wires, sockets, and plugs in telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics.

Choosing the right orbital riveting machine

Before buying an orbital riveting machine, there are some important things to consider. The first thing is to understand the method of riveting orbits. An understanding of how the riveting machine works will make everything easier when buying a new machine.

Application requirements are important to consider.

When considering the riveting machine, know the job it was built for. Some orbital riveting machines are better suited for specific work. For example, the volume of work being done. Machines built to do small volumes of work will not be strong enough to do high volumes of work with ease. Work speed in a factory may be so high that the machine must be durable and made to work at high levels.

Adaptability speaks of the ability of the riveting machine to do various types of work. Most riveting machines can easily change the heads of the tool. With different tools attached to the riveting machine, it may be able to do other kinds of work. Look for easy ways to change tools and set up various types of jobs.

Quality should always be the main focus. A machine with a poor build will have many parts breaking and affecting the quality of work being done. The result of orbital riveting is critical, so the machine must always work with high levels of accuracy.

Servicing and repair of the machine must be considered, as well as any support that will be needed to change tools quickly and set up new procedures. Can the machine be serviced locally, or will the supplier be far away? These are some of the questions that buyers need to ask before buying an orbital riveting machine.

FAQ

Q1: How does an orbital riveting machine work?

A1: Orbital riveting machines work by moving the mandrel or punch in an orbital manner around the pre-formed hole while applying radial pressure to the soft metal into the desired shape.

Q2: What are the benefits of an orbital riveting machine?

A2: Some benefits of orbital riveting machines include creating a strong mechanical joining of parts, fastening them without using any adhesives, obtaining consistent fastened parts, and not having any external threads stripped.

Q3: Is an orbital riveting machine automated?

A3: In general terms, an automated riveting machine performs riveting operations automatically without requiring manual control. Unlike the manual riveting machine, the automated riveting machine increases production capacity and efficiency.

Q4: What is the difference between an orbital and a roll machine?

A4: The difference between the orbital and roll machines lies in the manner of deformation. In the orbital machines, the rivet heads are deformed by orbiting the tool around the rivet. On the other hand, in the rolling machines, the head is formed by rolling.