Riveting in Sheet Metal Using CNC Technology(difference between cold rolled and hot rolled steel Kama)
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What is Riveting?
Riveting involves drilling or punching holes in the sheet metal pieces that need to be joined. Then a rivet is inserted into the holes and the ends are flared out using a riveting hammer, squeezing the pieces together. The flared ends act like a fastener to hold the pieces together. Rivets come in different shapes, sizes and materials like aluminum, steel, copper etc.
Benefits of Riveting:
- Strong and permanent joint
- Allows movement due to the flared rivet ends
- Works for joining dissimilar metals
- Faster and easier technique compared to welding or screwing
- No requirement of adhesives or additional fasteners
- Can be automated using CNC for mass production
CNC Riveting
With computer numerical control, the entire riveting process can be automated for mass production in manufacturing industries. CNC machines use programmed commands to control the riveting head which can drill holes, insert rivets and flare the ends automatically.
Benefits of CNC riveting:
- Ensures consistency and precision in hole drilling and placement
- Automates the entire riveting sequence for faster work
- Minimal human intervention decreases errors
- Ability to rivet complex or large sheet metal components
- Flexible programming allows easy rivet pattern and sequence changes
- Integration with other CNC processes like cutting, bending etc.
- Ideal for mass production and repetitive riveting tasks
CNC Riveting Process:
The CNC riveting sequence involves:
- Sheet metal pieces are loaded on the CNC machine bed
- CNC drills holes precisely at the programmed locations
- Rivets are fed automatically from the rivet feeder
- CNC head inserts rivets into the drilled holes
- Rivet ends are flared using the automated riveting mechanism
- Excess rivet stock is trimmed off
- Finished riveted assembly is unloaded
For mass production, multiple riveting heads can be integrated on one CNC to speed up the riveting. The program can also optimize the sequence and path to minimize process time.
CNC Riveting Machine:
A CNC riveting machine consists of the following components:
- Robust machine frame and bed to hold sheet metal pieces
- CNC controller to execute pre-loaded programs
- Drill spindle to drill rivet holes accurately
- Automatic rivet feeder to supply rivets consistently
- Riveting head to insert and flare rivets
- Tool changer to switch between drill and rivet heads
- Material handling system to load and unload workpieces
- Guards and enclosures for safety
To create the CNC program, the desired rivet locations are defined in CAD, which are then converted to CNC code. The code controls all the machine movements and riveting sequence.
For flexible manufacturing, the CNC machine can switch between riveting and other processes like milling, cutting, bending as per programmed work sequence. Multiple sheet metal components can be riveted in a single setup.
Applications of CNC Riveting:
CNC riveting is commonly used in the following applications:
- Aerospace and aircraft manufacturing - fuselage panels, wings etc.
- Shipbuilding and marine fabrication
- Automotive components like chassis, body panels etc.
- Building facades and architectural metal fabrication
- Electronics enclosures and chassis
- Furniture and storage cabinets
- Signage and display systems
- Industrial equipment like containers, hoppers etc.
With the help of CNC automation, riveting can be completed faster, more reliably and with better quality. The consistency and programmability of CNC allows performing complex and large-scale riveting tasks efficiently for mass production requirements. This makes CNC riveting ideal for high-volume sheet metal fabrication industries. CNC Milling CNC Machining