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Riveting is an essential process in electronic component manufacturing, used to permanently join parts without adhesives or welding. There are two main methods: orbital riveting and radial riveting, each with specific characteristics and advantages. Understanding their differences can help you choose the best solution for your projects.
Riveting machines are equipment designed to join two pieces using controlled pressure, creating strong and reliable connections. They are mainly used in assembly processes in industries such as automotive and electronics, where precision and strength are key factors. These tools ensure an efficient and repeatable process, making them ideal for mass production.
Orbital riveting is different from radial riveting and offers a much smoother operation compared to impact pressing.
In this method, material flow control is limited, and a constant lateral force is generated during forming, requiring firm support of the workpiece. The forming tool performs a circular motion that creates a crescent-shaped contact area on the rivet, causing considerable friction on its surface. This process primarily works around the rivet head.
A riveting tool (denoted as A) rotates in a circular path (K) at approximately 1000 rpm. The tool axis intersects the rivet at a specific point (N), allowing deformation to occur in concentric paths around the rivet center. This design ensures precision and control in force distribution.
This process is ideal for applications that require a uniform and controlled finish, with minimal vibrations and reduced impact on the parts.
Radial riveting stands out for its precision and ability to create high-quality joints, especially in critical applications. This process uses minimal force to displace the necessary material, ensuring exceptional finishes and strength in every joint.
Unlike other methods, in radial riveting, the tool does not rotate, minimizing friction between the tool and the workpiece. This results in a flawless, high-quality closing surface.
This process is ideal for fragile materials such as Bakelite or ceramic, as lateral forces are negligible. Additionally, workpiece support is simple, and in most cases, complex clamping systems are not required.
Between radial and orbital riveting, tangential riveting emerges as a hybrid method that combines the benefits of both processes. Its pattern is similar to orbital riveting, but the punch trajectory does not pass through the center, making it perfect for specific applications.
In this process, each rosette pattern (R) passes through the center (Z), while the tool’s longitudinal axis intersects the rivet at a key point (N). This generates deformation in three directions:
This technology can adapt to various materials and applications, making it ideal for those seeking quality and durability in their riveting processes.
In the video below, you can observe how in orbital riveting, the tool rotates during the process. This contrasts with radial riveting, where no rotational movement occurs. This detail is crucial for understanding the differences between both methods and how each one fits different industrial applications.
BalTec's riveting machines and servoelectric equipment not only cover three riveting techniques with a single machine but also operate with remarkable speed and precision. This enables companies to optimize their production processes, reduce time, and maintain high-quality standards.
If you're looking for versatile and technologically advanced solutions for your assembly processes, BalTec Corporation's machines are the ideal choice. Their ability to adapt to different techniques ensures outstanding performance in any application. One example is the Electric EA30, detailed below.
The new ELECTRIC EA30 is the world's first fully servo-driven articulating roller forming machine with three axis.
Thanks to its fully servo-driven process control, workpieces are formed with three axis, one in vertical motion downwards, one in a rotary motion, and one in an articulating (in-out) motion of the rollers.
The servo-controlled articulating motion, which delivers significantly higher precision and control than conventional solutions that require manual adjustment of a mechanical stop. Therefore the EA30 is well suited for integration into automated production lines with limited space or as part of a stand-alone work cell where frequent changeover of fixtures and programs may be necessary.
Learn more about the first fully servo-driven machine with articulated rollers in the following video:
Discover how BalTec's solutions can transform your production and ensure perfect assembly in every project.
