The advancements in technology have greatly revolutionized the manufacturing industry. Amongst these marvels, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines stand out due to their automation of machining processes that were previously handled manually. CNC turning is a critical aspect of this technology, especially when it comes to producing intricate and standardized parts such as rivets. This article delves into how CNC machines are utilized in producing different types of rivets.
To start with, CNC turning is an automated process where materials like metal bars are held in a chuck and rotated while various tools cut and shape them into desired products. Comparatively more efficient than manual lathes, CNC turning ensures precision and consistency high-volume production while reducing material wastage.
Producing rivets utilizing CNC turning requires keen attention to details because each type of rivet demands unique specifications. Rivets being critical components applied in constructing sturdy joints for several industries including automotive, aerospace, construction, or mining equipment, their accurate manufacturing distinctly influences the final product quality.
Types of Rivets
Broadly, there are numerous types of rivets each designed uniquely based on the purpose they serve. It includes solid/round head rivets, semi-tubular rivets, blind rivets, drive rivets, oscar rivets, flush rivets among others. Each kind varies on factors such as the head style, size, the material used, and even the process of installation. Therefore, the CNC turning operation needs to be properly planned and executed to meet those specific design requirements.
How are Rivets Produced?
In general, rivets’ production involves numerous steps – selecting the right material, cutting/chopping, cold heading, shank reduction, point forming, and coating. For Solid rivets, firstly, wire of the required diameter is fed into a chop cut-off machine which cuts the wires to specified lengths which later become the rivet bodies. Secondly, these are fed into a cold header machine where excessive pressure forms the head of the rivet using dies set up especially for that particular job.
Producing Semi-tubular or tubular rivets involve pretty much the same steps as solid rivets manufacturing but with an additional step of drilling out the center hole in the created rivets’ body. Blind and drive rivets entail more complex production processes given their unique design specifications.
CNC Turning in Producing Rivets
With CNC turning machines, they use programmed instructions from computer software to perform these operations precisely and consistently. The operator simply has to mount the selected bar stock onto the chuck, then load the program containing the dimensions and cutting sequences before starting the operation.
The machine automatically sends the various tools (like drills for semi-tubular rivets) at appropriate intervals and cuts or shapes the rotating material on point without requiring human intervention during its ongoing process. Moreover, thanks to the technology that allows precision holds down to thousandths of inches, manufacturers can produce large quantities of identical products meeting exact specifications and closest tolerances.
Indeed, it is safe to say that innovations such as CNC turning have distinctly streamlined manufacturing complex parts like different types of rivets. By allowing automation, precise control, consistent quality, and enabling mass production, CNC turning is undeniably a front-runner driving modern-age efficient manufacturing.
However, as technology keeps advancing and demands keep escalating, there will always be further scope for upgrading machining processes to deliver even better results in producing crucial components like rivets.
