When it comes to machining and production of various parts, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) turning remains one of the most used methods across several industries. Apart from its high accuracy level, CNC turning is also preferred for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency – particularly when it comes to producing diverse types like rivets.
Rivets are critical components utilized in plenty of manufacturing setups. They come in various forms including blind rivets, solid rivets, tubular rivets, semi-tubular rivets, and drive rivets, among others. Each type offers unique advantages depending on the specific application or use. However, despite their variation, all rivets undergo a common production process involving CNC turning.
Understanding CNC Turning
Before delving into how rivets are made via CNC turning, let’s first have a clear picture of what CNC turning involves. This process refers to the manufacturing procedure where materials get rotated at varying speeds while cutting tools extract bits to achieve desired dimensions. With computer numerical control, every action during this process is automated based on pre-programmed software instructions.
How CNC Turning Aids in Rivet Fabrication
The process starts with drafting the design specifications of desired rivets – be they solid, blind, tubular, or any other type. These designs are then fed into the CNC machine using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs. Once that’s done, raw material — steel, aluminum, brass, etc.— is clamped onto the spindle/rotary chuck of the CNC machine.
When the rotational speed is set, the lathe’s cutting tool carefully carves out the inputted design specs onto the spinning bar stock by removing excess material. With precision being a vital requirement, CNC turning delivers impeccable dimensional uniformity ideal for creating large batches of rivets with similar properties.
Among the different types of rivets:
1. Solid Rivets: This type is one of the oldest and reliable forms of rivet. They’re usually produced through CNC turning process where a solid shaft with a head on one end undergoes several machining operations.
2. Tubular and Semi-Tubular Rivets: The automated nature of CNC turning makes it possible to hollow out the midsection or halfway through for these types of rivets. These variations are often used in applications where a lighter weight and lower setting force is required.
3. Blind Rivets: Also known as ‘pop’ rivets, they have tubular bodies with mandrels passing through their center. Producing blind rivets requires multiple stages such as shaping the rivet body and the insertion of the mandrel, processes that are efficiently handled by specialized CNC machines.
The Efficiency Advantage
CNC turning brings unparalleled efficiency to rivet production across all types. It affords manufacturers less wastage due to the high precision levels—the machine only trims off what’s necessary from the raw material. Furthermore, it allows batch processing, which aids in saving time by producing multiple pieces simultaneously while maintaining constant quality throughout all units.
In Conclusion
CNC Turning remains an integral aspect of every manufacturing industry due largely to its consistency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness—beneficial traits that extend to various types of rivet production. By leveraging this technology, industries can manufacture not only standard size rivets but also customize them to fit specific needs accurately. With digital advances influencing modern-day manufacturing, CNC turning will continually play a significant role in innovatively creating essential components like rivets.
