The intricate art of manufacturing requires the application of various production processes, one of which is CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) turning. As a primary process utilized in several industries for creating precise duplicate parts, you’d be hard-pressed to find an industry that doesn’t recognize the incredible benefits of this method. A key component produced using this innovative technology is types of rivets.
CNC Turning Explained
Essentially, CNC turning involves feeding bars of material into a machine where cutting tools slice away unwanted sections until reaching the desired shape. Complex programs control the machinery movement with exquisite precision through codes interpreted by the system software. This flexible form facilitates maximum accuracy, uniformity, speed, productivity, flexibility and efficiency on any scale – from single prototype designing to mass production of industrial parts.
Producing Different Types of Rivets
One such example where CNC turning plays a pivotal role relates to the manufacture of diverse rivet types. Typically made from steel, aluminum, copper or monel, their design boasts malleability so they can withstand deformations without breaking apart during installation or use.
Solid Rivets
Mostly noted for their strength and robustness, solid standard rivets employ CNC turning for their creation. Through spinning the metal rod against a machine tool that shapes it, manufacturers achieve its typical cylindrical shank and spherical cap. Clamp two separate materials together by forcibly inserting the smooth straight body through holes followed by hammering or pneumatic squeezing to flatten out at the other end forming another spherical cap – locking components securely.
Pop Rivets
Also known as blind rivets due to their ability to function when accessibility to both sides isn’t feasible, pop rivets possess a hollow shaft filled with a mandrel capped off with a fitting head. Starting similarly to solid rivet formation, from shaping the rod into a smooth hollow cylinder upon insertion into the machinery. A crucial secondo stage involves detailed work on the interior, carving out the inner channel while preserving the structure’s structural integrity.
Semi-Tubular Rivets
Somewhere between solid and pop rivets lie semi-tubular rivets possessing partial hollowness. Their design allows less force exertion during installation making them ideal for softer materials. Their manufacturing undergoes three phases under CNC turning. First brings about a solid cylindrical shaft closely followed by drilling a semi-hole then complete with producing heads on either side identical to solid rivets.
Benefits of Using CNC Turning for Rivet Manufacturing
Accessibility
Regardless of the type being manufactured, all forms of rivets heavily rely on CNC turning considering its consistently accurate results. Accessibility remains unparalleled even allowing changes mid-process.
Cost-efficiency
Reduced labor requirement drives down direct costs considerably. Furthermore, breakage also drops significantly minimizing material wastage hence indirect costs too seeing as no physical templates are involved unlike conventional methods that would demand replacements leading to additional expenses.
Eco-friendly
With lower emissions, discarded waste material, and energy consumption mainly driven by the maximized resource usage per operation, CNC turning decidedly exercises better environmental preservation ethics compared to older, more traditional machining techniques.
In conclusion, there’s an undeniably significant correlation between CNC turning and rivet production, regardless of type. Exploiting the benefits packaged within programmable computer-controlled processes ensures exponential improvements across a myriad metrics track encompassing production timelines, financial commitments, safety records, product quality and stats relating to environmental sustainability.
