Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) turning is a widespread manufacturing process in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics to develop mechanical parts with precision. This technique plays a significant role in the production of various types of rivets – fasteners used extensively to join two pieces of material without using a nut.
The CNC machining system possesses many advantages because it offers impeccable accuracy, high repeatability, and broad material versatility. It influences how manufacturers produce different types of rivets ranging from blind rivets to solid, semi-tubular, and tubular rivets.
## Producing Rivets Using CNC Turning
Rivet manufacturing through CNC Turning involves an array of steps to ensure flawless production efficiency from the initial stage till the end. The process begins by feeding the designed program into the computer which controls the machine based on this coded instructions blueprint.
The user commences the operation by inputting the metal rod into the lathe’s chuck, securing it firmly to avoid any unnecessary movement during the process. Then, the cutting tool navigates along two axes to carve out the desired shape.
Through the CNC turning process, the excess material gets removed with efficacy, leaving behind a brilliantly machined part. Each round attached to another forms an essential piece known as a ‘rivet,’ integral to numerous assembly operations.
Since most modern rivets are metallic – typically composed of steel, aluminum, copper, or brass – they fall within the ideal materials worked upon by CNC lathes.
## Different Types of Rivets Manufactured via CNC Turning
### Solid Rivets:
These are one of the oldest and reliable types of rivets. As suggested by their name, these are solid providing a high level of strength. Their ends are rounded or countersunk and their bodies straight, cylindrical shafts.
### Semi-Tubular Rivets:
They partially resemble solid rivets but contain a hole at their tip rather than being entirely solid. This configuration enables them to clinch or curl back into the material, creating an impressive hold while needing less force than standard rivets.
### Blind Rivets:
Blind rivets, also known as ‘pop’ rivets, cater specifically to situations where only one side of the workpiece is accessible. They have a tube-shaped body with a mandrel through the middle.
### Tubular Rivets:
These are similar to semi-tubular rivets but have a deeper hollow core extending up to 25% to 75% of the body length. The unique geometry reduces required setting force and reduces chances of cracking the surrounding material – especially beneficial when working with plastics or thin metals.
## Perfect Precision with CNC Turning
Irrespective of what variety of rivets you produce, perfect precision is mandatory, something that CNC turning guarantees. With CNC turning, incredibly intricate designs can be realized effortlessly onto the toughest materials. This eliminates the possibility of manual errors and thus accelerates the machining speed significantly.
Moreover, CNC turning fosters flexibility. Altering specifications is just a software change away. Hence, if you need to transition between different types of rivets throughout the day, this approach becomes absolutely feasible.
In conclusion, CNC turning has revolutionized rivet manufacturing. It offers manifold possibilities related to product qualities like size, density, durability, and design intricacy. As we continue exploring automating industrial processes with CNC technology, more advancements await us around the corner.
