Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, more specifically CNC turning, has revolutionized the world of manufacturing. It provides industries with unprecedented precision in metal product manufacturing, including rivets that are fundamental to many industrial applications.
For the uninitiated, CNC is a concept where computers dictate the movement and function of factory machinery and tools. The term turning, when fused with CNC, becomes an exclusive production procedure involving a cutting tool delineating a helix path by moving linearly while the workpiece rotates.
Primarily used for creating round or tubular shapes from bigger workpieces, CNC turning offers several advantages. The efficiency, accuracy, repeatability, and the ability to manage tough materials make it indispensable within critical manufacturing sectors such as aviation, automotive, construction, etc. Let’s explore how this amazing technology helps in producing one of the crucial elements in these sectors – the humble yet essential rivet.
Rivets come under various types – blind rivets, solid rivets, semi-tubular rivets, full-tubular rivets, drive rivets, hammer-drive rivets, multi-grip rivets, and flush rivets, to name a few. Each boasts unique attributes catering to different needs ranging from high strength requirements to aesthetic finishes.
Producing different types of rivets using CNC turning involves quite a straightforward process. Especially for tasks like drilling holes or reaming, the machine software conducts necessary operations through coordinates designated in the program directly on the desired workpiece material like steel, copper, aluminum or brass.
For instance, in case of a basic solid rivet, the operator mounts the cylindrical raw material onto the CNC lathe. Programmation parameters customised according to the exact specifications determine the spinning speed, spinning direction and positioning of the cutting tools; ensuring each produced rivet possesses uniform dimensions.
The absolute control over the machine allows specifying the diameter, length, head shape, and even small variations on the body like grooves or notches. This incredible programmable flexibility grants manufacturers the ability to create various types of rivets without having to change the entire setup frequently.
Blind rivets which present unique challenges due to their need for a ‘blind’ installation process are also efficiently created using CNC machines. The two-piece design comprising the rivet body and mandrel can be accurately crafted displaying consistency across thousands of units. Similarly, specialty rivets, like those required in aircraft manufacturing i.e., countersunk or flush rivets, demand near-perfect shaping. These too, are expertly shaped with smooth finishing via automated numerical controlled lathes, resulting in precise diameter measurements and accurate depth control consistent through vast quantities.
CNC turning ensures the creation of diverse rivets to cater to multiple demands effortlessly. However, understanding the specific type of rivet suited for a particular requirement is equally important. From choosing between a traditionally reliable solid rivet to considering blind rivets for non-accessible parts or picking flush rivets for aircraft constructions calls for sound technical understanding.
Besides manufacturing superior quality products like various types of rivets, CNC turning devices are incredibly efficient. In addition to reducing human intervention and associated errors, they perform complex procedures swiftly and reduce wastage from excessive removal of workpiece material. Finally, the ability to continuously run 24/7 barring repair and maintenance periods makes them cost-effective investments.
In conclusion, CNC turning exemplifies modern mechanical prowess making rivetproduction simpler and much more competent than ever before. Regardless of whether it’s the sturdy solid rivet, easy-to-install blind rivet or the specialized flush rivet—all owe their flawless conception to CNC turning technology.
