Design and Fabrication of Computer Controlled Riveting Machine

Abstract

In industry, mechanical fasteners are widely used for joining materials [1]. There are two types of fastening processes, non-permanent and permanent fastening. The non-permanent fasteners can be joined and removed without causing any damage to the components. Bolting is one of the most common non-permanent fastening processes [2]. When there is vibration in bolted components, the strength is reduced, and the connections weaken. In permanent fasteners, once the joint is made, the parts cannot be removed without destructing the joint. Besides welding, riveting is a major permanent mechanical fastening process [3]. A rivet is a mechanical fastener and has different types, designed according to its application e.g., solid rivets, blind rivets, tubular rivets, metal-piercing rivets, and split rivets. Blind rivets are used in trailers, aircraft, structural beams, and many general applications such as attaching wall and ceiling decorations, fastening knobs and handles, securing door and window hinges, holding nameplates and signs, etc. Blind rivets can be completely installed from one side of the joint. Blind rivets have significant advantages over other types: their installation tool is portable, installation is faster, and a given-length rivet can be used for a range of material thicknesses [4]. Three types of rivet guns are used for blind riveting, manual, pneumatic, and electric rivet guns. The electric blind rivet gun is a next-generation riveter that is cost-effective and is handled more easily than a pneumatic rivet gun [2]. This project aims to provide a prototype of a low-cost electric blind riveter. The prototype will be designed that can fix a 4.0 x 12.7mm pull-mandrel blind rivet. The extraction release motion of the blind rivet mandrel in the rivet gun will be computer-controlled via sensors to prevent excessive displacement which can cause damage to other components of the riveter. The housing will be designed and analyzed using SolidWorks and ANSYS to sustain the torque produced via the electric motor.