What Can You Use Riveting Robots For?

Robotic riveting systems are integral across various industries, offering flexibility, productivity, and safety enhancements. They support several key riveting technologies, including single-sided riveting, double-sided riveting, self-piercing riveting, orbital riveting.

These systems integrate advanced features like force control, vision systems, and multi-axis movement to meet the diverse demands of manufacturing applications.

Aerospace Industry

In aerospace, robotic systems assemble fuselages, wings, and other large structural components. These applications require robots with extensive reach to handle complex geometries. Articulated robots are often used for their flexibility and ability to access difficult angles. For larger structures, robotic arms mounted on mobile bases enable movement alongside long sections, ensuring consistent riveting over extended surfaces.

Automotive Manufacturing

In automotive production, robotic systems assemble body panels and structural components. Robots here need to deliver both speed and adaptability, managing curved surfaces and varying material properties. Articulated robots are favored for their reach, range of motion and ability to adjust in real time. Vision systems aid in rivet alignment, maintaining quality in high-throughput environments. For large assemblies, mobile robotic platforms can extend the robot’s working range.

Appliance and White Goods Industry

In appliance manufacturing, robotic systems focus on assembling sheet metal enclosures, frames, and panels. SCARA robots can be well-suited for these tasks due to their fast vertical motions and compact design, allowing them to operate in tight production spaces. Their cost-effectiveness and ability to handle light-duty tasks make them ideal for high-speed assembly lines.

Electronics Manufacturing

In electronics assembly, robotic systems handle enclosures and light mechanical parts with tight tolerances. Smaller articulated or SCARA robots excel in precision and controlled motion, ensuring consistent results while preventing damage to delicate components.

Rail and Transport Sector

In railcar and transport equipment manufacturing, robotic systems handle large panels and structural assemblies. These robots require extended reach and the capability to access complex angles, making articulated robots optimal. For extensive surfaces, robotic arms mounted on mobile platforms ensure consistent riveting along long sections while adapting to varying material thicknesses.

Benefits of automating riveting operations

Implementing robotic riveting systems offers several significant advantages for manufacturers. Quality consistency stands out as a primary benefit, with automated systems ensuring rivet placement and joint quality across production runs. This consistency leads to reduced rejection rates and improved product reliability.

Productivity gains are substantial, as robotic systems can operate continuously with faster cycle times than manual riveting. They excel at repetitive tasks without fatigue, maintaining consistent speed and quality throughout shifts. This automation also brings significant ergonomic improvements, reducing the physical strain on workers who would otherwise perform repetitive riveting tasks manually.

Process traceability represents another key advantage. Modern riveting systems can collect and analyze data on every rivet placed, enabling real-time quality monitoring, process optimization, detailed documentation for quality assurance, and predictive maintenance scheduling. This comprehensive data collection and analysis capability helps manufacturers maintain high quality standards while continuously improving their processes.

Challenges with automating riveting

While robotic riveting offers numerous benefits, implementation comes with its own set of challenges.

The initial investment can be substantial, including not just the robot and riveting system but also fixturing and positioning equipment, safety systems, integration with existing production systems, and training and process development costs.

Technical complexity presents another challenge. Successful implementation requires careful consideration of material variations and their impact on riveting parameters, access angles and reach requirements, cycle time optimization, quality verification methods, and maintenance and wear of riveting tools.

Process flexibility can also be a concern, particularly when dealing with varying product designs or multiple rivet types. Systems must be configured to handle different scenarios while maintaining efficiency and quality, which can require additional planning and investment in versatile tooling and programming capabilities.

What to consider before automating riveting tasks

Automating riveting processes typically makes the most sense in situations with high production volumes, consistent product specifications, and demanding quality requirements.

The decision to automate should be driven by factors such as labor costs, quality requirements, production volumes, and workplace ergonomics. For instance, automation becomes particularly attractive when dealing with repetitive riveting tasks that cause operator fatigue or when consistent quality is crucial for product performance.

Before investing in a riveting automation solution, begin by analyzing your current riveting processes, including production volumes and variety, required cycle times, quality standards, material types and thicknesses, joint configurations, available floor space, and integration requirements with existing systems. Understanding these parameters will help determine the most appropriate type of automation solution and ensure it aligns with your operational needs.

Consider the system's flexibility and scalability to accommodate future needs. Evaluate different end-of-arm tooling options and their suitability for your applications. Pay particular attention to the control systems and their ability to monitor and adjust riveting parameters in real-time. The choice between different robot types should be based on your specific application requirements, considering factors such as payload, reach, speed, and the need for human-robot collaboration.

Quality verification capabilities should be a key consideration, whether through force monitoring, vision systems, or other inspection methods. The chosen solution should provide robust data collection and analysis capabilities to support quality assurance and process improvement efforts. Additionally, consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance requirements, operator training, and potential upgrades or modifications that may be needed as your production requirements evolve.

Where to get help and find the right automated riveting solution

Navigating the complexities of riveting automation can be challenging, but you don't have to go it alone. HowToRobot offers expert guidance to help you make an informed choice about implementing riveting robots in your operations. Our automation and robotics specialists provide vendor-independent advice, and through our platform we can connect you with a network of vetted automation suppliers, ensuring you find the right solution for your needs.

→ Looking for vendor-independent expert advice? Explore our advisory services and connect with us to discuss your riveting automation needs. Our experts can help you determine if automation makes sense technically and financially for your specific application.

→ Ready to find the right automation solution? Share your project details with us. We'll help you scope requirements, connect with vetted automation suppliers, and receive a range of custom offers. This approach lets you compare different solutions and find the best fit for your needs and budget, often within weeks.

Whether you're looking to automate a small-scale riveting operation or implement a large-scale robotic riveting system, HowToRobot can assist in scoping your requirements, comparing different automation options, and connecting you with suitable suppliers. By leveraging our expertise, you can streamline your journey toward efficient, robot-assisted riveting operations.