The new system, which replaces spot welding in automotive assembly, sets as many as 60 rivets per minute, joining steel, aluminum, and composite materials up to nine millimeters thick. The system processes rivets of varying lengths, and dual drum feeders hold up to 40,000 rivets. A system monitor displays process parameters and tolerances and stores data on the most recent 500 applications.
Fiber optic signaling prevents electromagnetic interference, which can occur in hydraulic systems.
This enables automotive designers to reduce fastening points while maintaining quality and streamlining production. Rivets penetrate but do not puncture the second sheet.