The most significant and common factor that slows down the assembly process is human. The repeated requirement for the operator to reach into a box, pick up a rivet, insert it into the nose of the tool and then install it. The new Z-AR automatic rivet system removes that continuous requirement. Its bowl feeder holds up to 1,000 rivets at a time, and by utilising specially adapted Stanley XT1 or XT2 tools attached to the Z-AR bowl feeder and control unit, rivets are fed to the tool nose tip at the rate of 60 or more per minute.
With the Z-AR, rivet handling by the tool operator is almost completely eliminated, and downtime is significantly reduced.
After each rivet is installed, the PLC-controlled mechanism feeds a new rivet from the bowl feeder to the nose tip almost instantly. The speed of assembly is only limited by the dexterity of the tool operator.
The spent stems are automatically ejected from the tool and collected in a storage container within the control unit for quick and easy disposal or recycling.
The transfer mechanism is said to be easy to remove from the tool.
The Z-AR system can accommodate most standard rivet types between 3.0 and 5.0mm diameter, and all rivet materials can be accommodated including aluminium, copper, steel and A2 and A4 stainless steel.
The flexible umbilical allows 360° riveting in any direction making the Z-AR suitable for all manufacturing environments.
