A GUIDE TO BLIND RIVETS
“Setting blind rivet nuts” – what does that mean? What is the insertion process for blind rivet nuts and what are the special features of WEBER technology in this speciality area? Our guide provides clarification.
Setting blind rivet nuts means setting single threads in a thin-walled object from one side. They are either round or hexagon nuts. In contrast to the general term “blind rivets”, where permanent fastenings are established, “blind rivet nuts” create fastenings that can be released again.
Blind rivet nuts are set primarily in the automotive and aircraft sector. Particularly lightweight materials are used in these areas to save weight. In contrast to very strong materials such as iron (machines can cut into these), other solutions are required for materials such as carbon or plastic: Blind rivet nuts are the perfect alternative for thread solutions. Blind rivet nuts are used to create detachable connections.
Michael Steidl
Head of product management
First, the blind rivet nuts are poured into a feeding system as a bulk material and all blind rivet nuts are separated. Then each nut is blown into the inserting system individually through a hose. When the nut arrives at the inserting system, it is aligned in a small device. Then the nut is clamped.
While the nut is threaded, nuts with a damaged thread can be detected and ejected.
After correct threading and positioning, the blind rivet nut is set into the corresponding component. While positioning is not required for round nuts, hexagon nuts have to be aligned precisely. The pre-punched hole in the material is pre-defined as round or hexagon shape. Now the respective nut is positioned.
In the 3rd phase, the blind rivet nut is deformed. To achieve this, the threaded arbour is retracted to a predefined position without rotation. This tightens the nut, deforms it accordingly and forms a bulge. At WEBER, quality assessments are made by monitoring the pulling path of the blind rivet nut and the force generated during the process. Only pre-defined areas are permissible.
Finally, the threaded arbour is removed. The process can start again. The next blind rivet nut can be fed already during the setting process.
The special features of the WEBER feeding system forsetting blind rivet nuts are the high output and the fast cycle times. With our perfectly automated process, the setting head works continuously while the next blind rivet nut arrives. The advantage of the WEBER inserting system over other setting systems is the precise alignment. Thanks to a highly precise pre-defined parameter, the setting system knows the correct positioning of the blind rivet nut and does not have to “search” along the pre-cut hole first.
The WEBER setting system also uses precision monitoring systems. We check for damaged threads already during installation. This proactively avoids faults that only become evident afterwards with other installation systems.
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Blind rivet nuts that can be combined with the WEBER system typically have the following parameters.
Sizes: M4 to M10
Head diameter: up to 20mm
Length: up to 30mm
Material: Stainless steel, steel, aluminium
Shapes: round, hexagon
Of course WEBER can also work with custom items on request.
The cycle time of the WEBER setting unit for blind rivet nuts is 6 s.
The force that has to be applied to produce the bulge during blind rivet setting is up to 25 kN (= deformation force).
The setting unit is either stationary or mounted on a robot or gantry.
Blind rivet nuts can be set in any direction: horizontally or vertically (can also be mounted on a robot). The settings are made in advance.
The difference between round and hexagon nuts is in the shape and function. Blind rivet nuts with hexagon shaft offer a higher level of reliability because they can withstand a higher torque.
While other manufacturers turn the nut in their system until it is pulled into the pre-cut hole, WEBER focuses on precision setting. We define the precise position of the hole in advance so the blind rivet nut can be positioned correctly. The system does not have to “search” for the hole first.
