High-speed joining

RIVTAC® Automation

The innovative joining technique for all sorts of materials.

Joining at high speed

Fully automatic joining

Universal material combinations are becoming increasingly important, especially in the development of modern vehicle and car body designs. RIVTAC® is particularly suitable for joining aluminium, steel, plastics and non-ferrous metals as well as for mixed joints, multilayer joints and hybrid joints of these materials.

Plus factors

Advantages of RIVTAC® Automation

No pre-punching

Joining without pre-punching with access from one side only.
High flexibility

Flexible application for mixed joints, multilayer joints and hybrid joints.
Reduced process times

Reduction of joining and cycle times to a minimum.

Method and principle

RIVTAC® technology

This innovative mechanical joining process utilises a tack – a nail-like auxiliary joining part, that is accelerated to a high speed and driven into the non-pre-punched parts. The ogival point of the tack displaces material. The speed, which can be controlled by means of the adjustable joining pressure, is dependent on the materials and component thicknesses. Due to the short-term increase in temperature in the joining zone, the parent material flows into the annular grooves on the shank of the tack. This achieves a high degree of form fit for the joined parts. The pressing and compression of the material – especially in the case of high-strength steel materials – results in a non-positive joint. An important condition for this method is sufficient stiffness of the joining parts so that they can resist the penetration impulse of the tack without major deformation.

RIVTAC®
high-speed joining – sequence — **RIVTAC® joining sequence:** 1st Positioning / 2 Insertion / 3 Penetration / 4 Bracing

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Modular and flexible

Components of the system

The RIVTAC® Automation system enables fully automatic joining. It is designed for high volume applications and provides maximum flexibility in production planning.

Setting tool
Features

Compact design for ideal joining point accessibility

Spiral feed magazines store up to 47 tacks

Limit position and position sensing

Real-time data processing

RFID chip to store all tool and process-relevant parameters
Loading station
Features

With a max. loading capacity of 35,000 tacks

Faster reloading of the joining tool

Simultaneous loading of two joining tools – Twin version

Gimbal-mounted feed rail

Built-in compressed air service unit with air filter and pressure control sensor

RFID receiver for forwarding tool and process-relevant parameters to the control
Valve unit
Features

Fast response times due to short strokes

Proportional valves continuously regulate joining and feed pressure

Energy-optimised control of the joining tool

Capable of being integrated on the third robot axis
Power unit
Features

Local hardware configuration with central controlling of machine components by BUS-system

Embedded PC-based control for the connection of a visualisation system

Multiple interface platforms (ProfiNet, Interbus, Profibus etc.)

Excellent space utilisation due to the integration onto the robot power unit

Air conditioning available

Twin version also available.
Visualisation (optional)
Features

Easy operation with an industrial touch screen

Equipped for communication via EtherCAT

Multi visualisation of several RIVTAC® systems

Joining and process parameter management

Process monitoring visualisation

Media docking possible (USB port)

Customer-specific adaptations of the visualisation also available.
Software (optional)
Features

PLC and HMI software for control and visualisation via Ethernet

Calibration functions such as basic calibration, in-process calibration and referencing

Parameterisation of the individual joining points on the component

Process monitoring module with displacement transducer and windowing incl. statistics function

Process data transfer to a superordinate quality management system

Mobile link – proactive maintenance management incl. maintenance indication and machine logbook

Wear detection for selected components

Easy-to-use with display of help texts