Riveters are machines used to permanently join two or more materials by setting a rivet, a metal fastener that is deformed under pressure to create a secure, locked connection. Riveting is one of the oldest and most reliable fastening methods in manufacturing, used across industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to leather goods and electronics. Industrial riveting machines range from simple bench-mounted units to sophisticated orbital and multi-spindle systems capable of high-speed automated production. Whether you’re looking for a basic rivet press for light assembly work or a high-output orbital riveter for precision fastening, this guide will help you understand the key types, features, and considerations involved in selecting the right machine.
Popular Types of Riveters
Riveting machines come in several distinct configurations, each designed for specific rivet types, material combinations, and production volumes.
Bench Riveters Bench riveters are tabletop machines designed for lower-volume production and flexible shop use. They are typically mechanically or pneumatically actuated and are operated by a foot pedal or palm control. Bench riveters are well suited for setting solid rivets in leather goods, light metal assemblies, and electronic components. Chicago is one of the most recognized manufacturers of bench riveters, producing a wide range of models with varying throat depths and stroke lengths.
Floor (Pedestal) Riveters Floor-standing or pedestal riveters are larger, heavier-duty versions of bench riveters, mounted on a pedestal base for stability during higher-force applications. These machines offer greater throat depth and stroke capacity, making them suitable for larger workpieces or thicker materials. Floor riveters are a common sight in metal fabrication shops, shoe manufacturing, and harness assembly operations.
Double Riveters Double riveters set two rivets simultaneously, significantly increasing production throughput for applications where rivets are applied in pairs or in close proximity. Chicago’s double rivet machines, available in various throat configurations, are widely used in high-volume manufacturing environments where cycle time reduction is a priority.
Rivet Spinners (Orbital Riveters) Rivet spinners, also known as orbital riveters or radial riveters, use an orbital or spinning motion to form the rivet head rather than a direct impact stroke. The tool follows an orbital path, gradually deforming the rivet over multiple passes rather than in a single hit. This process generates less vibration and impact force, making it ideal for delicate assemblies, electronic components, and applications where part distortion must be minimized. Rivet spinners produce a smooth, consistently formed head and are commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and precision instrument manufacturing. Key manufacturers include Orbitform, Taumel, Bracker, and VSI.
Orbital Rivet Machines (Multi-Head) Multi-head orbital rivet machines take the orbital riveting process further by setting multiple rivets simultaneously in a single cycle. The Orbitform 516B, for example, is a two-head orbital machine capable of setting two rivets at once. These machines are used in high-volume production environments where consistent, simultaneous riveting of multiple fasteners is required in a single operation.
Squeeze Riveters Squeeze riveters apply a slow, steady squeezing force to set the rivet, as opposed to the impact force used by traditional hammer riveters. This method produces a more uniform rivet head with less material stress and is commonly used in aerospace applications where material fatigue and structural integrity are critical concerns.
Rivet Spinners vs. Impact Riveters
Rivet spinners (orbital riveters) and impact riveters are the two primary riveting methods for solid fasteners, and each has distinct advantages depending on the application.
Impact riveters set the rivet with a direct downward stroke, deforming the shank in a single hit. This method is fast and simple but generates significant vibration and impact force that can damage delicate parts or assemblies. Impact riveters are best suited for robust applications where speed is the priority and part sensitivity is not a concern.
Rivet spinners use an orbital, oscillating motion to gradually form the rivet head over multiple passes. This produces significantly less force and vibration, making them ideal for assemblies with delicate components, thin materials, or tight positional tolerances. The resulting rivet head is smoother and more consistent than impact-set rivets, and the reduced stress on the parent material improves long-term joint durability.
For most precision manufacturing environments, rivet spinners offer superior results. For heavy-duty, high-speed production where part sensitivity is not a factor, impact riveters remain an efficient and cost-effective choice.
What to Look for When Buying Riveters
Throat Depth: Throat depth determines how far from the edge of a workpiece a rivet can be set. Deeper throats are necessary for riveting in the interior of larger panels or assemblies. Common throat depths on bench and floor riveters range from 6 to 14 inches, so confirm that the machine can reach the rivet locations on your typical workpieces.
Stroke Length: The stroke length of the ram determines the range of rivet lengths and material thicknesses the machine can accommodate. Longer strokes provide more flexibility for varied applications, while shorter strokes may be sufficient for dedicated, repetitive production.
Horsepower and Force Capacity: The motor horsepower and rated force capacity determine what rivet sizes and material combinations the machine can handle. Heavier gauge materials and larger diameter rivets require more force. For most bench riveting applications, 0.25 to 0.5 HP is adequate, while floor riveters and orbital machines for industrial use typically range from 0.33 to 1 HP or more.
Rivet Diameter Range: Confirm that the machine is set up for the rivet diameters you use most frequently, typically expressed in fractions of an inch. Many machines are configured at the factory for a specific diameter range and may require tooling changes or setup adjustments to accommodate different sizes.
Flywheel Speed (RPM): On mechanical riveters, flywheel speed affects both cycle rate and the force delivered to the rivet. Standard flywheel speeds typically range from 175 to 200 RPM. Higher speeds increase throughput but may reduce the precision of the stroke, so match flywheel speed to your production requirements.
Actuation Method: Riveters can be foot-pedal, palm-pedal, or automatically cycled. Foot and palm pedal operation gives the operator direct control and is suitable for varied or precision work. Automatic cycling is better for high-volume, repetitive production where throughput is the priority.
Mounting Configuration: Bench models require a stable work surface and are best for smaller parts, while floor models offer greater stability for larger or heavier workpieces. Confirm mounting requirements before purchase, particularly for used machines that may require custom bases or fixtures.
Applications for Riveters
Riveters are used across a wide range of industries wherever permanent, mechanical fastening of materials is required.
Automotive and Transportation: Riveting machines are used throughout automotive manufacturing for joining body panels, interior trim components, brackets, and structural assemblies. Orbital riveters are particularly common in this segment due to their ability to set rivets in sensitive or pre-finished assemblies without distortion.
Aerospace: Riveting has long been the dominant fastening method in aircraft manufacturing, used for assembling fuselage panels, wing structures, and bulkheads. Aerospace applications demand tight tolerances and consistent joint quality, making squeeze riveters and precision orbital machines the preferred choice.
Leather Goods and Footwear: Bench riveters are a staple in the production of belts, bags, saddles, and footwear where rivets serve both functional and decorative purposes. The Chicago line of bench riveters is widely used in this segment for its reliability and range of available tooling.
Electronics and Electrical Components: Small-diameter rivets are used to join terminals, contacts, and housing components in electronics manufacturing. Orbital riveters are preferred in this application for their low-force, vibration-free operation that protects delicate components during fastening.
Military and Safety Equipment: Riveters are used in the production of military gear, safety harnesses, hard hats, and protective equipment where fastener reliability under load is critical. Both impact and orbital riveters are used depending on the specific component and material involved.
General Metal Fabrication: Job shops and contract manufacturers use riveters for a wide range of assembly tasks, from joining sheet metal enclosures to assembling structural brackets and hardware. The versatility of riveting across different materials and part geometries makes it a broadly applicable fastening method.
Key Features of Riveters
Adjustable Stroke and Head: Adjustable stroke depth and rivet head pressure allow operators to fine-tune the setting process for different rivet sizes and material thicknesses, ensuring consistent, well-formed heads without material damage.
Rotary Hopper Feed Systems: Some floor riveters, such as certain Chicago models, include rotary hopper feed systems that automatically supply rivets to the machine, significantly increasing throughput for high-volume, single-diameter applications.
Orbital Head (for Rivet Spinners): The orbital head is the defining component of a rivet spinner, controlling the path and pressure of the forming tool as it shapes the rivet head. Head angle, orbital radius, and forming pressure are all adjustable on higher-end machines to accommodate different rivet types and materials.
Variable Speed Control: Variable speed control on orbital and mechanical riveters allows operators to adjust cycle speed for different materials and applications, improving quality and reducing the risk of over-forming or material damage.
Safety Guarding and Two-Hand Controls: Riveters with integrated safety guards and two-hand control requirements reduce the risk of hand injuries during the setting cycle, which is particularly important in high-cycle production environments.
Accessories for Riveters
Rivet Setting Tools and Punches: Rivet punches, anvils, and setting tools are specific to the rivet diameter and head style being used. Maintaining a set of correctly sized, well-conditioned tooling is essential for consistent rivet quality. Replacement tooling should be sourced to match the machine’s specifications.
Hopper Feed Systems: For high-volume production, hopper feed systems automatically supply rivets to the machine, eliminating manual loading between cycles. These systems are available as factory options or aftermarket additions on many bench and floor riveter models.
Fixtures and Part Holders: Custom fixtures and part-holding systems ensure consistent rivet placement and reduce operator handling time, particularly for small, complex, or repetitive parts. Fixtures are especially valuable on orbital riveters where precise tool-to-rivet alignment is important.
Foot Pedal Controls: Foot pedal actuation frees both hands to manage the workpiece during riveting, improving both speed and safety. Most bench and floor riveters support foot pedal operation as either a standard or optional feature.
Rivet Supply and Storage: Maintaining an organized supply of rivets in the correct sizes and materials for your application reduces downtime and prevents production delays. Proper storage keeps rivets clean and prevents corrosion, which can cause feeding problems in automated systems.
Tips for Finding Riveters on Surplus Record
Use the search bar at the top of any page on Surplus Record and type “riveters,” “rivet spinners,” or “orbital rivet machine” to browse available listings. You can search by manufacturer name to find specific brands like Chicago, Orbitform, or Taumel. Use the location filter to narrow results to your region and contact sellers directly for details on rivet diameter setup, stroke length, and tooling condition.
Top Manufacturers
Top riveter manufacturers available on Surplus Record include Chicago, Milford, Orbitform, Taumel, Bracker, and VSI.
Looking for dealers that specialize in Buying and Selling all types of Riveters? Check out B & B Rivet Machine Sales! Who has been advertising on Surplus Record since 2001!
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