In the field of metal cold forming connections, “orbital riveting” and “pressure (impact) riveting” are two core processes. Although the names are similar, their principles and results are quite different. Incorrect selection can lead to insufficient joint strength, part deformation, or low production efficiency. A thorough understanding of their fundamental differences is the first step in correctly selecting the process and optimizing production.
- Comparison of Core Principles: Radial “Swaging” vs. Axial “Upsetting”
Orbital Riveting Machine Principle: The riveting punch is driven by a motor, performing eccentric orbital (planetary) motion around the main shaft axis. The punch tip performs a continuous, progressive radial swaging action on the rivet tail. This causes the rivet material to flow sequentially downwards and outwards, gradually filling the cavity and forming a smooth, fine-grained upset head. This is a gentle, controllable plastic flow process.
Pressure/Impact Riveting Machine Principle: The punch is driven by pneumatic or hydraulic power, moving linearly in the vertical axial direction, directly impacting the rivet like a hammer, causing instantaneous upsetting deformation and rapidly filling the surrounding space. This is an instantaneous, high-impact forming process.
- Comparison of Process Characteristics
| Characteristic | Orbital Riveting | Pressure Riveting |
| Forming Force Characteristics | Relatively low | Very high |
| • Forms through localized, continuous pressure. | • Requires instantaneous force to overcome yield strength for overall upsetting. | |
| Material Flow and Structure | Primarily radial, sequential filling | Primarily axial, outward flow |
| • Good grain flow, dense internal structure. | • May produce internal shear lines, slightly lower density. | |
| Impact on Workpiece | Minimal | Significant |
| • Localized, progressive pressure minimizes impact and deformation on the blind side. • Highly suitable for sheet metal joining, precision parts, or pre-treated/painted surfaces. |
• High axial impact force can easily cause workpiece bending, blind-side bulging (“mushrooming”), or coating damage. | |
| Joint Quality | Very high | Moderate |
| • High fatigue strength, excellent dynamic performance, high reliability. | • Upsetting process may induce micro-cracks. • Fatigue performance under dynamic loads is generally inferior. |
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| Noise and Vibration | Low (especially on servo orbital riveting machines) | High |
| • Smooth and gentle motion. | • Noticeable impact noise and vibration. | |
| Suitable Rivet Types | Solid rivets, semi-tubular rivets; particularly suitable for rivets with high length-to-diameter ratios. | Solid rivets, some shorter hollow rivets. |
| Summary Overview | High-precision, high-quality joining solution | High-load, high-efficiency joining solution |
| • Suitable for precision manufacturing scenarios sensitive to workpiece deformation, requiring high fatigue strength and good appearance. | • Suitable for heavy-duty structural joints with high strength requirements but less critical demands on fatigue performance and cosmetic deformation. |
- How to Choose
3.1 Prioritize orbital riveting (especially servo orbital riveting) when your needs are as follows:
High-quality, high-reliability joints: Applications with stringent fatigue life requirements, such as automotive safety structures (brake calipers, ABS brackets), aerospace components, and load-bearing brackets.
Precision or sensitive workpieces: For example, thin sheet metal connections (<1mm), aluminum housings, assembly units, or products with internal components sensitive to vibration.
High aesthetic requirements: Orbital riveting produces smooth, aesthetically pleasing, and well-defined rivet heads.
Noise generation: When workshop noise needs to be controlled.
Rivets with a high aspect ratio: The radial extrusion action is more conducive to material flow downwards, preventing rivet bending.
3.2 Consider pressure riveting when your application scenarios are as follows:
Thick plates or heavy structures with moderate strength requirements.
The workpiece is very hard, and there is no need to worry about impact deformation.
The budget is very limited, and there are no long-term requirements for production efficiency and quality consistency.
The process is extremely simple, requiring only upsetting.
- Shuntai Technology’s Focus and Professional Solutions
Shuntai Technology focuses on orbital riveting technology, especially advanced servo orbital riveting technology.We understand its significant advantages in terms of precision, quality, flexibility, and workpiece friendliness. Through the ST-MSF series of fully digital servo orbital riveting machines, combined with advanced control algorithms, we maximize these advantages. We not only provide high-performance equipment but also complete process solutions, including mold design and parameter optimization services for different materials and rivets.
Conclusion:
Orbital riveting and pressure riveting are two different ways to achieve “reliable connection.”
In most modern manufacturing scenarios that pursue product quality, production efficiency, sustainability, and long-term reliability, orbital riveting technology, especially intelligent servo orbital riveting technology, has become the undisputed mainstream and preferred choice.