Abstract: A method for automated installation of a semi-tubular fastener rivet is provided. The method includes controlling a numerical control drilling and riveting machine having an upper head and a lower head, to control movement of a lower pressure bushing, to apply a clamping force to hold a workpiece against an upper pressure bushing. The method includes controlling an upper drill spindle on the upper head, to drill a rivet-receiving hole from an upper side of the workpiece and to countersink the rivet-receiving hole. The method includes controlling a lower drill spindle on the lower head, to countersink the rivet-receiving hole from a lower side of the workpiece. The method includes controlling movement of an upper anvil from a retracted position to an installation position, and controlling movement of a lower anvil, to apply an upset force to a tail portion of the semi-tubular fastener rivet installed in the rivet-receiving hole.

Abstract: A method for automated installation of a semi-tubular fastener rivet is provided. The method includes controlling a numerical control drilling and riveting machine having an upper head and a lower head, to control movement of a lower pressure bushing, to apply a clamping force to hold a workpiece against an upper pressure bushing. The method includes controlling an upper drill spindle on the upper head, to drill a rivet-receiving hole from an upper side of the workpiece and to countersink the rivet-receiving hole. The method includes controlling a lower drill spindle on the lower head, to countersink the rivet-receiving hole from a lower side of the workpiece. The method includes controlling movement of an upper anvil from a retracted position to an installation position, and controlling movement of a lower anvil, to apply an upset force to a tail portion of the semi-tubular fastener rivet installed in the rivet-receiving hole.

Abstract: There is provided an automated rivet apparatus for installing a semi-tubular fastener rivet. The apparatus includes a numerical control (NC) drilling and riveting machine and a controller. The NC drilling and riveting machine includes a lower head having a lower pressure bushing, a lower drill spindle, and a lower anvil to apply an upset force to a tail portion of the semi-tubular fastener rivet. The NC drilling and riveting machine further includes an upper head having an upper pressure bushing, an upper drill spindle, and an upper anvil that holds the semi-tubular fastener rivet to insert the semi-tubular fastener rivet in a rivet-receiving hole. The lower drill spindle countersinks the rivet-receiving hole from a lower side of a workpiece. The controller directs movement of a nose of the lower anvil to apply the upset force and form a predetermined flare contour in the tail portion within a lower countersink.

Abstract: There is provided an automated rivet apparatus for installing a semi-tubular fastener rivet. The apparatus includes a numerical control (NC) drilling and riveting machine and a controller. The NC drilling and riveting machine includes a lower head having a lower pressure bushing, a lower drill spindle, and a lower anvil to apply an upset force to a tail portion of the semi-tubular fastener rivet. The NC drilling and riveting machine further includes an upper head having an upper pressure bushing, an upper drill spindle, and an upper anvil that holds the semi-tubular fastener rivet to insert the semi-tubular fastener rivet in a rivet-receiving hole. The lower drill spindle countersinks the rivet-receiving hole from a lower side of a workpiece. The controller directs movement of a nose of the lower anvil to apply the upset force and form a predetermined flare contour in the tail portion within a lower countersink.

Abstract: A flexible fastening machine tool having first and second facing pedestals is mounted on first and second pairs of rails. The pedestals are movable along the rails in a Y-axis direction. A rail base is provided and the second pair of rails is mounted on the rail base. A third pair of rails that extend in an X-axis direction are mounted to the floor, and the rail base is positioned on the third pair of rails, such that the second pedestal is movable along the third pair of rails in the X-axis direction toward and away from the first pedestal. A first movable carriage is mounted on the first pedestal and a second movable carriage is mounted on the second pedestal. A frame member is supported by the first and second carriages and the frame member holds a workpiece. The first and second carriages are independently movable toward and away from the first and second pairs of rails such that the fixture frame is capable of being raised, lowered and tilted.

Abstract: A flexible fastening machine tool having first and second facing pedestals is mounted on first and second pairs of rails. The pedestals are movable along the rails in a Y-axis direction. A rail base is provided and the second pair of rails is mounted on the rail base. A third pair of rails that extend in an X-axis direction are mounted to the floor, and the rail base is positioned on the third pair of rails, such that the second pedestal is movable along the third pair of rails in the X-axis direction toward and away from the first pedestal. A first movable carriage is mounted on the first pedestal and a second movable carriage is mounted on the second pedestal. A frame member is supported by the first and second carriages and the frame member holds a workpiece. The first and second carriages are independently movable toward and away from the first and second pairs of rails such that the fixture frame is capable of being raised, lowered and tilted.