Low Cost Automation Tutorial

#169 Production Technology Level-up Course For Machine Designers - 5: Swaging Technology - Swaging Types - 1

Category : Production Technology

October25, 2013

Generally, products are composed of multiple parts functionally combined into assembled products. In this assembly process, the key points are product designs and assembly production techniques that are economical and contributes in stable quality. Furthermore, in environmental perspective, product nature that does not require disposal costs are desired. From here, one of the representative assembly elemental technology "Swaging" is explained.

(1) What is Swaging Technology

・	Parts fastening procedures include: (1) Screw fastening, (2) Adhesive bonding, (4) Welding, (5) Swaging, etc.
・	The swaging technique is a procedure to permanently fasten parts by deforming the connection points of the parts.
・	Swaged states can be classified in two following types, a) Solid connection of parts [Photo 1] [Photo 2], b) Connection of parts where parts can rotate in relation to each other [Photo 3].

[Photo 1] Swaging example of solid connection of parts

[Photo 2] Swaging example of magnetic head

[Photo 3] Swaging example where swaged parts can rotate

(2) Characteristics of Swaging Technology

1.Advantages	・By the use of fixtures and automated equipment, firmly bonded assembly is possible in short time. ・Reliable and easy to automate process. ・Design quality of swage section largely affects the process.
2.Disadvantages	・Investments are required such as fixtures and automation equipment. ・Since post-swaging disassembly is typically not possible, appropriate selection where the procedure is applied.

Types and characteristics of swaging will be explained. Source of the figures is Assembly Elemental Technology Manual issued by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd.

1) Rivet connection

Through holes are made on 2 plate material, and a rivet with smaller O.D. than the hole is inserted and both ends of the rivet are crushed to connect the parts.

Rivet connection

[Photo 1] Swaging example of hard disc head and arm

Description: Stainless steel head mount rivet is inserted into a hole on a convex/concave formed aluminum arm, then a steel ball is passed through the hole to quickly swage.

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