Every vehicle uses functional elements that maintain the performance and safety of the vehicle, such as the ball bolts used in door hinges, tailgates and hoods. The functionality of the vehicle components mentioned depends heavily on these connecting elements, and because of their high resilience and stability, they should be able to work reliably even under extreme conditions. For this reason, it is important to determine the appropriate connection technology when processing ball bolts.
Riveting or tumbling, welding, screwing?
In the automotive industry, ball bolts are connected to the body panel using various joining processes. These include bolting, resistance welding and tumble riveting. Press riveting is another option that saves both time and money, but still allows the ball bolt to have a high load capacity.
The cost-effective assembly of rivet ball bolts saves additional work steps, as the installation of the rivet ball bolt is both simple and effective. When inserting the ball bolt, it is riveted directly into the sheet metal, the rivet collar is deformed by pressure on a die and this forms a large contact surface. Press riveting enables a permanent and strong connection that can withstand high mechanical forces. Depending on the design, the ball bolt can generate high extrusion forces and absorb high forces in all load directions.
A major advantage of this joining technology is that the ball bolts can be assembled fully automatically under the press during the production of body panels. By eliminating additional processing steps, the installation process is simplified. Therefore, this process requires only a single production stage, saving materials and costs.
Press riveting is a relatively simple and quick joining method that requires less time and effort than other techniques. This can lead to significant cost savings, particularly for large production quantities. Automated assembly under the press reduces internal transport between production stages. This also makes it possible to reduce logistics costs, as shorter throughput times lead to less capital tied up and reduced inventory.
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