Used in assembly processes all over the world for more than 20 years, SBM technology can feed, insert, and fasten blind rivet nuts and blind rivet bolts reliably in very short cycle times. With new standards of automation, speed, flexibility and stability, WEBER Schraubautomaten GmbH is introducing the next generation insertion system - the SBM25.
SBM technology produces a reusable thread and in an age where assemblies are disassembled and recycled or reused, this characteristic has become an indispensable factor towards sustainability in fastening technology.
Blind rivet nuts are often used on thin components that can be accessed only from one side, into which the threaded fastener has to be accurately set. For hexagon fasteners, the new SBM25 first uses a laser-based precision process to align the fastener’s flanks with the pilot hole in the workpiece – this avoids tilting during positioning. During the subsequent deformation process, the applied force, as well as the insertion stroke, are monitored. Using advanced technology the system conducts monitoring of the fasteners and intervenes in the process if necessary, so all faulty components are ejected automatically.
Another key feature of SBM25 is the automatic change of the drift pin which significantly reduces manual maintenance and therefore the overall downtime of the system. Additionally, the fasteners are threaded and inserted with two separate EC drives and all process steps can be freely configured on the control panel and stored in individual insertion programs.
The SBM25 can be used in all working directions, including on parts that can be accessed only from one side and can be used on axis systems or as a robot spindle. As standard, blind rivet nuts from M4 to M10, as well as blind rivet bolts from M5 to M8, can be used.
Speed of the new SBM25 system has also been redefined – fasteners are provided through a feed system that makes it possible to feed the next fastener already in the insertion process, significantly reducing the overall process duration. Robot ancillary times can also be used efficiently, such as for executing an automatic drift pin change. This results in constant cycle times and fewer interruptions in the production process.
Based on customer requirements, the SBM25 was also enhanced in terms of flexibility. The system can now handle a very large range of standard commercial blind rivet nuts and blind rivet bolts. The mechanical changeover of an insertion spindle and the feed system to a different fastener type can be completed in less than 15 minutes and requires only a few components.
SBM25 now also makes it possible to produce reusable connections in position-independent processes. The innovative machine design enables positioning of a second spindle with an insertion distance of only 80 mm while providing optimum accessibility in corners and around interfering contours.
The option of exchanging the spindle in a fully automatic process using tool plates with docking capability offers the greatest possible flexibility where changes between different fastener types are required regularly. The insertion spindle can be mechanically, electrically, and pneumatically disconnected from the robot and set aside during active operation. When the spindle is picked up, all media are connected. This modern WSP3 controller platform forms the basis for an optimised process and sequence control that also meets the latest requirements for IT and system security.
One central requirement from the customer is a long service life and consequently low maintenance requirements for machines and systems. The new insertion system now makes it possible to achieve more than 7 million cycles with a maximum force of 25kN applied. The spring-loaded drift pin additionally ensures lower wear while being gentle on the female thread as part of the process optimisation.
“Nothing is so good that it could not be improved. With the next generation of the SBM25, we have taken exactly this approach and provided a consistently customer oriented and solution-based response to the demands of the industry. Our experience from over 20 years of continuous development work has gone into this new insertion system and with the SBM25, our customers are receiving a system that can monitor all processes continuously, sets new standards in terms of operating convenience, automation and reliability, as well as being absolutely reliable,” says Ingo Untch, product manager responsible for insertion systems at WEBER.
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