Baltec

BalTec’s Classic riveting units are ideal for integration in automation such as rotary indexing tables and transfer installations – in any desired orientation. Units with pneumatic and hydraulic actuation are available with capacities ranging from 2kN to 100kN. The units can be easily mounted to custom frames and come standard with fine adjustment of an internal hard stop.

BalTec’s Classic benchtop riveting machines consist of a riveting unit mounted to a standard column and base and are ideal for single workstation, batch production. The column and base include T-slot and center bore for tooling alignment and vertical course head adjustment. Machines with pneumatic and hydraulic actuation are available with capacities ranging from 2kN to 100kN. These complete packages make installation and setup quick and easy.

BalTec developed the ELECTRIC as an entirely new product line that eliminates the need for pneumatic and hydraulic power sources. ELECTRIC power heads contain two inline servo motors controlling both rotational movement of the form tools and linear actuation. This results in superior performance, speed, and repeatability compared to the Classic line of machines. Fine adjustments to the forming process can be made completely through software. The clever design of the ELECTRIC utilizes interchangeable process modules, making one machine capable of being used for radial riveting, orbital riveting, or roller forming. This makes ELECTRIC an ideal choice for research and development purposes. The robust and compact design lends itself to all kinds of production environments. It can be purchased as a unit or benchtop machine.

The control and monitoring of forming processes is the basis of every successful industrial production. For over 20 years, BalTec has been offering patented process control, which was specifically developed for radial riveting and is now applied in all joining processes of BalTec. The basis of the process control is the monitoring of the force-stroke curves over the time track using state-of-the-art sensor technology. BalTec process control is available for all Classic and ELECTRIC machines.

The new ELECTRIC EA30 is the world’s first fully servo-driven articulating roller forming machine with three axis. Thanks to its fully servo-driven process control, workpieces are formed with three axis, one in vertical motion downwards, one in a rotary motion, and one in an articulating (in-out) motion of the rollers. The process control software is individually programmable, allowing the machine to perform 3D profiles.

• ARTICULATING ROLLER FORMING
• 3D FORMING
• CRIMPING

For turnkey solutions ranging from basic work cells to automation systems, BalTec has in-house resources and experience to design, build, and validate complete machines prior to delivery at the production facility. While BalTec products are designed to be easily integrated by end customers and third-party integrators, there are many advantages to acquiring a turnkey solution from BalTec when the core process of the work cell or automation system is radial riveting, orbital riveting, or roller forming.

Radial riveting is a delicate process, which requires little force to displace the necessary material. As a result, high quality is obtained. With the radial riveting process, the tool itself does not rotate. The friction between tool and workpiece is thus at a minimum. The form tool moves in a rosette pattern, passing through the center of the workpiece with every turn of the motor. The result is an excellent surface structure. Forming even brittle materials like Bakelite or ceramics is possible. Lateral forces are negligible. Supporting the workpiece is simple, and clamping is usually unnecessary.

Orbital riveting is a good alternative to radial riveting in cases of hollow rivets or forming tubes and sleeve-like parts. However, controlling the flow of material with the orbital process is limited. Additionally, there is a constant lateral force present while forming, which requires the workpiece to be supported quite well. The circular movement of the form tool creates a crescent shape like contact area on the workpiece which results in considerable surface friction. The forming occurs around the riveting head.

Roll forming is achieved through roller wheels, which are mounted to the roll forming head. This head is driven by the machine at a controlled linear feed rate as well as the optimal rotational speed. Forming with minimal downward force makes it possible to form thin-walled parts, often eliminating collapsing or bulging of the material that can occur with other forming technologies. The rollers form the material to the desired shape. Creating a seal is possible as the final form is highly controllable.