Many assembly lines today face the same problems. Engineers see uneven fastening quality. They also see fast tool wear. Pneumatic and hydraulic systems often need frequent maintenance. These issues reduce product reliability. They become more serious when teams work with thin, lightweight, or coated materials.
To address these problems, many manufacturers now use servo presses. These machines run on electric motors. They do not rely on oil or compressed air. The system gives precise control of force, position, and speed in every cycle. This level of control helps create stable joint strength. It also shortens cycle time. At the same time, it allows the system to record process data for quality tracking.
Today, servo presses are widely used in various industries. These industries include automotive production, EV battery assembly, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing. In these fields, consistent joint quality matters. Process data and traceability also play a key role in meeting safety and compliance requirements.
What Are Riveting and Clinching Operations?
Riveting and clinching are two core fastening methods that shape modern metal assemblies. Understanding how each process works reveals why servo control makes such a dramatic difference in consistency and quality.
Riveting: Creating Permanent, High-Strength Joints
Klinkend is a mechanical fastening process. A worker places a rivet through pre-drilled holes in the parts. The press then deforms the rivet to lock the parts together. This method creates a permanent joint. Many manufacturers use it when they need high fatigue strength. It also works well when joining different materials, such as steel and aluminum or titanium alloys.
In precision industries, such as aerospace, force control is critical. The press must apply force within a tight range. Too much force can cause cracks or surface damage. Too little force can weaken the joint. Servo-controlled presses keep the forming force within about ±1% of the target value. This control helps produce uniform rivet heads.
Clinching: Joining Without Additional Fasteners
Clinching is also called press joining. It joins sheet metal by forming a local lock between layers. The process uses controlled deformation of the material. It does not need rivets, welding, or adhesive. Many manufacturers use clinching for aluminum and coated steel. The process creates no heat. It also avoids fumes and surface contamination.
A servo press gives engineers precise motion control. Engineers can adjust the motion curve for each material pair. A short dwell near the bottom, dead center, helps form a full interlock. This step also protects surface coatings from damage. In many cases, clinched joints reach about 80–90% of the strength of spot welds. At the same time, the process creates no spatter and needs no post-cleaning.
Limitations of Traditional Press Systems
Older pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical presses struggle to meet today’s standards for accuracy and efficiency. Examining their weaknesses highlights why manufacturers are switching to servo-driven systems.
| Press Type | Krachtregeling | Onderhoud | Energieverbruik | Typische nauwkeurigheid | Common Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pneumatic | Poor (air compressibility) | Laag tot gemiddeld | Matig | ±10% | Inconsistent force |
| Hydraulic | High but hard to stabilize | High (leaks, fluid aging) | Hoog | ±5% | Oil contamination, noise |
| Mechanical | Fixed curve, not adjustable | Medium | Medium | ±5-8% | No adaptive control |
| Servo (Electric) | Excellent (closed-loop) | Laag | Laag | ±1% | - |
Pneumatic Presses: Inconsistent Force Delivery
Pneumatic presses use compressed air to generate force. Air pressure changes with temperature and supply conditions. Even small changes can cause force variation of up to ±10%. This level of variation is too high for precision assembly work.
As a result, joint quality becomes unstable. Some joints may be too loose, while others may be over-pressed. Misalignment and rework become more common. Over time, air leaks, worn valves, and contamination further reduce system reliability.
Hydraulic Presses: High Energy Use and Heavy Maintenance
Hydraulic presses can generate high force. They rely on pumps that often operate continuously. Even when the press is idle, the system still consumes energy to maintain pressure. In many cases, power consumption can be up to 70% higher than that of a servo-based system.
Hydraulic oil also creates risks. Oil leaks can contaminate parts and work areas. Temperature changes affect oil viscosity. This change alters pressing force and reduces process consistency during production.
Mechanical Presses: High Speed but Limited Control
Mechanical presses use a fixed crank motion. The motion profile cannot change during the stroke. These presses work well for high-speed forming. However, they lack the flexibility needed for sensitive assembly tasks.
The fixed motion makes it hard to control the force on thin materials or layered joints. High impact near the bottom of the stroke can increase tool wear. It can also cause variations in parts over time.
How Servo Press Technology Changes the Game?
Servo technology replaces air and oil with digital precision. Let’s explore how closed-loop control and programmable motion enable stable quality, cleaner operation, and enhanced production efficiency.
Precise Control of Force, Position, and Speed
Servo presses use a closed-loop control system. The system combines motor encoders for position control and load cells for force measurement. The controller compares real-time values with the programmed settings. It adjusts the output every few milliseconds to maintain process stability.
This control allows very high accuracy. Servo presses can achieve a position precision of ±0.01 mm. They can also maintain force repeatability within ±1%. Pneumatic presses often show force variation of up to ±10% under the same conditions.
For engineers, this means the press can execute complex motion profiles:
- Snelle aanpak to reduce idle time.
- Slow forming phase near the bottom, dead center, to prevent over-compression.
- Dwell period to allow material flow or solidification (when using heat-assisted joining).
- Gentle retraction to minimize springback or part movement.
Due to this flexibility, a single servo press can handle multiple joining tasks. It can perform light clinching and deep riveting on the same machine. No mechanical changeover is required.
Real-Time Monitoring and Data Recording
Each servo press stroke creates a digital record. This record is a force–displacement curve. The curve illustrates the joint’s behavior throughout the entire pressing process. Engineers use this curve as a quality reference. When problems arise, such as part misalignment, a missing rivet, or changes in material thickness, the system detects them immediately.
Operators can set tolerance bands for the process. These bands define upper and lower force limits at different stroke stages. When the curve moves outside the allowed range, the press reacts automatically. It can stop the cycle or mark the part for inspection. This early control prevents defective joints from progressing to the following process. It also reduces rework and lowers warranty risk.
The system also records process data for every cycle. This data supports full traceability and helps meet standards such as IATF 16949 and AS9100. The press can store details like cycle time, force, position, operator ID, and part ID. The data can remain on the machine or be transferred to a factory MES system.
Energie-efficiëntie en schone werking
Servo systems use energy only when the press is moving. Hydraulic presses keep pumps running continuously. When a servo press is idle, power use is close to zero. During deceleration, the motor can recover energy and send it back to the power system. This improves overall efficiency.
In real production lines, this design often delivers 30–70% energy savings. The exact savings depend on cycle speed and required force. Servo presses also use no hydraulic oil. This removes the risk of leaks, part contamination, or oil smell. It also eliminates force changes caused by temperature-related changes in oil viscosity.
The electric drive runs much more quietly. Noise levels are often 10–15 dB lower than those of traditional presses. This benefit matters in cleanroom environments. It also improves comfort and safety for operators on the shop floor.
Flexible Programming for Different Joint Types
Every product has different joining needs. Sheet thickness can change. Material hardness and surface coatings also vary. Part geometry adds more complexity. A servo press handles these changes through software control.
Engineers can create multiple press programs in advance. Each program defines speed, force, dwell time, and retraction distance. Operators can switch between programs instantly. No mechanical adjustment is needed. This flexibility suits high-mix, low-volume production. It also works well in automated lines with a variety of part types.
More advanced servo presses support direct system integration. They can connect with robots and control systems through standard industrial networks. When a robot loads a new part, the press can automatically select the correct program. This reduces setup errors. It also ensures consistent results across different products.
Toepassingen in verschillende sectoren
Servo press systems have become essential in industries where precision, repeatability, and cleanliness are critical. Let’s explore how these advantages translate into real-world results.
Automotive and EV Assembly
In automotive production, the quality of fastening has a significant impact on safety and long-term reliability. Many traditional pneumatic and hydraulic presses struggle with aluminum panels, mixed materials, and large volumes that require strict quality tracking.
Servo-driven presses solve these problems. They keep force control within ±1% on every cycle. This stability ensures uniform joint strength, even over hundreds of thousands of parts. In EV battery assembly, servo-controlled clinching helps prevent panel distortion. It also supports precise sealing in sensitive battery modules.
Servo presses also integrate well into automated production lines. Robots load the parts, and the press checks each joint using its force–displacement curve. When a joint falls outside the set limits, the system immediately flags it.
Aerospace and Electronics
Aerospace parts require very tight tolerances and clean assembly conditions. During riveting or clinching of aluminum, titanium, or composite materials, force control is critical. Even a slight increase in force can cause microcracks or layer separation.
Servo presses reduce this risk through programmable motion and real-time feedback. Engineers can slow the final forming stage by about 30–50% near bottom dead center. This slower motion helps the material deform evenly. It also limits stress on thin or layered structures.
In electronics assembly, cleanliness is just as important. Printed circuit boards and coated parts must stay free from oil and debris. Servo presses operate without hydraulic oil and produce low noise. Their compact and clean design supports ISO Class 8 cleanroom environments.
Integratie van automatisering en robotica
Many modern factories now use servo presses inside automated robotic cells. These presses are connected to robots, conveyors, and vision systems via standard industrial networks. This connection enables all equipment to function as a single, coordinated system.
In a typical setup, a robot locates and positions the part using a camera. The servo press then performs the joining operation with controlled motion. At the same time, the press records the force–displacement curve. It checks whether the curve stays within the defined limits. The system then sends the result to the factory’s MES or SPC system.
When the press detects an abnormal curve, such as a peak force that is too low, the cell reacts immediately. It can stop the process or mark the part for review. This closed-loop verification removes the need for manual inspection. It also reduces scrap and supports ongoing process improvement through data analysis.
Process Quality and Tooling Considerations
Even the best servo system depends on sound tooling and process control. Here, we’ll examine how engineers ensure perfect joints through intelligent design and data monitoring.
Importance of Tool Design
In riveting and clinching, tool design plays a key role in joint quality. The punch and die shape control how the material flows and locks into place. Even small changes can matter. A 0.1 mm change in die cavity depth or a 2° change in punch angle can noticeably affect joint strength.
Well-designed tools facilitate a stable material flow. This helps avoid cracks, tearing, or weak interlocks. Many engineers use finite element simulation to study material deformation in advance. These simulations help refine the die geometry before the tool is made.
During production, the servo press repeats the same motion profile with high accuracy. This motion matches the tool’s design intent on every cycle. The controlled contact reduces impact and shock loads. As a result, tool life often increases by 20–30% compared with pneumatic or mechanical presses.
Multi-Layer and Dissimilar Material Joining
Many modern products use lightweight structures. These designs often combine different materials, such as aluminum with steel or coated sheets with bare metal. Each layer has a different yield strength. Because of this, the forming force must change during the stroke.
Servo presses handle this challenge very well. They use adaptive control based on real-time feedback. As the press senses resistance during forming, it adjusts motor torque on the fly. This control keeps material deformation within the desired range.
With this approach, the joint forms thoroughly and consistently. Surface coatings remain intact. Softer layers are not over-compressed. The result is a strong and reliable joint across mixed material stacks.
Monitoring Force–Displacement Curves
The force–displacement curve is a key diagnostic tool in servo joining. It shows how force increases and releases during the forming process. Each stroke creates its own curve, which represents the joint’s behavior.
Even small changes in the curve can signal problems. These changes may indicate early tool wear, part misalignment, or variations in material thickness or hardness. By tracking these curves over time, engineers can detect issues before they lead to defects or downtime.
Bijvoorbeeld:
- A lower peak force may indicate excessive clearance or tool wear.
- A steeper slope indicates a change in material hardness.
- Een early plateau may indicate a double-sheet overlap or incorrect part orientation.
By setting upper and lower curve envelopes, engineers can detect these issues in real time. Some systems even classify curves automatically using AI algorithms, predicting tool failure before it occurs.
Choosing the Right Servo Press for Riveting or Clinching
Selecting the proper servo press involves balancing tonnage, accuracy, and integration capability. Below are the most critical factors to evaluate.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Recommended Range | Waarom het belangrijk is |
|---|---|---|
| Rated Force (kN) | 10–100 | Determines the maximum forming capacity for various sheet thicknesses and rivet sizes. |
| Stroke Length (mm) | 50–200 | Defines motion flexibility for both short clinches and deeper rivet forming. |
| Position Accuracy (mm) | ±0.01 or better | Ensures consistent joint depth and compensates for thickness variation. |
| Force Control Precision | ±1% | Prevents over-pressing and guarantees repeatable joint strength. |
| Speed Range (mm/s) | 1–300 | Enables high-speed approach with controlled forming at low speed. |
| Data Output / Connectivity | EtherCAT, PROFINET, OPC UA | Allows integration with MES, SPC, and robotic systems for smart manufacturing. |
Nauwkeurigheid positie en kracht
In precision fastening, minor errors can cause big problems. A position error of just 0.05 mm can result in poor rivet expansion or a shallow interlock depth. These issues weaken the joint and reduce reliability.
For this reason, engineers should select presses with high-resolution encoders, often around 0.001 mm. Digital load cells also play a key role. Together, they help ensure each stroke follows the planned force and position profile.
Some advanced controllers add self-calibration features. These routines adjust baseline readings automatically. They reduce setup time and limit the impact of operator variation on process accuracy.
Motion Profile and Process Flexibility
A servo press should offer programmable motion modes, including position control, force control, and hybrid control. These modes let engineers tailor the process for different materials:
- Force mode for consistent compression in aluminum clinching.
- Position mode for accurate rivet depth.
- Hybrid mode for joining multi-layer or coated materials.
Multi-segment curves allow full customization — for instance, starting fast, pressing slowly near contact, dwelling briefly, and retracting gently.
Data Management and Smart Integration
In modern factories, process data is just as important as the finished product. A servo press that records and exports process curves supports quality control and stable production. It also helps teams plan maintenance before problems occur.
Through standard industrial networks, the press can connect directly to MES or SPC systems. This connection allows automatic data transfer without manual input. Engineers can monitor performance in real-time. They can also study trends across thousands of cycles to improve long-term process stability.
Energy Efficiency and Maintenance
Servo presses use power only when the press is moving. During deceleration, the system can recover energy instead of wasting it as heat. In most applications, this results in 30–70% lower energy consumption compared to hydraulic presses. Lower energy use also means lower operating costs and reduced carbon emissions.
Servo presses do not use hydraulic oil. This removes the risk of leaks and fluid-related maintenance. The work area stays clean, and uptime improves. The system also has fewer moving parts and no pump running in the background. As a result, maintenance intervals often increase by 30–40%, which helps keep Overall Equipment Effectiveness stable over time.
Conclusie
Servo presses have changed riveting and clinching from simple mechanical steps into controlled, data-driven processes. They provide precise control over force and position. They also support clean operation, eliminating the need for oil and reducing excessive noise.
These benefits lead to precise business results. Energy use drops: rework and scrap decrease. Over time, these gains deliver measurable returns and support stable, high-quality production.
Looking to improve your riveting or clinching process with more innovative equipment? Our team helps manufacturers cut rework, extend tool life, and reach faster returns through well-matched servo press solutions. Contact our experts to discuss your assembly challenges or request a complimentary technical consultation.
Hey, ik ben Kevin Lee
De afgelopen 10 jaar heb ik me verdiept in verschillende vormen van plaatbewerking en ik deel hier de coole inzichten die ik heb opgedaan in verschillende werkplaatsen.
Neem contact op
Kevin Lee
Ik heb meer dan tien jaar professionele ervaring in plaatbewerking, gespecialiseerd in lasersnijden, buigen, lassen en oppervlaktebehandelingstechnieken. Als technisch directeur bij Shengen zet ik me in om complexe productie-uitdagingen op te lossen en innovatie en kwaliteit in elk project te stimuleren.
