High-Mix Riveter: Semi-Automatic Solution
When full automation is impractical, smart semi-automation wins. Handling hundreds of bracket variations with intelligent design.
The Challenge
nVent rivets tens of thousands of brackets per day, but they produce hundreds of different types in various sizes and shapes. This high-mix, high-volume scenario presented a unique challenge:
- • Full automation would require complex part recognition and feeding systems
- • Changeover time between part types would kill productivity
- • The variability made a fully automated solution "impractical"
- • Manual riveting was creating throughput bottlenecks
The Solution: Intelligent Semi-Automation
Rather than forcing full automation where it didn't make sense, we designed a semi-automatic system that combined human adaptability with automated precision.
Operators simply place the parts (the step requiring human flexibility), and the machine automatically rivets, conveys, and boxes them—eliminating the repetitive, physically demanding work.
Human Flexibility
Operator handles part loading and orientation—the step that would require expensive vision and complex fixturing to automate.
Automated Precision
Machine performs consistent, repeatable riveting, then conveys finished parts to collection box automatically.
Riveter System
The Result
The system solved a complex manufacturing challenge by intelligently blending manual flexibility with automated throughput. Key outcomes:
- No changeover time: Handles part variations without machine setup
- Consistent quality: Every rivet applied with precision
- Increased throughput: Faster than pure manual operation
- Cost-effective: Much lower investment than fully automated solution
- Scalable: Can add more machines as volume grows
Why Semi-Automatic Was the Smarter Solution
This project demonstrates our "Agile Expert" approach: we don't force automation where it doesn't make sense. Sometimes the smartest solution combines the best of human flexibility with machine precision and speed.
Large competitors might have pushed a million-dollar fully automated solution. We delivered the right solution for the challenge at a fraction of the cost.
Have a High-Mix Manufacturing Challenge?
We design solutions that match your process, not force your process to match the automation.
Discuss Your Project