Considerations for Refurbishing Large Riveting Systems

Many of the large CNC controlled riveting systems that were purchased in the late 1970s and 1980s are beginning to show signs of dated technology. To protect the original investment in this equipment, aerospace companies are looking into refurbishing these machines. Issues such as pre-planning, teaming concepts, communications, and a thorough understanding of the equipment are essential to a successful project. This paper is based on the case history of one such refurbishment project.