Specification and Implementation of an Automated Rivet/Domenut Installation System

In an effort to eliminate a more tedious assembly task, the installation of riveted dornenuts was selected for automation. A “C” frame style drill and rivet machine design was modified to drill two (2) hole diameters, install sealant, present domenut and rivets, and install them to the workpiece. A special lower ram tool was used to install the domenuts. This equipment is considered new technology for it's combination of features which include: CNC positioning, sealant installation, drilling of multiple hole diameters in a single cycle, domenut installation, as well as the capability of varying hole spacing for alternate domenut needs. This paper discusses the specification and implementation of the machine, the problems encountered, and it's ultimate success.