Overview

A PierceForm ® Stud is sent via an air feeder through the plastic stud guide into the PierceForm Stud installation head.  The head partially closes to allow the stud to be sensed by the part probe rod and sensor.  The stud is held in position in the head until the customer part is in place, supported underneath by a die button secured in a retainer.  The stud displaces the part probe rod which activates a sensor that signals the system controller that a stud is in position, ready for installation.

As the die closes the nose of the head contacts the metal panel and the plunger begins to push the stud through the panel, piercing its own hole.  When the stud contacts the die button the stud barrel is formed into a 360° mechanical attachment onto the back of the metal panel.

You now have a complete radial engagement of the stud to the panel and, as the die starts to open, another cycle is ready to begin.

The PierceForm Stud feed system operates in unison with your press equipment to produce stud to panel attachments that are consistent time after time.  For details concerning each component ’s setup and operation, plus maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, contact your sales representative.

Components

System Controller - PLC

This unit controls all functions of the system.  The timing of all solenoid valves, the release of a stud to the installation head, and the sensing of a stud within the head are all sequenced through this controller.  All functions are timed to take place within single or continuous cycles.  Note:  If the speed of the press is changed from original setting, the controller must be reprogrammed.

Feeder

Because PierceForm Studs are blown by air pressure from the feeder to the installation head in the feed system, the feeder can be mounted at any level you choose.  The feeder has internal solenoids that control the blowing of studs to the head assembly.

Stud Guide

The plastic stud guide is connected between the feeder and the installation head.  When setting up the system, careful attention must be taken not to kink this component.  Generally a three foot radius is used to ensure efficient operation.

Installation Head

The PierceForm Stud installation head is mounted in the upper die shoe of the press.  It is air-controlled and designed to accurately install PierceForm Studs using the mechanical force of the press.

Die Button and Retainer

The die button is secured in a retainer, which is mounted in the lower die shoe.  When the press closes, the installation head punches the PierceForm Stud through the metal panel supported by the die button.  The die button forms the barrel of the stud around its circumference to securely lock it in place and coins the slug into the barrel, thereby eliminating scrap disposal.

Pneumatic Control Valve

This system consists of a solenoid, which controls the movement of the installation head.  The solenoid is initiated through the system controller.  This timing shall be pre-set and adjusted to the stroke and speed of your press.

Probing

The PierceForm installation system includes a probe in the installation head which, when properly connected through the system controller with the press, will prevent cycling the next stroke unless a stud is correctly positioned in the nose.  Note:  The customer must monitor removal of the stamping prior to the next cycle of the press.

The PierceForm Studs (CP and CS) are property class 9.8 fasteners.  They are system fed to automatic installation tools.  The CP style stud pierces its own hole in a sheet metal panel (.75-3.00mm thickness) and retains the resulting slug.  The CS style stud requires a pre-pierced hole and is used in heavier thickness panels (2.00-6.00mm).  The installation tool requires a regulated, clean air supply for operation.  A proximity sensor is positioned in the tool to identify that a stud is positioned for installation.  The system controller regulates the various functions required for normal operation.

How the PierceForm Stud Installation Works

1A PierceForm Stud is sent into the head via an air feeder.  The stud is held in position by the PierceForm Stud installation head until the customer part is in place, supported by the die button and retainer, underneath.
2The head is partially closed with the use of a valve.  Stud displaces part probe rod which activates sensor and signals system controller that stud is in position for installation.
3As the die closes, the nose of the installation head contacts the metal panel and the plunger inside the head begins to push the PierceForm stud through the panel, piercing its own hole. NOTE:  The pierce slug is retained in the barrel of the stud to simplify die designs and eliminate scrap handling, with the exception of a CS stud, which has no slug.
4Then the PierceForm stud has penetrated the panel it contacts the die button which forms the stud barrel into a 360° mechanical attachment onto the back of the metal panel.  You now have a complete radial engagement of the stud to the panel and, as the die starts to open, another cycle is ready to start.

This page last modified 06/08/07 .
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