Tectesse Tecnologie Meccaniche has introduced the new RS01 Terminator, a prototype of a battery powered device for applying rivets and threaded inserts, made predominately from aluminium alloy.
The RS01 Terminator can pull inserts from M3 to M10, round and hexagonal steel, as well as rivets – with breaking loads of up to 1,000kg with a 25mm stroke and up to 1,400kg with a 16mm stroke (indicative data). Thanks to a simple setting, it only takes a few minutes to switch between the installation of rivets and inserts.
“In the insert configuration, the stroke adjustment for the type of insert to be applied is completely mechanical, with the user simply turning a ring nut that adjusts the stroke needed for correct tightening,” explains Inventor Stefano Tampieri. “For rivet use, the same ring nut adjusts the opening of the clamps to adapt it to the size of the rivet to be applied, without the user needing to replace the nozzle, which is what normally happens in conventional machines. A variation of over a millimetre in the pin diameter can be compensated with the adjustment, plus when in rivet mode the pin can be ejected from the front or the back.”
The possibility of using the RS01 Terminator for both rivets and inserts is attributable to the particular and unprecedented kinematic chain (patent application already submitted), which allows an adjustment of the stroke of either 7mm, 16mm or a maximum of 25mm. “When using traditional threaded inserts, a 7mm stroke can be used, making the most of the power, which increases proportionally to the reduction of the stroke,” reports Stefano. “There is also the possibility of using the intermediate stroke of 16mm for inserts that require more stroke (e.g inserts with Trebol-type rivets). The system regulates the stroke according to what is needed for the type of insert.”
The RS01 Terminator can also be assembled and disassembled almost entirely using only a 2.5 male hex key, with other parts requiring a hex of 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm and 4mm. “The machine adjustments are exclusively mechanical, there are no electronic functions other than starting and stopping the motor at the end of the cycle, which occurs with simple micro switches and a button,” highlights Stefano. “The cycle occurs with the motor always rotating in the same direction, the motor can also be brushless or with brushes.”
Stefano adds: “The weight balance, which brings the centre of gravity low and behind the handle, ensures the effort on the user’s wrist is neutral, giving that sensation of no effort, as happens in other machines for the application of rivets and battery powered inserts. The structure of the RS01 Terminator also leaves open many possibilities for the evolution of the machine in terms of dimensions and materials. If desired, one could even use carbon fibre for some components.”
The RS01 Terminator prototype currently uses Makita batteries, but the project leaves the possibility of configuring the type of battery during the assembly of the machine, meaning other types of battery could be used based on customers’ requests.
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.
Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.
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