Kistler has added a compact, weight-optimized system to its portfolio: the new NCFC electromechanical joining module.
A highly suitable solution for clinching and riveting applications, as well as assembly and joining processes that require force-displacement monitoring, the NCFC servo press needs very little installation space. This means weight and center of gravity design are optimized, particularly for robot arm applications.
Clinching (also known as press-joining) is an efficient and reliable joining process that is becoming increasingly attractive to industrial manufacturers. This is predominantly because it requires no additional components such as rivets or bolts. Unlike drilling or welding, clinching does not generate any heat input. Clinching requires less energy and maintenance effort than spot welding and, depending on the material and process, the strength values of clinched joints are often equal or sometimes even higher, meaning the processes can also be controlled with greater ease and accuracy.
The NCFC is the first ever electromechanical joining module that is specifically optimized to meet the requirements of the clinching process. Thanks to the combination of Kistler technology with BTM’s knowledge of clinch tooling and pliers, customers benefit from a servo press based on cutting-edge technology that offers high-precision, energy-efficient, part joining with assured quality.
Benefits of the NCFC Include:
- Compact lightweight design – ideal for use on robots and stationary or mobile portals.
- Better dynamics than systems with comparable weight and similar dimensions
- Optimized design to allow short distances between workstations (small center distance).
- Easy and fast installation of servo press thanks to the new hybrid cable solution
- Visualization, control and documentation with the proven maXYmos NC process monitoring system – no additional industrial PC required.
- Improved quality with lower consumption of resources and reduced CO2 emissions compared to conventional systems.
The Future of Clinching is Electromechanical
The outcome of the collaboration between clinching specialist BTM and the measurement and joining technology experts at Kistler is an exceptionally advanced solution that will benefit customers across the globe. BTM has earned worldwide renown with its flexible, customized solutions and has accumulated decades of experience with mechanical joining solutions such as clinching and self-piercing riveting. BTM’s expertise played a key part in the cooperation partnership with Kistler, providing an ideal solution for customers to switch to electromechanical clinching.
The outcome of the collaboration between BTM and Kistler is an exceptionally advanced solution that will benefit customers across the globe. BTM has earned worldwide renown with its flexible, customized solutions and has accumulated decades of experience with mechanical joining solutions such as clinching and self-piercing riveting. BTM’s expertise played a key part in this partnership , providing an ideal solution for customers to switch to electromechanical clinching.
Advancing the Digitalization of Production Processes
The NCFC (2163A) will be offered in two versions with, nominal joining forces of 55 kN and 80 kN respectively. As well as the robot arm application, the NCFC servo press can also be operated as a stationary version or as part of a complete clinching system from BTM.
Clinching delivers major benefits in line with key industrial trends: resource and energy efficiency, transparency, and automation , as well as extensive possibilities for joining components made of different materials. Given these advantages, electromechanical joining systems are set to see significant growth in sectors such as electrical engineering, white goods, refrigeration and air conditioning technology. The world’s mechanical engineers and manufacturers can now use BTM and Kistler’s clinch solution to boost the economic efficiency, quality and transparency of their assembly processes.
