Efficient press-fitting and riveting at BVS Blechtechnik – stable sheet metal connections for your series production
Press-fitting and riveting at the highest level – for secure connections in series production: At BVS Blechtechnik, these joining techniques have been an integral part of series and small series production for years.
Whether for simple housings or complex assemblies, we use these processes in a targeted manner to achieve mechanically resilient, permanently stable and, at the same time, economical connections.
Around 80% of our sheet metal parts pass through the press-fitting/riveting department. Thanks to modern machines with automatic feeding, digital control and an experienced team working in two shifts, a wide variety of press-fitting elements can be installed efficiently, safely and with repeatable accuracy.
Your advantages at a glance:
- Cost-effective joining technology for series and small batch production
Permanent joints without thermal stress – ideal for sensitive components, even in small quantities. - Automated pressing of multiple elements in a single step
Our machines can process up to four press-in elements in a single cycle – efficiently, reliably and without manual changeovers. - Flexible equipment for different parts and materials
With 12 machines, both manual and automatic stations, we adapt the process optimally to your component. - Process reliability for assembly
Press-fit bolts, earthing lugs or spacers facilitate final assembly – fewer errors, greater speed. - Advice on processes and component design
We support you in deciding between riveting, press-fitting or welding – tailored to the material, load and subsequent processes.
What is press-fitting and riveting?
Press-fitting
During press-fitting, nuts, bolts, bushings or other functional elements are pressed permanently into a component with high force. The process works without heat input and delivers stable, precise results. Press-fit elements are inserted into the carrier material by form or force and enable permanently secure connections, e.g. for screw assemblies in later assembly steps.
Advantages: High accuracy of fit, no heat distortion, short cycle times, ideal for series and small series production.
Riveting
Riveting involves permanently joining components using rivet elements. The rivet is inserted through a pre-drilled hole and deformed at the end to form a form-fitting connection. BVS uses rivets specifically in cases where welding would be technically or economically disadvantageous.
Advantages: No thermal influence on the material, high tensile strength, durable connection, a wide range of materials can be used.
Press-fitting: meaning, how it works and application in manufacturing
The verb press fit describes a key process in modern sheet metal working: fasteners or functional elements such as nuts, bolts or bushings are inserted into a workpiece with a defined press-fit pressure. These so-called press-fit connections are created purely mechanically – without heat or additional materials. The advantage: a permanently resilient connection with high positioning accuracy and minimal effort. This process is frequently used in the manufacture of assemblies, for example when different joining parts need to be connected in a functional and reliable manner. Depending on the application, pressing is carried out automatically or manually – always tailored to the material, component geometry and production volume. Further information on suitable processes and possible connecting elements can be obtained directly from our team of experts in our technical advisory service.
Flexible, fast and precise: our equipment for pressing/riveting
With a total of 12 manual and automated machines, including stations with up to four automatic feeders, BVS is optimally equipped for press-fit and riveting technology. Around 80% of all sheet metal parts pass through these stations during the production process. Our team works in alternating shifts and can respond flexibly to different component geometries, materials and production steps.
Thanks to the automated press-fit and riveting units, various connecting elements such as nuts, bolts, bushings, grounding tabs or spacers can be processed quickly, safely and with high repeat accuracy. The combination of digital control, automatic feeding and ESD-compliant processing guarantees maximum process reliability, even for complex assemblies or sensitive electronics.
Practical example: Digital signage assembly efficiently riveted
A typical customer project: Originally, the assembly of a digital signage device was planned to be welded. However, this led to material distortion and high costs. By switching to a riveting solution, production time was significantly reduced, stability was improved and the entire manufacturing process was made more economical.
When is press fitting or riveting more suitable than welding?
Our team will work with you to decide on the right procedure. In doing so, we take the following into account:
- Material and sheet thickness: Thinner sheets or sensitive materials benefit from rivet- or press-fit-based joining.
- Load application: What must the component withstand? What are the requirements for final assembly?
- Follow-up processes assembly steps: Press-fit elements can save time and money in later work steps.
In many cases, rivets now replace welding – not only because of the lower costs, but also because of better predictability and quality.
Our individual consultation service helps you choose the right connection technology for your project – whether in enclosure construction, medical technology or complex functional assemblies.
Which machines are available for press-fitting/riveting?
In our riveting production area, our team works in two shifts to install a wide variety of rivets with a high degree of flexibility. Around 80% of our orders pass through the riveting/press-fitting department and, in addition to rivets, are also fitted with press-fit elements such as nuts, bolts, bushings, spacers or grounding tabs. The use of these numerous small parts greatly simplifies subsequent assembly and final assembly.
Whether after laser, bending or powdering – after each production step sheet metal parts or assemblies can be joined with the necessary press-fit elements and rivets.
Depending on the geometry and sheet thickness, up to 12 manual or automatic press-in machines are used for press-in assembly. One of these has four automatic feeders, while another combines two automatic and two manual feeders. This allows up to four different press-in parts to be assembled directly one after the other – efficiently and reliably.
Which process is best suited for your order?
Press-fitting is ideal for applications that require efficiency and high precision and where no additional heat should be introduced.
Riveting is particularly suitable for extremely resilient connections and offers a proven method that has proven itself in many applications.
Frequently asked questions about press-fitting and riveting
Which elements can be pressed in?
Typical press-fit elements include bolts, nuts, spacers, earthing lugs, bushings and more – in various sizes, materials and combinations.
When is press-fitting economically viable?
The process is cost-effective even for small series (approx. 10+ pieces), particularly thanks to automated processes and high repeat accuracy.
What materials can be processed?
We process stainless steel, aluminium, sheet steel, galvanised materials and many more – tailored to your application and requirements.