Online visual measurement of self-pierce riveting systems to help determine the quality of the mechanical interlock

Self-pierce riveting (SPR) is a significant joining technique for the automotive applications of aluminium sheets; however, quality control has progressed at a slower rate. Testing the quality of the mechanical interlock is often achieved by destructive testing, which results in material and time wastage. The solution is online monitoring of the self-pierce riveting process to provide non-destructive testing of the mechanical interlock. Introducing sensors into the process (such as cameras) facilitates real time data acquisition, which can be used to determine the quality of the joint.