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K-Flow flow drill fastening system on a robot

K-Flow Flow drill fastening systems

We offer a comprehensive flow drill fastening solution. Learn more about our systems and components

See below for information about our K-Flow flow drill fastening systems, components, and technical data.

For more information specific to our flow drill fastening application solutions for the automotive industry, select one of the links to the right.

K-Flow joining tool

K-Flow tools

The powerful K-Flow joining tool is the heart of the system solution. It is mounted to the robot flange and can process M4, M5 and M6 fasteners with high rotation speed and process force. Due to two independent strokes (down hold stroke and main stroke), it enables very short cycle times. Depending on the accessibility of the parts, three different tool geometries are available.
Tool specifications  
Rotation speed:  max. 7000 / 9000 min-1
Process force:  max. 1870 / 3000 N at 6 bar
Down hold force:  max. 700 / 1400 N at 6 bar
Weight:  about 50 kg
Fastener:  M4 – M5 – M6
Integrated fastener stop system (swivel module)  

HLX 70 Magazine

The K-Flow HLX 70 is a magazine attachment to the flow drill system. The HLX 70 was developed to provide a flexible and reliable method of feeding joining elements to an application faster than ever. With a capacity of up to 70 flow drill screws, fastening can be done fast since there are no interruptions. The HLX 70 can be added to a new system, or even retrofit to your current K-Flow tool to provide a fast feeding process with short cycle times. Fewer tools are required when using the HLX 70, therefore reducing your overall investment cost. Adding a hoseless supply allows flexible robot movement and reduces air consumption. 

Tool specifications  
Feed type: Sword fastener
Capacity feeder: 6000 fasteners
Capacity loading rail: 72 fasteners
Full loading time (on + off docking):  15.2 sec
Joining tool including magazine  
Joining tool: Straight piercing
Weight: 49.4 kg / 110 lbs
Capacity magazine Up to 70 fasteners

Feeding unit

The feeding unit is essential for an uninterrupted operation of the K-Flow system. The feeder sorts and separates the loose fasteners and supplies it as requested to the joining tool. Because the joining elements are supplied head first, there is low risk of damage to the fastener. The system with integrated container is easy to maintain.
Feeder specifications  
Feeding type:  sword feeder
Max. feeding speed:  35 per minute
Capacity:  6.000 fasteners
Air supply:  6 bar

K-Flow system control

The K-Flow system controller controls the joining tool and the feeding unit. Our software makes it easy to program, monitor, analyze and document the flow drill fastening processes. Special wizards assist the operator in handling complex applications, and an integrated backup system saves your data. The solution is easy to integrate into the customer network and can be operated via the integrated touch panel, a mobile notebook or tablet, or a stationary plant PC. Process parameters can be easily imported from Excel. Depending on the individual fastener and part geometries, more than 500 different fastening programs can be created.
Controller specifications  
Connection:  400 – 500 V AC (3Ph/PE)
Electrical fuse protection:  16 A
Top cabinet for KUKA robot control available  
Mounting frame available  
Integrated soft SPS for feeding unit  
Video showing a flow drill fastening operation
See our flow drill fastening application solutions
Learn more about our Henrob self-pierce riveting solutions for your multi-material joining applications
 
Learn more about our Henrob self-pierce riveting solutions for your multi-material joining applications
Learn more about our Henrob self-pierce riveting solutions for your multi-material joining applications
Optimize your EV battery production with flow drill fastening
Picture demonstrating a flow drill fastening application
Optimize your EV battery production with flow drill fastening
Flow drill screwing provides a reliable mechanical connection that requires no surface preparation. The metallic components are in a conductive connection and form a Faraday cage that prevents electromagnetic interference.
 
Flow drill screwing provides a reliable mechanical connection that requires no surface preparation. The metallic components are in a conductive connection and form a Faraday cage that prevents electromagnetic interference.
Flow drill screwing provides a reliable mechanical connection that requires no surface preparation. The metallic components are in a conductive connection and form a Faraday cage that prevents electromagnetic interference.
Discover our service offering
Service for joining systems
Discover our service offering
Learn more about our smart services for Atlas Copco joining solutions.
 
Learn more about our smart services for Atlas Copco joining solutions.
Learn more about our smart services for Atlas Copco joining solutions.
Innovate with us
Henrob self-pierce riveting application engineering
Innovate with us
We offer comprehensive innovation and development support.
 
We offer comprehensive innovation and development support.
We offer comprehensive innovation and development support.

Additional joining solutions systems from Atlas Copco:

Self-pierce riveting
Self-pierce riveting
 
Industrial dispensing
Industrial dispensing
 
Scheugenpflug adhesive bonding, dispensing and potting
Scheugenpflug adhesive bonding, dispensing and potting
Link to potting and dispensing by Scheugenpflug, Part of the Atlas Copco Group
 
Link to potting and dispensing by Scheugenpflug, Part of the Atlas Copco Group
Contact our experts
Contact our experts
 

K-Flow Flow drill fastening systems

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