Deprag's New Adaptive Direct Fastening System is a revolution automatic flow form screwdriving. 

The use of flow form screws into two non-drilled sheets requires high down force and high speed to heat and form the hole.  It is a complex assembly because to achieve optimal cycle times and proper funnel and thread forming, the down force and feed speed needs adjusted during the various stages of the screw assembly so that the funnel and thread forming can be done reliably. 

Traditional systems required numerous pre-tests to determine the timing of the piercing point.  Switching parameters too early leads to improper funnel formation and longer assembly times, too late can lead to thread damage.

Deprag's Adaptive DFS is able to sense the exact piercing point as well as other key stages in the screw assembly and switches parameters accordingly assuring:

• automatic adaptation to variances in the screw and part
• the highest process reliability
• shortest possible cycle times
• optimised funnel forming
• reduced set up times
• a more flexible system
• minimise  damaged threads

Other features of the Adaptive Direct Fastening System are:

• Active nosepiece jaws that hold the screw firmly until drilling has started
• Adjustable down holder force
• High down pressure applied directly in line with the screw
• Head first screw feeding to minimise damage to the screw’s tip
• Fast interchange of the mouthpiece for minimal downtime
• Lock stroke for underfloor applications

Max Speed: 8000rpm, freely programmable

Max torque:  15Nm, freely programmable

Feed stroke:  upto 3000N, freely programmable force and distance

Max Downholder force:  1200N, freely adjustable

Weight: 35kg

Assembly at any angle or upside down.

Maintenance friendly

Complete with industrial PC to set parameters, control the screwdriving and to analyse trends

Innovative Sheet Metal Fasteners

Flow Drill Screws, Flow Form Screws

FDS® screws from EJOT and FFS® screws from Arnold have been around for a while.  They offer the benefits of a secure and strong joint from one side between two sheet metals.  A big advantage is that they can join dissimilar materials like aluminium, steel and plastics where spot welding is not possible (they are finding more and more applications in the automotive industry where aluminium and other materials need to be joined).  They also allow the use of thinner sheets without the use of additional hardware to strengthen the joints (this is making them more popular in the whitegoods industries).

The screws form a hole by high pressure and the speed of the screw, the heated material is then threaded and cools around the screw.  The joint is strong, and the unscrewing torque is high.  The thread formed is upto 3 times thicker than the sheet metal.

1. Heating the metal with high end load and high speed screwdriver
2. Penetrating the material
3. Forming of the hole
4. Forming of the screw thread
5. Engagement of the threads
6. Final tightening into the cool thread

Advantages for joining sheet metal:

• No swarf or chips
• Stronger joint, higher screw torque possible
• Higher torque means a larger torque window and less chance of stripping
• Screws can be replaced with standard metric screws
• No additional hardware required to strengthen the joint
• High unscrewing torque and vibration resistance
• Possibility of joining thinner materials
• Possibility to join Aluminium
• Can be accessed from one side
• Possibility to join sheets without pre-drilling (in automated applications)