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
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 |
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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) |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Connection: |
400 – 500 V AC (3Ph/PE) |
Electrical fuse protection: |
16 A |
Top cabinet for KUKA robot control available |
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Mounting frame available |
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Integrated soft SPS for feeding unit |
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Additional joining solutions systems from Atlas Copco:
K-Flow Flow drill fastening systems