We manufacture many parts in engineering industries, from small mechanisms to larger assemblies. Usually, intricate components or assemblies are a combination of various small parts. They are join with each other to complete the main component or assembly. A rivet is a mechanical fastener or connector used in assemblies and components.
It is like a smooth cylindrical shaft consisting of a head at one end, and a stem at the other called a tail. Rivets are capable of holding shear loads and extreme pressure. So, they are ideal for applications of permanent assembly. We are using rivets as a cost-effective, reliable and durable method for fastening. You can find best rivets related components by visiting https://www.prime99.com/ .
We can use rivets in a vast number of engineering and industrial applications. They are capable of performing both light and heavy workloads. So, they can join components of small assemblies to large plane structures. Different types of rivets are available for various engineering applications. We can use them to meet the required design, strength and desired standards.
Rivets are usually made of stainless steel, copper and other engineering materials. We can manufacture rivets on CNC machines to increase their efficiency and versatility. We will discuss about rivets, their types, and their use in various industries.
Working Principle of a Rivet:
Riveting is a forging process to join parts together by way of a metal part called a rivet. Rivets are an essential part of making structural components and various assemblies. A rivet works by a plane unthreaded shaft generally inserted or punched into a hole to join two or more parts. On installation, we punch them into a hole that is 1.5mm more than the rivet’s shaft diameter. In this way, we can get a better grip and security of the fastener. After the rivet placement, the tail deforms and comes out of the other end. A permanent formed head at each end prevents the rivet from removal from the hole.
The rivet works like a nut and bolt but is a better substitute in various ways. In case of amendment the nuts and bolts are easier to remove by unscrewing them from components. In contrary, rivets are usually damaged or broken when removed for disassembly or reassembly.
So, they are generally designed for permanent joints and to fix assemblies. In the same way, rivets are more beneficial than usual bolts as they can bear extreme pressures. Moreover, rivets can also bear the vibrations. This way, they ensure the security of joints with short clamp lengths.
Types of Rivets and their applications in industries
We can use various types of rivets in industries according to the design of the components or assemblies. Companies providing CNC milling machining services often use rivets for many purposes. Some common types of rivets, according to their uses, are as follows:
Solid Rivets:
It is the most common and the oldest reliable fastening method used in industrial purposes over the years. A solid rivet consists of a solid shaft with a head at one end. On inserting this shaft into the hole with a hammer or a rivet gun, the headless end of the rivet deformed. In this way we place the required rivet. Its the most helpful method and used in almost all industries where riveting is necessary.
Blind Rivets:
The blind rivets are cylindrical fasteners with a mandrel through their centre. We call them as blind rivets because, unlike solid rivets, we can install them from one side and make it blind to the other side. They are also called pop rivets. They are ideal for components where access to the joint is limit to only one side. It is swift and easier to apply blind rivets. They are widely used in many aerospace, engineering, and electronics applications.
Drive Rivets:
Drive rivets are a type of those blind rivets in which short mandrel projects from the head and punches into the hole to flare. Its usually inserted with the help of a hammer. Usually, the drive rivets’ clamping force is less than other rivets.
Split Rivets:
These are also called home repair rivets, ideal for penetrating softer materials like wood, plastic, leather and fibre. They have sawed or split bodies with sharp ends to make holes through these materials. They join more delicate materials and are not used in critical and intricate applications. Some other types of rivets are as follows:
- Flush Rivets
- Self-Piercing Rivets
- Oscar Rivets
- Friction-lock Rivets
- Semi Tubular Rivets
- Structural Steel Rivets
- Threaded Rivets
Materials used for manufacturing Rivets
We use various types of materials for manufacturing the rivets according to their use and required engineering. Some common materials are the following:
Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel material possesses properties of hardness, resistivity and rigidity. So, rivets made from stainless steel are significantly hard, solid and resistant to corrosion and wear. Stainless steel rivets are usually used in plane, automotive and locomotive industries.
Aluminium:
Aluminium is another common metal well-known for its use in manufacturing rivets and fasteners. It is lighter than steel and stainless steel yet owns corrosion resistivity and durability properties. We can use these rivets in automotive and plane industries due to their increased malleability. They are also helpful in other engineering applications like air conditioning systems.
Copper:
Copper is a ductile and flexible material and also possesses a decorative appeal. It is also a great conductor of heat and electricity. Rivets made from copper are broadly used in electrical and water-related applications.
Brass:
Brass is a soft, flexible material with low friction yet high strength. Due to its properties, it resists tarnish and does not create sparks. So, rivets manufactured through brass are appropriate for gas appliances.
Plastic:
The rivets made from plastic are helpful to join non-plastic soft components. These soft components include rubber, urethane and other similar materials. Due to their low weight and softness, we can use plastic rivets in;
- Consumer appliances
- Furniture
- And electronics.
