Rivets: A Versatile and Useful Fastener(wall thickness 3d printing Sebastian)

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Rivets are a common mechanical fastener used in many industries and applications. While they may seem simple, rivets are incredibly versatile and serve many important functions. In this article, we'll explore the various uses and benefits of rivets.
What is a Rivet?
A rivet is a mechanical fastener that consists of two main parts - a cylindrical shaft and a head. The shaft is inserted into holes in the materials being joined. The head is then mashed against the material using a riveting hammer or riveting machine, forming another head and clamping the materials together. The rivet relies on mechanical deformation for its strength.
Benefits of Rivets
Rivets offer numerous advantages that make them a popular choice for many fastening situations:
- Permanent - Unlike screws or bolts, rivets form a permanent connection that won't come loose over time. This makes them ideal for critical applications.
- Strong - The mashing/deformation process work-hardens the rivet, creating a very strong fastener. Rivets are exceptionally reliable even under vibrations and heavy loads.
- Streamlined - Rivet heads have a smooth, streamlined profile that reduces drag and turbulence. This makes them ideal for aircraft and marine applications.
- Lightweight - Rivets add very little weight but provide substantial fastening strength. This is crucial in weight-sensitive applications like aircraft.
- Cost Effective - Rivets are inexpensive to produce while providing reliable fastening strength. This makes them cost-effective for mass production.
- Versatile - Rivets come in a wide variety of head shapes, diameters, and materials to accommodate many application requirements.
Common Uses of Rivets
Thanks to their combination of strength, reliability, and versatility, rivets are used in a diverse array of applications across many industries:
Aircraft and Aerospace
Rivets are the most common fastener used in aircraft construction. Aluminum and titanium rivets are used throughout airframes to assemble skins, ribs, spars and other components. Rivets provide lightweight but reliable strength to hold aircraft structures together under immense stresses.
Transportation Equipment
Beyond aircraft, rivets are ubiquitous in the manufacture of trucks, trailers, railcars, ships, and other transportation equipment where strength and vibration resistance are paramount. Rivets assemble chassis, bodies, containers, decks, and interior components.
Construction and Infrastructure
Steel rivets provide permanent fastening for the assembly of steel bridges, transmission towers, cranes, railway tracks, and more. Their high clamping strength is also useful for securing pipes, electrical conduits, HVAC components, and ductwork.
Appliances and Electronics
The manufacture of appliances, computers, electronics, and other equipment relies on rivets for low-cost but reliable permanent fastening of casings, brackets, assemblies, and parts like fans and motors.
Packaging
Aluminum and steel rivets play a key role in the production of rigid metal packaging like barrels, drums, cans, crates, and boxes used for commercial goods and food products. Rivets create durable seams while allowing for streamlined shapes.
Basic Types of Rivets
There are several basic varieties of rivets available to suit different applications:
- Solid/Drive Rivets - The most common type, these have a single solid shaft that is riveted into place. They come in round, flat, countersunk, and specialty head configurations.
- Blind Rivets - These have hollow shafts that are inserted through a hole. A mandrel is then pulled to expand the rivet, forming the second head. Used where only one side is accessible.
- Split Rivets - These look like a solid rivet but have a split shaft. The riveting process causes the shaft to splay outward, clamping materials without hammering. Quick to install.
- Structural Rivets - Extra large and strong rivets used for critical structural joints. Typically found in bridge, crane, and shipbuilding applications.
- Semi-Tubular Rivets - Have a partially hollow shaft to provide extra grip length when clinching materials. The head is solid.
- Self-Piercing Rivets - Used to join sheet materials without pre-drilled holes. The rivet pierces and spreads out materials when driven.
Key Riveting Techniques
There are several techniques used to install rivets:
- Hand Riveting - The traditional method using a bucking bar and rivet hammer. Requires access to both sides of a joint.
- Pneumatic Riveting - Uses compressed air tools to drive both the rivet set and bucking bar for faster installation.
- Hydraulic Riveting - A hydraulic ram hammers the rivet set while a bucking bar reacts on the opposite side. Enables high force.
- Impact Riveting - Battery-powered rivet guns hammer rivets in seconds without bucking bars. Limited to blind or self-piercing rivets.
- Robotic Riveting - Programmable robots are ideal for mass production, providing fast, precise, consistent rivet installation 24/7.
While basic in concept, rivets deliver performance that continues to make them indispensable across countless engineering disciplines. Their simplicity, strength, and versatility ensure rivets will have a place in manufacturing and product design for years to come. With the right rivets and techniques, robust fastening solutions can be achieved. CNC Milling CNC Machining