Uses for Rivets in Manufacturing and Construction(delrin Gemma)
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- source:CLAREY CNC Machining
Rivets have been used since ancient times to assemble armor, bridges, ships, railroads, aircraft, and thousands of other products and structures. Today, rivets continue to be a preferred fastening method in many industries due to their strength, durability, and reliability.
Here are some of the main uses and applications for rivets:
Aircraft and Aerospace
Rivets are extensively used in the assembly of aircraft frames and skins. Aluminum and titanium rivets are preferred for their high strength-to-weight ratio. Rivets maintain integrity under vibration and provide smooth exterior surfaces for reduced drag. Interlocking rows of rivets also allow for fail-safety if any rivets are lost during flight. Critical aircraft parts like control surfaces, engine mounts, wings, and landing gear rely on rivets.
Spacecraft including satellites, space capsules, space stations and shuttles all make use of rivets and special high-strength exotic metal rivets. Rivets assembled these structures must withstand severe temperature extremes, vibration, g-forces, and the vacuum of space.
Automotive Manufacturing
Rivets are commonly used in automotive manufacturing to assemble auto bodies, frames, doors, hoods, trunk lids, bumpers and wheels. Steel rivets provide the ideal combination of strength, economy, and ease of automation. Self-piercing rivets (SPRs) are special rivets that pierce sheet metal and form a head in one operation, enabling faster assembly. Racecars may use exotic rivets made from magnesium or titanium alloys.
Appliances
The outer shells of appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers and ovens are commonly held together with steel rivets. The interiors may also contain riveted assemblies. Rivets allow the sheet metal enclosures to be rigid, impact resistant and waterproof. If service is needed, the rivets can be drilled out and replaced.
Electronics
Miniature rivets help assemble delicate electronics like cell phones, computers, medical devices, and instruments. Tiny specialty rivets are used to install small, fragile parts. Heat resistant rivets are ideal for joining internal electronic components. The rivets also act as anchors to mount circuit boards. Electronics must withstand shock, vibration, and moisture - rivets help achieve this durability.
Shipbuilding
Steel and aluminum rivets are the preferred assembly fastener in shipbuilding. Hulls, bulkheads, and weather-tight compartments benefit from the clamping force of rivets. Standard and custom length rivets are used to accommodate various plate thicknesses. Pneumatic rivet tools allow for rapid installation of thousands of rivets during assembly. Marine rivets withstand corrosion from saltwater as well as forces from storms, waves, and daily use.
Railway and Subway Cars
Rivets assemble the exterior panels and interior framework of rolling stock. High shear and tensile rivets withstand jolts, vibrations, and impact damage. Large sections are joined together with rows of rivets. The rivets also act as sound deadeners by damping noise and vibrations. Riveting machines allow longitudinal seams to be assembled quickly during manufacture. Rivets outperform welding methods which can potentially weaken metal.
Bridges
Steel rivets are used to assemble trusses, spans, supports, and additional bridge components. Riveting forms very strong joints needed to handle live loads and dead loads. Riveted connections also accommodate some movement which is needed in a dynamic structure like a bridge. Rivets are placed in interleaving rows to distribute forces. Bridges must withstand forces from wind, earthquakes, traffic, and temperature changes. Properly installed rivets can last for decades.
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines operate under enormous stresses from constant vibrations, strong winds, and weather extremes. Rivets are ideal for assembling the durable outer shell and interior components. Various rivet materials and coatings resist corrosion and prevent loosening. Maintenance crews can remove and replace damaged rivets as needed. Rivets provide reliable performance for 20 or more years under harsh conditions.
Pressure Vessels
Pressure vessels contain high pressure fluids and gases up to thousands of psi. The cylinder heads, shells, end caps, liners, nozzles, and fittings are joined together using high strength rivets. Exotic metal rivets may be used depending on the contents. Rows of rivets evenly distribute the loads. Rivets maintain integrity even during pressure fluctuations.
Pipelines
Underground pipelines are assembled using coated steel rivets to prevent corrosion. Above ground sections use weather-resistant rivets. Entire sections of pipe are joined end-to-end with circumferential rows of rivets. Pipelines must perform reliably for decades while buried underground. Rivets form secure, gas and water-tight joints at each connection.
Construction and Architecture
Steel rivets assemble structural frames, cranes, bridges, and non-building structures. Rivets provide the longevity and strength needed in critical joints. The Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and other landmarks used millions of rivets during construction. Rivets allow on-site assembly and incremental construction not possible with other fasteners. Rivets outperform welding in many connections.
Sculptures and Art
Artists use rivets as an aesthetic design element and joining method. The large heads act as eye-catching decorative texture. Rivets assembled the iconic “Chicago Picasso” statue. Rivets also join thick metal sheets and unconventional materials in abstract sculptures. In addition to visual appeal, rivets provide robust mechanical properties so the art can withstand outdoor conditions.
Underground Tunnels
Underground tunnels for transportation, water, utilities, and other infrastructure rely on rivets. The thick steel rings used to line tunnels are assembled with rows of rivets. Rivets form reliable connections between rings even under uneven earth pressures and ground shifts. Riveted seams maintain waterproofing and prevent leaks into tunnels. Mine tunnel supports anchored into bedrock also depend on heavy rivets.
Joining Dissimilar Metals
Rivets provide a reliable method for joining dissimilar metals like steel and aluminum in everything from DIY projects to industrial applications. The mechanical bond withstands vibration, shock, and thermal expansion. Dissimilar metals are prone to galvanic corrosion - rivets help isolate the materials while maintaining structural integrity.
Repair and Maintenance
Rivets allow damaged or worn products to be repaired and maintained after manufacture. Loose or damaged rivets in equipment or structures can be replaced to extend service life. This maintainability is not possible with welds or adhesives. Machined surfaces and components can also be overhauled and re-riveted.
In summary, rivets serve an indispensable role in manufacturing and construction thanks to their versatility, strength, and reliability. From aircraft to appliances, electronics to engines, rivets are a preferred fastening method when performance and safety are critical. Continued innovation in rivet technology and automated installation ensures they will remain a mainstay in fabrication for decades to come. CNC Milling