Uses for Rivets in Manufacturing and Construction(threaded hole Beau)
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- source:CLAREY CNC Machining
What are Rivets?
A rivet is a permanent mechanical fastener that consists of two main parts - a smooth cylindrical shaft and a head. The shaft is inserted into a hole through the materials being joined. The rivet is then deformed on the opposite side, forming a second head and clamping the materials together. The deformation process is called riveting.
Rivets come in a variety of styles, materials, and head shapes to accommodate different applications and installation methods. Some common types include:
- Solid rivets - made entirely from one material like steel, aluminum, copper, or monel.
- Blind rivets - rivets that can be installed from one side without access to the opposite side. The mandrel stem is pulled to deform the rivet.
- Pop rivets - pre-assembled blind rivets that are quick and easy to install.
- Drive rivets - solid rivets designed to be hammered into shape rather than compressed.
- Structural rivets - large rivets used in demanding structural applications.
- Tubular rivets - hollow and lightweight while still strong.
- Self-piercing rivets - pierced directly into materials without pre-drilled holes.
- Countersunk rivets - with a flat circular head that sits flush with the surface.
Benefits of Rivets
There are several key advantages that explain why rivets continue to be used after all this time:
- Strong and Reliable - Properly installed rivets form a solid permanent joint. The process work-hardens the rivet material for added strength.
- Vibration Resistant - Rivet heads mechanically grip materials, preventing looseness from vibration or shock.
- Quick Installation - Most rivets can be quickly installed using only simple tools like hammers, squeezers, and rivet guns.
- Economy - Rivets are inexpensive compared to many other permanent fasteners. Large quantities can be installed at very low cost.
- Weight Savings - Rivets require no extraneous hardware like nuts or bolts. High-strength rivets allow lighter materials to be joined.
- Corrosion Resistance - Choosing rivets made from materials like aluminum or stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance.
- Versatility - With all the different rivet types and alloys available, there is a rivet suitable for nearly any application.
Uses of Rivets in Manufacturing
Rivets are commonly used in many manufacturing and fabrication processes. Here are some of the most common:
- Sheet Metal Fabrication - Rivets are ideal for permanently joining sheets of metal in HVAC ducts, electronic enclosures, control boxes, and more.
- Machinery Assembly - Rivets provide strong rugged connections between metal machinery components that must withstand vibration.
- Appliance Manufacturing - The bodies and casings of appliances like ovens, washers, and refrigerators are often joined with rivets.
- Automotive Assembly - Self-piercing rivets are extensively used in automotive manufacturing for body panels and other components.
- Aerospace - Aircraft assemblies use thousands of specialty rivets to meet exacting strength standards.
- Electronics - Small delicate Electronics components are joined with precision micro rivets.
- Tool Manufacturing - The handles and casings of hand tools across all trades frequently employ rivets.
- Furniture - Metal chairs, tables, and cabinets often utilize rivets in frame joints and supports.
- Sign Making - The backsides of metal sign faces commonly mount to their frameworks with blind rivets.
Rivets in Construction, Repair, and Maintenance
In construction projects both large and small, rivets provide an adaptable fastening solution:
- HVAC Ducting - Sheet metal ducting for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning commonly connects via rivets.
- Gutters and Downspouts - Seam rivets cinch together rain gutter sections while blind rivets affix downspouts.
- Plumbing - Rivets securely join drain pipes, water lines, sewer vents, and more while resisting vibration and leaks.
- Railings, Ladders, and Safety Cages - Rivets provide trusted connections on critical safety structures where joint failure cannot be tolerated.
- Structural Steel Construction - Massive rivets help form critical load-bearing connections in steel buildings, bridges, and towers.
- Subway and Train Cars - Riveting withstands the constant rattling and vibration inherent in railroad car construction.
- Shipbuilding - Marine rivets withstand corrosion from saltwater while providing watertight connections on ships and boats.
- Elevator Fabrication - Precision rivets join elevator cab structures that must remain square and aligned over decades of use.
- Window Frame and Door Installation - Strong aluminum rivets permanently fasten windows and doors into their openings.
- Grain Silos, Water Towers, and Storage Tanks - Rivets form reliable seams and joints on large cylindrical storage structures.
- Building and Tower Exterior Skins - Rivets secure alloy architectural skin panels to steel and concrete structures.
Rivets continue to be a ubiquitous fastening technology thanks to their simplicity, economy, and reliability. As one of humanity’s earliest joining methods, this venerable mechanical fastener remains integral to manufacturing and construction. CNC Milling