Rivets: An Important Fastening Technology With Diverse Applications(laser cut aluminum Queena)
- Time:
- Click:15
- source:CLAREY CNC Machining
What Are Rivets?
A rivet is a mechanical fastener that consists of two main parts - a smooth cylindrical shaft and a head. The shaft is inserted through holes in the materials being joined, and the head is mushroomed out or bucked against the material to form a second head. This creates permanent mechanical fastening. The materials are held together by the clamping force generated between the two heads.
Rivets come in a variety of styles, materials, and sizes, but the basic working principle remains the same. Some common types include blind rivets, tubular rivets, split rivets, and drive rivets. Materials used include aluminum, steel, copper, titanium, and monel.
Key Uses and Applications
Aircraft and Aerospace
One of the most common applications for rivets is in aircraft and aerospace. Rivets are used extensively in the manufacture of airframes to assemble thin sheets of aluminum. The integrity and reliability of rivets are critical, as these fasteners must withstand vibration, fatigue, and extreme stresses during flight.
Rivets are favored in aircraft assembly for several reasons. The flush exterior head profile reduces drag. Installation only requires access from one side of the joint, unlike bolts. Riveted joints also handle stresses better than threaded fasteners.
Construction and Infrastructure
In construction and infrastructure projects, rivets join together structural steel components. Steel beams, girders, trusses, and columns built with rivets give structures the strength and durability to last decades. For example, prominent suspension bridges like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco used thousands of steel rivets in their construction.
Rivets create strong, permanent connections between structural members. The riveting process work-hardens the metal for added strength. Riveted connections can better withstand shearing and dynamic loads compared to other fastening methods. This makes rivets well-suited for critical structural applications.
Industrial Machinery
Heavy machinery used in industries like mining, oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing relies on rivets at key joints. The rugged construction of rivets allows them to withstand tremendous shock, vibration, and torque in harsh industrial environments. Manufacturers turn to rivets for gearboxes, couplings, machine frames, attachments, and other components that handle high mechanical stresses.
Rivets offer reliable performance for machinery maintenance and repair as well. Machinists often use rivets when rebuilding worn machine parts since riveting can be done in the field quickly.
Appliances and Electronics
Many home appliances, electronics, and consumer products contain rivets, though they are usually hidden from view. Manufacturers use rivets in the inner framework of refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and other appliances. Small electronics like clocks, scales, and power tools also integrate rivets into their casing and inner assembly.
The main advantages of rivets in these applications are ease of automated assembly and quality control. Riveting machines can rapidly insert rivets to hold together precise components. Automation lowers manufacturing costs. Rivets also produce clean interior finishes without messy threads or welding marks.
Everyday and Outdoor Gear
Rivets lend durability and improve construction in all sorts of everyday items and outdoor gear. Jeans makers strengthen stress points like pockets with rivets to prevent tearing. Backpacks, luggage, and tactical gear utilize rows of rivets instead of stitching for superior strength. Rivets assemble camping tools, fishing rods, bikes, musical instruments, furniture, cookware, and more.
Consumers recognize rivets as visual indicators of quality construction. Rivets also personalize items through customization. Jeans wearers can artfully scratch and distress rivets for a worn look. Makers creatively use different rivet styles and materials like copper to add unique accents.
Benefits of Rivets
There are several inherent benefits that make rivets a trusted fastening method spanning many decades and industries:
- Riveting is relatively simple, requiring basic equipment and skills. The process is highly repeatable.
- Installation is easy - only access to one side is needed.
- Rivets form permanent joints that rarely come loose, unlike screws or bolts.
- Riveted connections can withstand vibration, shock, and fatigue loads better than other fastening techniques.
- Rivets distribute stress evenly over the length of the shaft for strength.
- Flush exterior heads reduce aerodynamic drag. Interior heads don't require threading or welds.
- Riveting work-hardens and strengthens metal materials.
- Rivets are inexpensive compared to welding or proprietary fasteners.
- Automated riveting facilitates mass production and quality control.
The popularity of rivets spans over a century for good reason - this simple fastening technology offers versatility, strength, and reliability in all types of applications. Rivets will continue playing a key role in manufactured products and structures for decades to come. While hidden from view, these unsung mechanical fasteners are worth understanding for their importance holding the world together. CNC Milling