Quality Rivets: The Key to Strong and Precise CNC Manufacturing(machined prototypes Andrew)
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When shopping for rivets for a CNC application, you'll want to look for rivets made of strong, hardy metals that can withstand high stress and heat levels. Steel, aluminum, copper, and titanium alloy rivets are common options. The rivets should be precisely manufactured to tight dimensional tolerances and have consistent flaring properties so they clinch properly and deliver uniform results.
Dimension Consistency for Automated Insertion
One of the major benefits of using a CNC machine is automation and consistency, so your rivets need to have a high degree of dimensional accuracy. Most CNC equipment is programmed to insert rivets of an exact diameter and length into pre-drilled holes. Any deviation from the expected size can cause problems with the automated riveting process.
Seeking out rivets with tight diameter tolerances of +/- 0.002 inches and length tolerances of +/- 0.010 inches or better can help prevent insertion issues. Double checking the dimensions of your rivets with calipers during quality control checks is recommended to catch any out-of-spec fasteners before they reach your CNC machine.
Optimized Head Design for Strength
The head shape and material used for rivets can affect the clinching properties and how securely the rivet will fasten layers together. For CNC machinery, look for rivets with heads optimized for gripping strength, durability, and resistance to loosening.
Dome head and countersunk head rivets tend to offer the best grip for CNC applications. The dome shape provides maximal surface area contact for a strong clinch. Countersunk heads nest flush into pre-drilled recessed holes to form a tight connection.
Using rivets with heads made of ductile metals like aluminum or copper can further boost grip strength. The malleable metal flows better during flaring for a tighter clinch. The softer material also acts as a cushion to absorb vibrations that could eventually work a rivet loose.
Consistent Flaring Properties
While the head design supports the strength of the clinched rivet, it's actually the flaring of the tail that secures the connection. Uniform flaring is crucial for achieving consistent results on a CNC machine.
Look for rivets guaranteed to meet minimum flaring percentage requirements - often 30% of the original shank diameter. The flaring should also be symmetric and even to deliver a balanced, reliable clinch every time.
Rivets with these characteristics ensure every inserted fastener will flare precisely to specification during automated CNC production. You avoid dealing with any dud rivets that don't flare enough or uneven flaring that leads to weakened areas in the bond.
High Shear and Tensile Strength
With CNC equipment churning out products at high speeds, rivets must have sufficient shear and tensile strength for robust connections.
Shear strength comes into play when forces act perpendicular to the axis of the rivet, while tensile strength handles forces acting parallel to the axis. Both help keep layers firmly anchored together.
On metal rivets, you can expect shear strength around 60-65% of the shank's tensile strength. Choosing rivets fabricated from steel, titanium, or other high strength metals can maximize these properties. Heat treating and other material enhancements also boost shear and tensile abilities.
Make sure the rivet's shear and tensile ratings significantly exceed the expected load levels in your CNC application as a margin of safety. This prevents overstressing and deformation when under pressure.
Heat Resistance
CNC machining can generate a lot of localized heat as the cutting tools and bits grind away material. The swirling chips and friction create high temperatures. Your rivets need thermal fortification to avoid becoming deformed or damaged when inserted into hot assembly holes.
Steel rivets heat treated for enhanced hardness have good heat resistance up to 700°F. Stainless steel rivets can handle even higher temperatures upwards of 1600°F before softening occurs.
For very hot CNC applications, look for specialty aluminum, nickel, or titanium rivets designed for high temperature uses up to 600-1000°F.
The right materials and heat treating processes can provide the thermal stability needed for rivets to maintain clinching integrity when CNC riveting in hot environments.
Precision Manufacturing
To achieve all the above characteristics that are so critical for CNC machines, rivets must be precision manufactured to exacting standards.
Trustworthy rivet suppliers will have extensive quality control checks in place to verify consistency. This includes dimensional evaluation, material composition testing, flaring tests, metallography, and more. The production processes should follow strict ISO 9001 or AS9100 compliance standards as well.
Buying rivets from a manufacturer with a focus on precision and consistency is the best way to get quality rivets optimized for your CNC equipment. You know every rivet will have the right dimensions, material properties, flaring ability, and strength needed for automated performance.
Key Takeaways
Installing high quality rivets on a CNC machine helps ensure precision, consistency, and maximum joint integrity for your manufactured products. Seek out rivets that offer:
- Tight dimensional tolerances for reliable automated insertion
- Optimized dome or countersunk head designs to maximize grip
- Guaranteed consistent flaring during clinching
- High shear and tensile strength to withstand forces
- Materials and treatments for heat resistance
- Precision manufacturing for uniformity
With quality rivets designed for automation, you can have confidence your CNC machined products will hold up to rigorous demands. Investing in optimized rivets Saves time and costs compared to dealing with rivet issues during production runs. Get in touch with a quality rivet supplier to source the right fasteners for your CNC application needs. CNC Milling CNC Machining