Uses for Rivets in Manufacturing and Construction(abs mold Amos)
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- source:ESKRIDGE CNC Machining
A rivet is a mechanically fastened two-piece fastener that permanently joins materials. The rivet consists of a smooth cylindrical shaft and a factory-formed head on one end. To install the rivet, the shaft is inserted into pre-drilled holes in two (or more) layers of material to be joined. The protruding end of the shaft is then headed (deformed) to create a second head that holds the layers securely together. Once installed, the rivet provides a permanent, rigid connection.
Common Uses for Rivets
Aircraft and Aerospace Applications
Rivets have long been the predominant fastener used in aircraft construction. The material flexibility, vibration resistance, and reliability of riveted joints make them ideal for airframe structures and skins. Aircraft grades of aluminum and titanium alloys are readily riveted. Rivets allow for repairs and reinforcement of airframes in service. Structurally critical locations often use solid rivets, while non-critical areas employ semi-tubular or blind rivets for ease of installation.
Machinery Manufacturing
Rivets are ubiquitous in heavy machinery manufacturing. They assemble and attach guards, handles, panels, steps, and other components where welded construction is impractical. The installation of rivets is relatively easy and does not require highly specialized skills or equipment on a shop floor. Riveting also avoids concentrated heat input that can lead to warping or distortion in large machine assemblies. Vibration resistance is a key advantage over screw fasteners in high cycle machinery.
Automotive Uses
While welding dominates mainstream auto body construction, rivets still play an important role. They provide reliable fastening in high stress locations and multi-material assemblies. For example, seat belt retractors, buckles, and mounting brackets are often riveted for strength and safety. Interior components like trim panels, assists handles, and console boxes also employ riveting. Rivets allow for faster assembly, repositioning, and serviceability versus welds.
Building and Bridge Construction
Structural steel construction makes wide use of rivets. While often considered “old fashioned”, hot driven rivets provide robust load transfer in beams, columns, trusses, and connections. Bridges, transmission towers, industrial structures, and buildings have relied on rivets for over a century. The reliability, vibration resistance, and ease of inspection are advantages. While high strength bolting has displaced rivets in much structural work, rivets remain approved for critical public infrastructure in many jurisdictions.
Shipbuilding
The production and repair of ships, boats, and marine structures entails extensive riveting. The assembly of hull plates, frames, bulkheads, and decking often use pneumatically driven rivets. Rivets reliably seal lap joints against water leakage. They also allow for shock and vibration absorption in vessel structures subjected to wave action and propulsion system forces. Below the waterline, rivets are favored over adhesive bonding which can degrade underwater.
Other Niche Applications
Beyond these major uses, rivets serve countless roles in diverse products. Musical instruments, storage containers, furniture, playground equipment, and electronics rely on riveting for production and repair. Rivets assemble heating and ventilation ductwork. Scaffolding, ladders, railings, and safety equipment depend on rivets for structural integrity. Even apparel like jeans and leather goods use rivet embellishment. In short, any application requiring permanent mechanical fastening is a candidate for rivets.
Advantages of Rivets Versus Alternative Fasteners
- Riveting only requires access to one side of a joint for installation. Bolting requires access to both sides.
- Riveted joints have vibration dampening ability. Rigid fasteners like screws can loosen over time.
- Rivets distribute loads over wider areas versus concentrated loads from bolts. This reduces risk of tear-out or damage to softer materials.
- Rivet installation is relatively quick, easy, and requires no special tools other than a hammer or rivet gun. Minimal training or skill is required.
- The blind head of installed rivets is visually evident, allowing for inspection of proper setting. Failed or loose rivets can be readily identified.
- Rivets are ideal for multi-material combinations like steel-plastic and aluminum-glass fiber that may be incompatible for welding, bonding, or other fastening.
- Riveted panels can be removed for repair or reconfiguration by drilling out the rivets. Permanent welds or adhesives would make disassembly and changes difficult or impossible.
- Environmental conditions like vibration, shock, temperature extremes, and moisture have minimal effect on properly set rivets. Many other fastening methods degrade under such conditions.
- Robotic riveting technology allows for automated high volume production. Rivet placement and installation is easily adapted to numerical control.
In summary, rivets offer unique advantages in terms of flexibility, repair-ability, inspection, vibration resistance, and ease of installation. For assembling permanent, reliable mechanical joints, rivets remain a tried and tested choice across countless industrial and commercial applications. Continued innovation in rivet materials and installation processes ensure they maintain a vital role as a mature yet agile fastening technology. CNC Milling CNC Machining