High Quality Rivets for Precision CNC Machining(castng Eden)
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Rivets are a crucial component in many manufacturing and engineering applications. As products continue to require higher precision and tighter tolerances, having quality rivets is more important than ever for CNC machining. This article will explore what makes a good rivet for CNC applications and provide recommendations on selecting the best rivets to meet your machining needs.
What is a Rivet?
A rivet is a mechanical fastener that secures two or more materials by inserting its shank through a hole and forming a head on the other side. The rivet shank expands when the head is formed, creating tight clamping force to hold the materials together. Rivets come in a wide range of styles, sizes and materials for different applications.
Blind rivets are a popular type for CNC machining. They can be installed from one side without access to the back of the material. Blind rivets are inserted into a pre-drilled hole and a pulling tool is used to draw the mandrel into the rivet. This causes the blind side of the rivet to flare out and create a blind head that secures the materials.
Key Properties of Quality Rivets
There are several important factors that determine the quality and performance of rivets for CNC operations:
- Strength and Ductility - Rivets need sufficient tensile and shear strength to handle expected loads without failing. Ductile materials like aluminum and steel allow the rivet to deform during heading without cracking.
- Consistent Dimensions - Precisely matching rivet lengths, diameters and head dimensions is critical for precision alignment in CNC machining.
- Grip Range - The unexpanded diameter should tightly fill the hole across normal material stack ups. Custom grip lengths optimize clamping force.
- Reliable Setting - Quality rivets easily set and retain the set during CNC processing without loosening or damaging the materials.
- Corrosion Resistance - Many applications call for rivets made of stainless steel, aluminum and other non-corroding alloys.
Selecting Rivets for CNC Applications
Here are key factors to consider when selecting rivets for your CNC machining operations:
- Materials - Match rivet material to the base materials to prevent galvanic corrosion. Softer rivets than the base material will deform more easily during setting.
- Strength - Determine the shear and tensile strength needed for the application. Structural joints often require high strength rivets.
- Hole Filling - The grip range must tightly fill the drilled hole size across expected stack ups and part variations.
- Head Style - Consider flattened, universal, countersunk and other head styles for clearance or flushness.
- Drive System - Pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, manual and specialty CNC rivet setting tools are available.
- Quantity - Order rivets in bulk for economical CNC production runs and to ensure lot-to-lot consistency.
Leading Manufacturers of Quality Rivets
Reputable manufacturers known for rivets well-suited for CNC machining include:
- Arconic - Offers advanced blind fasteners and Huck brand structural rivets. Wide range of materials and head styles.
- Cherry Aerospace - Major supplier of rivets and installation tooling for aerospace and defense.
- LPKF - Specializes in miniaturized rivets and electronics joining applications.
- Emhart Teknologies - Makes Avdel, Avk, and other rivet brands for industrial, automotive, and electronics.
- PennEngineering - Renowned for self-clinching and intralok fasteners for precision equipment.
- Allfast - Catalog of over 15,000 CNC-friendly rivets for metal, plastic and composite materials.
Quality rivet selection, proper hole preparation and using the recommended set tools will help ensure CNC machined products have strong, reliable and precise riveted joints. Consult with your chosen rivet manufacturer early in the design process to select the optimal fastening solution. Investing in high performance rivets will maximize productivity in your CNC machining operations. CNC Milling
What is a Rivet?
A rivet is a mechanical fastener that secures two or more materials by inserting its shank through a hole and forming a head on the other side. The rivet shank expands when the head is formed, creating tight clamping force to hold the materials together. Rivets come in a wide range of styles, sizes and materials for different applications.
Blind rivets are a popular type for CNC machining. They can be installed from one side without access to the back of the material. Blind rivets are inserted into a pre-drilled hole and a pulling tool is used to draw the mandrel into the rivet. This causes the blind side of the rivet to flare out and create a blind head that secures the materials.
Key Properties of Quality Rivets
There are several important factors that determine the quality and performance of rivets for CNC operations:
- Strength and Ductility - Rivets need sufficient tensile and shear strength to handle expected loads without failing. Ductile materials like aluminum and steel allow the rivet to deform during heading without cracking.
- Consistent Dimensions - Precisely matching rivet lengths, diameters and head dimensions is critical for precision alignment in CNC machining.
- Grip Range - The unexpanded diameter should tightly fill the hole across normal material stack ups. Custom grip lengths optimize clamping force.
- Reliable Setting - Quality rivets easily set and retain the set during CNC processing without loosening or damaging the materials.
- Corrosion Resistance - Many applications call for rivets made of stainless steel, aluminum and other non-corroding alloys.
Selecting Rivets for CNC Applications
Here are key factors to consider when selecting rivets for your CNC machining operations:
- Materials - Match rivet material to the base materials to prevent galvanic corrosion. Softer rivets than the base material will deform more easily during setting.
- Strength - Determine the shear and tensile strength needed for the application. Structural joints often require high strength rivets.
- Hole Filling - The grip range must tightly fill the drilled hole size across expected stack ups and part variations.
- Head Style - Consider flattened, universal, countersunk and other head styles for clearance or flushness.
- Drive System - Pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, manual and specialty CNC rivet setting tools are available.
- Quantity - Order rivets in bulk for economical CNC production runs and to ensure lot-to-lot consistency.
Leading Manufacturers of Quality Rivets
Reputable manufacturers known for rivets well-suited for CNC machining include:
- Arconic - Offers advanced blind fasteners and Huck brand structural rivets. Wide range of materials and head styles.
- Cherry Aerospace - Major supplier of rivets and installation tooling for aerospace and defense.
- LPKF - Specializes in miniaturized rivets and electronics joining applications.
- Emhart Teknologies - Makes Avdel, Avk, and other rivet brands for industrial, automotive, and electronics.
- PennEngineering - Renowned for self-clinching and intralok fasteners for precision equipment.
- Allfast - Catalog of over 15,000 CNC-friendly rivets for metal, plastic and composite materials.
Quality rivet selection, proper hole preparation and using the recommended set tools will help ensure CNC machined products have strong, reliable and precise riveted joints. Consult with your chosen rivet manufacturer early in the design process to select the optimal fastening solution. Investing in high performance rivets will maximize productivity in your CNC machining operations. CNC Milling