Rivets: An Overview of Their Uses and Manufacturing Process(galvanized vs galvanneal Luther)
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Rivets are a crucial component in many manufacturing and construction projects. A rivet is a mechanical fastener that connects two or more objects together by inserting the rivet through holes in the parts to be joined and deforming the protruding ends. Rivets come in a wide variety of styles, sizes and materials for diverse applications. Understanding the capabilities and manufacturing of rivets enables optimal utilization in design and fabrication.
Common Uses of Rivets
Aircraft and Aerospace - Rivets are extensively used in aircraft construction to assemble the frame and attach outer skin. Aerospace grade rivets are made of lightweight, high-strength metals like aluminum, titanium and steel alloys. Riveted construction allows for load redistribution if one fastener fails.
Bridges and Steel Construction - Structural steel girders and trusses are joined together using high-strength steel rivets. Riveting provides a robust connection to withstand dynamic loading. Using hot rivets allows the shaft to expand and fill the hole for a tight fit.
Denim Jeans - Copper rivets reinforce points of strain on jeans like pocket corners and button fly. This innovation by Levi Strauss & Co made the first blue jeans durable work pants. Copper is soft enough to not scratch surfaces when worn.
Leather goods - Leather craftsmen use tubular and split rivets to make durable bags, belts, shoes and holsters. Tubular rivets don't require access to the backside for installation. Split rivets provide a wide mushroom head for reinforcement.
Plumbing and HVAC - Steel pop rivets quickly join sheet metal ducting. Tubular rivet nuts insert into sheet metal to provide screw threads. Rivets attach brackets, handles and other components.
Electronics - Small aluminum blind rivets and steel drive rivets assemble electronic enclosures, computer chassis and other devices. Riveting provides electrical conductivity and EMI shielding.
CNC Machining Rivet Manufacturing Process
Computer numerical control (CNC) machining is commonly used to produce rivets in mass volumes with speed, precision and consistency. Here are some of the main ways CNC helps manufacture rivets.
Wire Forming - Thin rivet wire stock is fed into a CNC wire forming machine. Precision dies rapidly shape the wire into rivet blanks with the proper head shape and shaft dimensions.
Heading - Heading machines use CNC programmed dies to impact the rivet blanks and form the head profile. Multiple blows cold form the rivet head to specification.
Trimming - The rivet shanks are trimmed to accurate lengths by feeding into a CNC-controlled trim press. The ram precisely cuts the shanks squarely to length.
Thread Rolling - Some rivets have threaded ends. CNC thread rolling heads create strong, consistent internal or external threads along the rivet shank.
Heat Treating - For high strength rivets, CNC furnaces precisely control temperature cycles to heat and quench the rivets for optimum consistency and material properties.
Plating - Corrosion resistant platings like zinc and cadmium are applied using programmable CNC plating equipment. This provides protection for steel rivets.
Testing - Dimensional inspection, hardness and tensile testing is performed using CNC testing machines. Data is analyzed to fine tune processes and ensure quality control.
Automated feeding and parts handling systems transfer rivets efficiently between CNC machines. Precision machining produces millions of rivets per day to tight tolerances. Adjustable CNC programs can accommodate design changes and new models with minimal downtime.
In Summary
Rivets continue to be a preferred fastening method across many industries due to their durability, reliability and ease of installation. CNC machining enables high-volume production of rivets in a wide selection of materials, styles and specifications to meet diverse design requirements. Understanding rivet capabilities and manufacturing processes allows engineers to take full advantage of this fundamental fastening technology. CNC Milling
Common Uses of Rivets
Aircraft and Aerospace - Rivets are extensively used in aircraft construction to assemble the frame and attach outer skin. Aerospace grade rivets are made of lightweight, high-strength metals like aluminum, titanium and steel alloys. Riveted construction allows for load redistribution if one fastener fails.
Bridges and Steel Construction - Structural steel girders and trusses are joined together using high-strength steel rivets. Riveting provides a robust connection to withstand dynamic loading. Using hot rivets allows the shaft to expand and fill the hole for a tight fit.
Denim Jeans - Copper rivets reinforce points of strain on jeans like pocket corners and button fly. This innovation by Levi Strauss & Co made the first blue jeans durable work pants. Copper is soft enough to not scratch surfaces when worn.
Leather goods - Leather craftsmen use tubular and split rivets to make durable bags, belts, shoes and holsters. Tubular rivets don't require access to the backside for installation. Split rivets provide a wide mushroom head for reinforcement.
Plumbing and HVAC - Steel pop rivets quickly join sheet metal ducting. Tubular rivet nuts insert into sheet metal to provide screw threads. Rivets attach brackets, handles and other components.
Electronics - Small aluminum blind rivets and steel drive rivets assemble electronic enclosures, computer chassis and other devices. Riveting provides electrical conductivity and EMI shielding.
CNC Machining Rivet Manufacturing Process
Computer numerical control (CNC) machining is commonly used to produce rivets in mass volumes with speed, precision and consistency. Here are some of the main ways CNC helps manufacture rivets.
Wire Forming - Thin rivet wire stock is fed into a CNC wire forming machine. Precision dies rapidly shape the wire into rivet blanks with the proper head shape and shaft dimensions.
Heading - Heading machines use CNC programmed dies to impact the rivet blanks and form the head profile. Multiple blows cold form the rivet head to specification.
Trimming - The rivet shanks are trimmed to accurate lengths by feeding into a CNC-controlled trim press. The ram precisely cuts the shanks squarely to length.
Thread Rolling - Some rivets have threaded ends. CNC thread rolling heads create strong, consistent internal or external threads along the rivet shank.
Heat Treating - For high strength rivets, CNC furnaces precisely control temperature cycles to heat and quench the rivets for optimum consistency and material properties.
Plating - Corrosion resistant platings like zinc and cadmium are applied using programmable CNC plating equipment. This provides protection for steel rivets.
Testing - Dimensional inspection, hardness and tensile testing is performed using CNC testing machines. Data is analyzed to fine tune processes and ensure quality control.
Automated feeding and parts handling systems transfer rivets efficiently between CNC machines. Precision machining produces millions of rivets per day to tight tolerances. Adjustable CNC programs can accommodate design changes and new models with minimal downtime.
In Summary
Rivets continue to be a preferred fastening method across many industries due to their durability, reliability and ease of installation. CNC machining enables high-volume production of rivets in a wide selection of materials, styles and specifications to meet diverse design requirements. Understanding rivet capabilities and manufacturing processes allows engineers to take full advantage of this fundamental fastening technology. CNC Milling