Introduction to Rivets
Rivets are a popular type of mechanical fastener used to join together multiple pieces of material. They have a long history of use in construction, manufacturing, and industrial applications due to their reliability and versatility.
What is a Rivet?
A rivet consists of a cylindrical body and a head on one or both ends. The body is inserted into pre-drilled holes in the materials being joined. The tail end is then mechanically deformed so that it expands, locking the rivet in place.
Types of Rivets
There are several types of rivets designed for different applications:
- Blind rivets - anchored from one side using a rivet gun
- Tubular rivets - hollow and very strong
- Drive rivets - can be inserted and removed repeatedly
- Split rivets - rivet splits into a skirt when set
- Semi-tubular rivets - have a partial hollow body
- Structural rivets - used for heavy load-bearing applications
Rivet Materials
Common rivet materials include:
| Material | Properties |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | Lightweight, corrosion resistant, softer |
| Steel | Very strong, heat resistant, prone to rusting |
| Copper | High fatigue strength, corrosion resistant |
| Titanium | Very strong but light, corrosion resistant |
| Monel | Corrosion and heat resistant |
Benefits of Riveting
Some key advantages of rivets include:
- Reliable, permanent fastening method
- Does not require welding, drilling or nuts/bolts
- Withstands vibration and shock loads
- Installable with basic tools
- Wide range of rivet types and materials available
Overall, rivets offer a straightforward and highly versatile mechanical fastening solution for many applications. Their simplicity, strength and durability make them a staple in manufacturing and construction.
Semi-Tubular Rivets
Semi-tubular rivets, sometimes referred to as partially tubular rivets, are a versatile type of rivet used across many industries. They combine qualities of solid rivets and tubular rivets, offering a balance of strength, weight, and usability.
Design and Structure
As the name suggests, semi-tubular rivets have a partially hollow, cylindrical body. The rivet head can be either round, countersunk, or custom shaped for the application. During installation, the tail of the rivet is flared outward to lock the rivet in place without allowing rotation.
Key Features
- Partial hollow body reduces weight while retaining strength
- Flared tails prevent spinning for excellent holding power
- Available with flat, round, or countersunk rivet head
- Ideal for applications where vibration is a factor
- Range of material choices like aluminum, steel, titanium
- Can fill gaps up to 25% of rivet diameter
Common Applications
Semi-tubular rivets are commonly used in:
- Aircraft fuselage and wing assembly
- Truck and trailer manufacturing
- Offshore oil platforms
- Tower construction
- Bridges
- Rail cars
Aircraft Assembly Example
In aircraft construction, semi-tubular rivets offer the ideal balance of lightweight and structural integrity. Aluminum semi-tubular rivets are the preferred choice for fastening aluminum sheets and frames in wings and fuselages. The rivets form a strong, permanent bond while adding minimal weight.
The rivet heads are often countersunk so they sit flush with the surface. This reduces drag while still allowing for visual inspection. Thousands of semi-tubular rivets may be used to assemble the various components of an airplane.
Bridge Building Example
For bridge construction, the combination of strength and vibration resistance makes semi-tubular rivets a frequent choice to connect steel girders and trusses. The partial hollow body withstands shearing forces better than solid rivets.
High strength steel semi-tubular rivets are inserted in the pre-drilled holes and then set with hydraulic or pneumatic rivet guns. Quality control inspectors will later confirm the rivets meet specified tension tolerances. Proper rivet installation is crucial for bridge safety.
In summary, semi-tubular rivets offer an optimal balance of cost, weight, strength, and ease of installation for demanding structural applications.
Choosing the Right Structural Rivet
Structural rivets are used for load-bearing applications where vibration, shearing, and high tension are factors. Choosing the optimal rivet involves considering both the demands of the project and rivet attributes.
Rivet Strength
Higher strength ratings allow rivets to withstand greater shear and tensile loads without failing. Common strength grades include:
- 32 ksi – Basic steel rivets
- 50 ksi – Medium strength steel
- 87 ksi – High strength steel
- 120 ksi – Ultra high strength steel
Higher grades cost more but handle heavier loads. Use technical specs to determine required rivet strength.
Rivet Materials
Steel is the most common for structural applications. Material choices include:
- Steel – Strongest and most cost effective
- Aluminum – Lightweight, weaker than steel
- Stainless Steel – Corrosion resistance
- Monel – Maximum corrosion resistance
Rivet Head Style
Consider head shape based on design and inspection needs:
- Round head – Standard for most uses
- Countersunk – Flush with surface
- Brazier – Higher strength and load capacity
- Custom – Match specific design needs
Rivet Size
Diameter and length should match grip range needed for materials being joined. Oversized rivets can split material.
Installation Method
Impact rivet guns, squeezers, or presses may be required for large rivets. Ensure chosen rivets work with available tools.
Carefully considering project demands and rivet attributes allows selection of the optimal structural rivet product for an application. This helps ensure riveted connections have the required integrity to perform safely.
Proper Rivet Installation
Correct installation technique is crucial for rivets to properly join materials. Proper practices reduce the risk of joint failure.
Drilling Holes
- Holes must be sized according to rivet diameter specifications
- Use sharp drill bits labeled for material being drilled
- Drill straight, perpendicular holes aligned through all materials
- Do not enlarge holes by reaming unless specified
- Deburr holes thoroughly after drilling
Inserting Rivets
- Confirm rivet length matches total material thickness
- Insert rivet fully so head rests against top material
- Ensure rivet head is centered and flush with surface
- Discard any rivets with bent or damaged shanks
Setting Rivets
- Use recommended force and technique for rivet type
- Set in several stages avoiding extreme force
- For blind rivets, stop pulling when mandrel breaks
- Set solid rivets until formed head reaches specified diameter
- Do not overdrive rivets as this can crack materials
Inspection
- Confirm flush rivet heads with no gaps indicating loose rivets
- Set force creates tight and consistent clamping on materials
- No cracks or indentation in material surface
- Mandrel portion is broken off for blind rivets
Taking care with each installation step ensures properly seated rivets. This maximizes strength for riveted joints and long-term performance.
Rivet Removal and Replacement
While rivets are designed as permanent fasteners, it may become necessary to remove and replace them if inspections reveal damage or improper installation.
Drilling Out Rivets
Damaged or defective rivets can be drilled out using drill bits slightly larger than the rivet diameter. The remains are punched out.
- Use lowest speed and feeds to avoid excess heat
- Lubricate drill to minimize burring
- Drill perpendicular to surface
- Do not drill into surrounding material
Replacing Rivets
New rivets should match the specifications of the originals. Replacement process:
- Clean out old rivet completely
- Resize hole if needed to match new rivet
- Deburr hole and materials
- Insert and properly set new rivet
Common Rivet Applications
Example uses of rivets in various industries:
- Aircraft - Attaching fuselage skins, wing panels, engine cowlings
- Bridges - Connecting steel girders and trusses
- Railcars - Assembling car body panels and frames
- Appliances - Securing casing sheets, brackets, handles
- Offshore - Building oil rigs, platforms, pipe hangars
Proper inspection, removal, and replacement of rivets ensures continued integrity and performance across these critical applications.
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Rivets in Aircraft and Aerospace
Rivets are integral fasteners in aircraft and spacecraft construction. The reliability, strength, and durability of rivets make them ideal for demanding aerospace applications.
Aircraft Manufacturing
Thousands of rivets are used to assemble the frame, skins, panels, and components of an airplane. Lightweight aluminum rivets are most common for airframe assembly.
- Fuselage skins - Aluminum flush rivets seamlessly join fuselage sections.
- Wings and control surfaces - Rivets securely fasten spars, ribs, and skin panels.
- Engine nacelles and cowlings - Withstand vibration and extreme temperatures.
- Landing gear and pylons - High strength rivets support heavy loads.
Spacecraft Construction
Rivets maintain integrity across the harsh conditions of spaceflight.
- Internal structure - Interconnecting trusses and braces.
- Outer skin - Sealing the crew compartment and insulating interior.
- Heat shields - High temperature resistance.
- Component integration - Attaching subsystems, payloads, antennas.
Rivet Benefits
Key advantages of rivets for aircraft and space applications:
- Lightweight - Important for reducing vehicle mass.
- Reliable - Critical for safety and performance.
- Consistent clamping force - Maintains joint integrity.
- Corrosion resistant - Withstands weathering effects.
- Flush heads - Reduce drag and heating.
Rivets will continue being integral to aerospace manufacturing and innovation due to their proven durability, capabilities, and performance record.
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Different Styles Of Rivets Available To Choose
There are several types of rivets available for use based on their design requirements and properties. The most common types of rivets are solid, blind, tubular, split, flush, self-piercing, and friction. Each type of rivet has unique benefits, making each ideal for a different type of fastening. They are also available in different materials, sizes, and finishes, as needed. Some common materials used for making rivets include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, and nickel-copper alloy. The different types of rivets are used in various industries, including automotive, military equipment, leather works, decor, trailers, and electrical motors. Rivets can be installed by drilling or punching and are most often installed with a tool called a riveter.
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What Are The Differences Between Solid And Blind Rivets?
Solid and blind rivets are two types of rivets that are used for different applications. Here are the differences between solid and blind rivets:
Solid Rivets:
Blind Rivets:
Overall, solid rivets are stronger and more reliable, but require access to both sides of the parts to install. Blind rivets are easier to install and can be used in places where only one side of the workpiece is accessible.
