Have you ever thought about what kinds of fasteners are used to hold car parts, appliances, and building materials together? Most likely, they are rivets, which are a simple but strong tool that is an absolute must in the manufacturing industry.
But did you know that there are a lot of different kinds of rivets, each of which has a specific job? In this blog post, we’ll look at the different kinds of rivets on the market today and talk about how they’re usually used in the manufacturing industry.
Whether you need a secure connection for electronics or an aircraft frame, understanding what type of rivet is best suited for your project can certainly save time and money. Read on to learn more about how both solid and blind rivets are playing integral roles in keeping our world running!
An Overview of Rivets
Rivets are small, fastening devices that are used extensively in the manufacturing industry to join materials together. They are simple and effective and are used in a variety of applications, such as constructing machinery and assembling electronics.
Let’s learn in detail:
What is a Rivet?
Small, cylindrical fasteners known as rivets are utilized to secure multiple components into one cohesive whole. A head is attached to one end, while a stem is attached to the other.
The stem is threaded through the components, and the head is flattened or upset to lock the components together.
Metals, polymers, and composites are just some of the many materials that rivets are utilized to join in the manufacturing sector. Due to their durability, ease of use, and adaptability, rivets are widely used in a wide range of production contexts.
How Do Rivets Work?
You can insert rivets in various ways, depending on the application. If you are riveting materials that do not require a precise fit, such as thin sheets of metal, then you can simply place the rivet into a pre-drilled hole and hammer it in. This is called ‘cold riveting’.
Alternatively, if you need to secure two components accurately and firmly together, such as in manufacturing or construction works, then you will need to use the hot riveting process.
This involves drilling a hole that is slightly larger than the diameter of the rivet and heating it until it becomes malleable enough for inserting into the hole.
You then quickly press it directly into place before it has time to cool down again. For extra security and strength, some applications may require ‘buck-riveting’, which involves placing two or more rivets side by side before deforming them with heat or pressure.
Regardless of which method you choose for installing your rivets, there are numerous advantages to using them instead of other fastening methods including better strength, lower cost, durability, and corrosion resistance.
Advantages of Rivets
Rivets have many advantages, especially in the manufacturing and construction industries. Here are some of them:
- Strong and durable: Rivets are known for their strength and durability, which makes them perfect for use in a number of applications where a strong and permanent joint is required. Rivets can be found at almost any hardware store.
- Versatile: There are several different types of rivets, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Because of their adaptability, manufacturers can select the best rivet for each task.
- Easy to install: Rivets are simple and easy to install, making them a popular choice for high-volume production.
- Easy to remove – Another advantage of using rivets is that they can be easily removed and replaced if necessary. This is convenient if repairs need to be made, or if a product needs to be disassembled for recycling or reuse.
- Widely available: Rivets are widely available and can be purchased in a variety of sizes and materials to suit different applications.
- Cost-effective: Rivets are generally less expensive than other fastening methods, such as bolts and screws, making them a cost-effective choice for manufacturers.
- No need for specialized tools: Rivets can be installed using simple tools, such as a rivet gun or hammer, which are widely available and easy to use.
Disadvantages of Rivets
Here are some of the disadvantages of using rivets, especially in the manufacturing industry:
- Not easily adjustable or removable: Once you install a rivet, it is difficult to adjust or remove without damaging the materials being joined. This can be a disadvantage in applications where changes or repairs may be needed.
- Limited to relatively thin materials: Rivets are not suitable for use with very thick or hard materials, as the stem of the rivet may not be long enough to reach through the material.
- Limited load-carrying capacity: Rivets are generally not as strong as other fastening methods, such as bolts, and are not suitable for use in applications where a high load-carrying capacity is required.
- May deform materials being joined: The process of installing a rivet involves flattening or upsetting the head of the rivet, which may cause deformation of the materials being joined. This can be a disadvantage in applications where precision is important.
- May cause stress concentration: Rivets are not distributed evenly across the materials being joined, which can lead to stress concentration at the points where the rivets are installed. This can be a disadvantage in applications where the materials are subjected to high stress or strain.
- Susceptible to vibration and movement: can be susceptible to vibration and movement, which can loosen them over time. This can cause parts of a product to come loose or fall off completely.
Materials Used for Rivets
Steel
Steel is a common material used for rivets due to its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. If you require a strong, reliable fastening solution, steel rivets may be a good choice for you.
They are widely used in a variety of applications, including construction, automotive, and aerospace, and are suitable for use with a range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.
Rivets can be made from carbon steel, alloy steel, or stainless steel, to name a few options. Most rivets are made of carbon steel because of their inexpensive price and excellent strength.
Carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel are just a few of the materials that can be used to make rivets. Carbon steel is the material of choice for most rivets due to its low cost and high strength.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy of steel that is commonly used for rivets in damp or corrosive environments. If you are in need of a fastening solution that can withstand exposure to moisture or harsh chemicals, stainless steel rivets may be a good choice for you.
Stainless steel rivets are made from a blend of iron, chromium, and other elements that give them their corrosion-resistant properties. They are strong and durable and are suitable for use with a wide range of materials.
In addition to their strength and durability, aluminum rivets have other desirable properties, such as being non-magnetic and non-sparking.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal that is commonly used for rivets. If you are in need of a fastening solution that is strong and lightweight, aluminum rivets may be a good choice for you. They are suitable for use with a wide range of materials and are often used in aerospace and automotive applications.
Aluminum rivets are made from a soft, malleable metal that is easy to work with and can be easily shaped and formed.
They are known for their corrosion resistance and are suitable for use in damp or corrosive environments. Aluminum rivets are also non-magnetic and non-sparking, making them suitable for use in certain specialized applications.
Brass
Brass rivets are made from a combination of copper and zinc, which gives them strength and corrosion resistance. They are known for their good electrical conductivity and are often used in applications where electrical conduction is important.
Brass rivets are also non-magnetic and non-sparking, making them suitable for use in certain specialized applications.
Copper
Copper is a strong and durable metal that is commonly used for rivets. If you are in need of a fastening solution that is resistant to corrosion and has good electrical conductivity, copper rivets may be a good choice for you.
They are suitable for use with a wide range of materials and are often used in electrical and electronic applications.
Copper rivets are made from pure copper, which gives them strength and corrosion resistance. They are known for their good electrical conductivity and are often used in applications where electrical conduction is important.
Copper Nickel
Copper nickel rivets are made from a blend of copper and nickel, which gives them their corrosion resistance and good electrical conductivity.
They are known for their high strength and are suitable for use in a variety of applications, including marine and coastal environments where exposure to saltwater is a concern. Copper nickel rivets are also non-magnetic and non-sparking, making them suitable for use in certain specialized applications.
High Carbon Steel
High carbon steel rivets are made from a type of steel that contains a higher percentage of carbon than other types of steel.
This gives them their high strength and wears resistance, making them suitable for use in applications where high loads or abrasive conditions are a concern.
In addition to their strength, high-carbon steel rivets are renowned for their excellent machinability, making them a pleasure to work with and form.
Plastic
If you are in need of a fastening solution that is lightweight and has good electrical insulation properties, plastic rivets may be a good choice for you. They are suitable for use with a wide range of materials and are often used in electrical and electronic applications.
There are several different types of plastic used for rivets, including polypropylene, nylon, and acetal. These plastics are known for their good electrical insulation properties and are often used in applications where electrical conduction is a concern.
Plastic rivets are also lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for use in damp or corrosive environments.
Manufacturing Rivets of Various Kinds
Solid Rivets: Standard Rivets
Solid rivets are a type of fastening device that is made from a single piece of material and is suitable for use in a variety of applications.
If you are in need of a strong, reliable fastening solution, solid rivets may be a good choice for you. They are commonly employed in situations that demand a permanent joint that can withstand heavy loads.
Blind Rivets: Also Named Pop Rivets
If you require a fastening solution that can be installed in hard-to-reach places or when access to the opposite side is restricted, blind rivets may be a good choice for you.
The stem (mandrel) of a blind rivet already has a hole drilled into it, and the head is located at the apex of the stem.
To use a blind rivet, the mandrel must be inserted through the materials to be joined, and then the rivet itself must be loaded into a rivet gun.
The tool is then used to pull the mandrel through the factory-formed hole, deforming the rivet and creating a second head on the opposite side. The mandrel is then snapped off, leaving a strong, permanent joint.
Tubular Rivets: With a Hollow End
Tubular rivets are a type of metal fastener made from a hollowed-out cylinder (often steel or aluminum). After the rivet has been inserted through the two parts, the head is produced by slightly deforming one end of the rivet.
To create tubular rivets, a cylinder of material (often steel or aluminum) is partially hollowed out. To use them, you just drill a hole in the two pieces of metal or plastic you’re joining, then push the rivet through, deforming one end into a head.
A second head is made by deforming the opposite end, making a secure, long-lasting connection.
Split Rivets: Home Repair Rivets
Split rivets get their name from the way they are installed – a split in the body of the rivet allows it to be expanded once it’s inserted into the hole.
This makes them ideal for use in materials that are not very strong or thick, as the expansion of the rivet creates a very strong hold. Wood, plastic, and other pliable materials work particularly well with them.
However, because split rivets rely on expansion for their strength, they are not suitable for use in all applications.
If you need a rivet that can be removed and reused, then a split rivet is not the right choice. Split rivets are not as robust as other types of rivets when used in materials that can sustain considerable force since they rely on expansion to create their grip.
Flush Rivets: Also Called Countersink Rivets
The heads of flush rivets are smooth and rounded, so they don’t protrude from the material they’re joining. As a result, they are perfect for any situation when a sleek, professional appearance is required. You will see these revets in the aircraft.
They are also less likely to catch on clothing or other materials, making them ideal for use in garments or other items that will be handled frequently.
However, flush rivets can be more difficult to install than other types of rivets, and their smooth heads can make them difficult to remove if necessary. They may not be appropriate for use in all situations because they are not as strong as other types of rivets.
Self-Piercing Rivets: Great Column Strength
As the name suggests these rivets don’t need any pilot hole to operate. The pointed tip of an SPR allows it to pierce through many materials without the need for a pilot hole, and SPRs are commonly composed of steel or aluminum.
Holes don’t need to be drilled or punched before using this rivet. These rivets are designed to penetrate through the materials they are joining with a beveled drill or chamfered point.
Self-piercing rivets provide a strong and secure connection when joining thin metal sheets.
Friction Lock Rivets: Similar to Expanding Bolts
Friction lock rivets, also known as structural rivets, are a type of fastening device that is designed to provide a strong, permanent joint with a high resistance to vibration and movement.
A friction lock rivet is used to join metal parts by first being put through those parts. After the rivet is set, it is hammered down to cause the head to expand and secure the joint.
Friction lock rivets are often used in applications where strength and durability are key, such as in construction or aerospace projects.
What is The Strongest Type of Rivet?
Rivets produced from stainless steel, an alloy of chromium and other metals, are extremely durable. Because of this, they are both corrosion-proof and incredibly sturdy. They have numerous potential uses, some of which are in the automobile, aerospace, and building industries.
Although stainless steel rivets are more expensive than other types, they last far longer and are much stronger.
There is a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to the design of stainless steel rivets, from completely solid to partially tubular to blind. Stainless steel is the material of choice for the production of the most durable and dependable solid rivets.
A strong and long-lasting fastening option, stainless steel rivets can be used in a wide range of situations, especially those involving moisture or corrosion.
Stainless steel rivets can be useful in a variety of situations, but it’s important to think about how you’ll be utilizing them before settling on a specific style.
The Range of Applications for Rivets
Rivets are widely used in the manufacturing industry for a variety of applications. For example, the assembly of products, the construction of structures, and the repair and maintenance of equipment.
If you are in the manufacturing industry, you may find that rivets are a useful fastening solution for many of your needs. They are strong, reliable, and easy to install, making them suitable for use in a wide range of applications.
Some common applications for rivets in the manufacturing industry include the assembly of automobiles, airplanes, and other vehicles; the construction of bridges, buildings, and other structures; and the repair and maintenance of industrial equipment.
Let’s learn in detail in this section:
Rivets in Aircrafts
Rivets are widely used in the aerospace industry for a variety of applications, including the construction of aircraft, spacecraft, and other high-tech vehicles.
Rivets are strong, reliable, and easy to install, making them suitable for use in the demanding environment of the aerospace industry.
Rivets are used to unite a variety of materials in airplanes, from aluminum and steel to composites. You’ll need these to put together the plane’s wings, fuselage, and tail.
Engines, landing gear, and control surfaces are just some of the many systems and components that regularly benefit from rivets. Aircraft maintenance and repair necessitates the use of rivets for securing new parts to the aircraft’s framework and for repairing worn or broken ones.
Jewelry
Professional and amateur jewelers alike frequently employ rivets in their work. When two pieces of metal are joined using this cold joining method, an extremely strong and long-lasting bond is formed between them.
Rivets are frequently used in the jewelry industry for a variety of purposes, including fastening components to metal findings, securing chainmaille links, and making decorative patterns.
Home Building
Rivets have been used in home building for centuries, and their applications are vast. Although rivets were originally designed to join metal plates, their versatility has led to their employment in joining a wide variety of materials, including wood, plastic, etc.
In home building, rivets are used to assemble the frame, walls, and roof of a home, as well as to attach various systems and components, such as windows, doors, and electrical and plumbing systems.
Rivets are also used to repair and maintain homes, allowing for the replacement of damaged or worn components and the reinforcement of structural elements.
Precautions for Rivets
Here are some precautions to consider when using rivets:
Wear protective equipment: Riveting can generate noise, sparks, and debris, so it is important to wear protective equipment, such as earplugs, safety glasses, and gloves, to protect yourself from injury.
Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings when working with rivets. Make sure there are no flammable materials nearby that could catch fire from the sparks generated by the drill or grinder.
Use the right tool: Rivets require a special tool, called a rivet gun, to be installed. Be sure to use the correct type of rivet gun for the size and type of rivet you are using.
Choose the right size rivet: Rivets are available in a range of sizes, and it is important to choose the correct size for your application. If the rivet is too small, it may not provide sufficient strength, while a rivet that is too large may be difficult to install or may damage the materials being joined.
Follow proper installation procedures: Rivets should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper performance. This may involve setting the rivet at a specific depth, applying a certain amount of force, or using a specific installation technique.
Inspect the joint: After installing the rivet, be sure to inspect the joint to ensure that it is secure and meets the required specifications. If the joint is not secure or is not properly formed, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rivets are a widely used fastening solution in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and aerospace.
How do you choose revets for a specific project? It depends on many variables such as the material you are using, the use case of your project, and many others.
If you are not certain about that it is better to take expert advice. You can contact us and we will provide you with all the necessary information.
Kemal is your go-to source for high-quality metal rivets made with CNC machining.
In addition to our excellent prototyping and manufacturing services, we also offer CNC machining of the highest caliber. If you want fast, reliable results, you can count on our skilled technicians to deliver them.
