Uses for Rivets in Manufacturing and Construction(anodized finish Arlen)
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- source:LONTL CNC Machining
Aircraft and Aerospace Applications
Rivets are extensively used in the assembly of aircraft and spacecraft. The rivets used in aircraft construction are specialty rivets that have high shear strength and tensile strength. Aircraft grade rivets are made from lightweight and strong materials like aluminum, titanium, and nickel-based alloys. Rivets are preferred for aircraft assembly because they create consistent and reliable joints. Unlike nuts and bolts, rivets do not loosen over time due to vibration. Rivets are used to join the metal sheets and frames in the fuselage, wings, tail, and other structures in an aircraft. They are also used in engine casings, landing gear assemblies, seats, and interior components.
Shipbuilding Industry
The shipbuilding industry relies heavily on rivets to assemble large structures like hulls, decks, bulkheads, and other marine vessels from metal plates and frames. Marine grade rivets are made from corrosion resistant materials like stainless steel. The riveting process creates leak-proof joints that can withstand the corrosive marine environment. Large shipyards use specialized hydraulic riveting machines to drive rivets into the thick metal hull plates. Rivets are preferred over welding in shipbuilding when a joint needs to sustain dynamic loads and fatigue stresses. Riveting also minimizes distortion in thin metal structures.
Construction and Building Applications
Rivets continue to be used extensively in the construction industry to assemble storage tanks, metal roofing and siding, steel bridges, transmission towers, offshore oil platforms, cranes, railway tracks, and prefabricated metal buildings. Steel structures are mainly joined together onsite using hot rivets. The rivets are heated using a forge to cherry red temperature before inserting and bucking. Structural rivets come in various head shapes like round, conical, flat, countersunk, and universal head. Rivets are also the preferred fastener for joining dissimilar metals. Compared to nuts and bolts, rivets form a more permanent joint and can better transfer shear loads through friction.
Manufacturing Sector
A wide variety of rivets are used in all facets of manufacturing. Small aluminum and steel rivets reliably fasten sheet metal fabrications, machine covers, gears, pulleys, chains, conveyors, and guards. Tubular and semi-tubular rivets are ideal for joining soft or fragile materials like plastics, rubber, fabric, leather, and wood. Blind rivets are used to fasten internal components where only one side is accessible. Drive rivets and self-piercing rivets create strong joints in overlapped sheet metals. Specialty rivets are used in appliances, computers, electronics, medical devices, and automobiles. Rivets assemble products ranging from jewelry and watches to large structures like storage silos, rolling stock, power transmission towers, and scaffolding.
Advantages of Rivets
There are several inherent advantages of rivets that make them a popular mechanical fastening method:
- Rivets form a strong permanent joint that does not loosen over time. The deforming of the rivet shank creates a tight clamping force.
- Installation only requires access to one side of a joint for most rivets. This allows riveting of internal components.
- Riveting is relatively low skilled compared to welding or soldering. Minimal training is required for operators.
- The riveting process is portable by using hand tools or portable rivet guns. Riveting can be done at remote locations.
- Riveted joints have vibration damping ability and can withstand fatigue stresses better than threaded fasteners.
- Rivets are resistant to shock, vibration, corrosion, moisture, and high temperatures.
- Riveting produces little deformation or distortion, unlike welding. It does not damage sensitive materials.
- Rivet usage and installation process is highly standardized and controlled.
- Rivets are inexpensive compared to alternate fastening methods.
Riveting remains an indispensable joining technique thanks to its reliability, versatility, and ease of use. Advances in rivet technology and installation tools have further expanded the applications where rivets are the preferred mechanical fastener. Their unique combination of strength, permanence, and fatigue resistance make rivets ideal for assembling products and structures that need to endure extreme vibration, stresses, and harsh environments. CNC Milling CNC Machining