Rivets are parts that join multiple components and structures together to form a complete body. These parts can be manipulated with some specialized tools. One of the panaceas of manufacturing is rivets. Depending on their design requirements and performance, different types of rivets can be used.
These rivets offer incredible tightening capabilities in light and heavy duty applications.
This makes them extremely valuable in a variety of environments, from aircraft construction and bridge splicing to submarines and sheet metal window and door assemblies.
This article will help you fully understand the various types of rivets, structures, and their uses. Let’s get straight to the point!
1. Rivet overview
Rivet is a simple and practical metal connector, easy to use and maintain, is an indispensable fastening part in industry and daily life. So let’s start with what rivets.
1.1 What are rivets?
Rivets are commonly used mechanical fasteners to firmly join metal fasteners that hold two or more workpieces together.
Its main structure is composed of two parts: rivet head and rivet handle, usually the head is thicker and the shank is thinner. The working principle is to first pass the shank of the rivet through the hole of the workpiece that needs to be connected, and then use hammering or pressure to mechanically expand the rivet head to deform it, so that the rivet head is firmly buckled on the surface of the workpiece to achieve a fastening connection.
Rivets are usually made of aluminum, steel, polymer materials, etc., but some are also made of other composite materials. These types of fasteners are not tightened like the usual bolts and nuts. Using a unique rivet mounting method helps ensure permanent parts are assembled or joined. Rivets are widely used in engineering, construction, automotive, aerospace, and other fields because they provide a solid connection that resists vibration and external forces while not requiring accessible space on the other side of the connection.
1.2 The structure of the rivet
The structure of rivets is mainly composed of the following parts:
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Rivets Head
The rivet head is located at one end of the rivet and is larger in diameter than the rivet handle. When in use, the head is deformed by force, so that the rivet is fixed on the connected workpiece. Common rivet head shapes are:
(1) Flat head: The head is flat, which is the most widely used.
(2) Semi-circular head: The head is semi-circular.
(3) Upsetting: The head is cylindrical, and the length is greater than the diameter.
(4) Punch: The head is slightly pointed to facilitate initial positioning.
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Rivets Shank
The rivet shank is an elongated cylinder that connects the head and tail. The diameter of the shank is generally uniform, and some rivets have a taper transition at the junction of the head to the shank.
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Rivets Point
The end of the rivet is the tip, which is used to guide the rivet into the hole connecting the workpiece. Some rivet tails are machined into chamfers or spheres.
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Rivets neck
The transition between the head and the shank, some rivets are machined on the neck to improve stress distribution.
In addition, some special rivets will have structures such as cones or corrugations to suit specific applications. Rivets of different materials and sizes will also design different structural proportions due to stress requirements.
1.3 How do rivets work?
Rivets are an indispensable tool in machines and structures. You can install rivets by drilling, punching, or placing them in holes and deforming the tail. The most popular riveting process involves drilling holes in the parts to be riveted. This is because it is simpler and more accessible.
The rivets are installed in drilled holes that are about 1.5 mm longer than the rivet diameter to hold the rivets better. As soon as the rivet is installed, the tail comes out from the other end, where it deforms. When you mash or smash the tail of the rivet, it flattens the material, which usually causes the tail to unfold or unfold. It spreads to about one and a half times the original size.
In other words, you can create a dumbbell-sized rivet by tapping or pulling to break the tail flat at one end and create a new head at the other. After that, the tail takes on the shape of a dumbbell. In this way, the joints are riveted.
2. Advantages of rivets:
The main advantages of rivets include:
2.1. Easy and quick installation
Rivets are easy to install, only need to hammer or use rivet guns to complete the installation, no additional tools or equipment, installation efficiency.
2.2. High tightening force
After the rivet head is deformed, a great fastening force can be generated, so that the connected parts are firmly combined, and the tensile strength and shear strength are good.
2.3. Long service life
Compared with screws, rivets are not easy to loosen, have a long service life, and are not easy to reduce the connection strength due to corrosion.
2.4. Low cost
The material and processing process of rivets are simple, and the cost of mass production is low.
2.5. The tolerance of the hole is not high
Compared to bolt nuts, rivets have low requirements for the diameter tolerance of the precast holes, and do not require a precise fit during installation.
2.6. Compact structure
Rivets are thinner overall, often used in applications where space is limited.
2.7. Good conductivity
Many metal rivets have good electrical and thermal conductivity.
2.8. Detachable and non-removable
Choose from removable or non-removable rivets as needed.
2.9. Good anti-loosening performance
After the rivet head is deformed, there is a mechanical wedge locking effect, and the connection is not easy to loosen.
2.10. Use is not limited by the shape of the hole
Compared to bolt nuts, rivets can be used for holes of any shape, and are not required to be round holes.
2.11. Can be used for sealing
Some rivets made of soft or plastic materials can achieve a certain sealing effect in occasions with low sealing requirements.
2.12. Can be used for temporary assembly
Before final assembly, rivets can be used for temporary positioning of components.
2.13. Multiple parts can be stacked and connected
One rivet can be fastened quickly through multiple parts.
2.14. Can be used to fasten thin plates
For joining sheet materials, rivets are a good choice.
2.15. Good anti-corrosion performance
Many metal rivets have good corrosion protection and are suitable for harsh environments such as outdoor and humid.
In summary, rivets are quick and easy to install, compact in structure, stable and reliable in performance, and are ideal fasteners for a wide range of applications.
3. Disadvantages of rivets
Almost nothing has its advantages without disadvantages or limitations. So, here are some of the disadvantages of riveting:
3.1. It cannot be removed after installation
Ordinary rivets cannot be removed after installation, and repairs and replacement parts require cutting or drilling.
3.2. There is a concentration of force at the connection part
Rivet joints are prone to stress concentration and may wear out the joints.
3.3. Requires specialized installation tools
Rivets need to be installed using a hammer or a special rivet gun, which is relatively inconvenient.
3.4. The connection may be damaged
Hammering or pressure during installation may damage the surface of the joint.
3.5. The contact surface needs to be cleaned
The connection part needs to be cleaned in advance to remove dust and grease, otherwise it will affect the fixing effect.
3.6. There is a risk of fatigue failure
Under long-term force vibration, rivets will cause fatigue failure.
3.7. Low connection strength
Rivets have lower tensile shear strength compared to high-strength bolts.
3.8. There is a risk of galvanic corrosion
Contact with different metals may cause galvanic corrosion and reduce the strength of the connection.
3.9. Low connection accuracy
Compared to bolted connections, rivet connections are less accurate.
3.10. It is not easy to achieve hermetic and liquid sealing
Rivet connections are not suitable for gas-tight or liquid-tight applications.
4. Materials for rivets
There are several metal materials that can be used to make rivets. They include steel, copper, brass, aluminum, copper, and stainless steel. Designers and manufacturers choose these different materials to meet their needs.
With these huge materials, rivets now have unlimited applications. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a rivet manufacturing material that matches the performance of the parts to be joined together.
4.1 Iron
Iron rivets have the lowest price and average tensile strength, and are often used for temporary assembly or non-critical connections.
4.2 Mild Steel
Low carbon steel rivets have higher strength, higher price and good versatility.
4.3 High Strength Steel
High-strength steel rivets have high tensile strength, but they are also more expensive. It is used for structural connections that require high strength.
4.4 Copper
Copper rivets have good conductivity and are used for conductive connections, but the strength is lower.
4.5 Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum rivets are lightweight and can be used in areas where lightweight is required, such as aircraft.
4.6 Nickel
Nickel rivets have strong corrosion resistance and are used in applications that require corrosion resistance such as ships.
4.7 Titanium
Titanium rivets are strong, very light and corrosion-resistant and are used in high-end aircraft and spacecraft.
4.8 Plastics
Polymer rivets are lightweight and durable for temporary positioning or internal connections of electronics.
4.9 Stainless Steel
Stainless steel rivets are highly corrosion-resistant and used in corrosive environments.
4.10 NdFeB alloy
NdFeB rivets have strong magnetic retention and are used for permanent magnet equipment connection.
Different types of rivets that can be used for manufacturing
There are several different types of rivets to choose from. However, they are broadly divided into the following categories.
