Uses for Rivets in Manufacturing and Construction(galvanized vs galvannealed Jonathan)
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- source:WEINBERG CNC Machining
Rivets come in a huge variety of styles, sizes and materials for different applications and performance requirements. Some of the most common uses for rivets include:
Aircraft and Aerospace Applications
Rivets are extensively used in aircraft and aerospace applications to assemble light-weight frame and skin components. Aircraft rivets are predominantly flush head rivets that provide a smooth external surface critical for minimizing drag. High shear strength rivets are required to withstand extreme vibration, dynamic loads, and pressurization cycles. Titanium, nickel, aluminum alloys, and specialty steel rivets are common. Self-plugging and blind rivets are also used for rapid airframe assembly.
Metal Building and Bridge Construction
Structural rivets are used to connect steel I-beams, girders, and other members in the construction of metal buildings, bridges, transmission towers, and other structural frameworks. Large heavy hex head and countersunk head rivets are common types used. Structural rivets come in ASTM specified carbon steels as well as weathering steel. Proper rivet spacing and edge distances must be engineered to achieve necessary load ratings.
Shipbuilding and Offshore Platforms
The shipbuilding industry relies heavily on rivets to assemble hull components and other marine structures. The rivets used must resist corrosion from saltwater exposure. Common materials include stainless steel, copper alloys, and nickel-copper. Drive rivets are commonly used because access is only available from one side when joining exterior hull plates. Blind rivets are also popular where a watertight sealed joint is needed.
Heavy Equipment and Machinery Manufacturing
Rivets are commonly used in heavy machinery manufacturing. Large rivets are used to assemble robust structural frames, booms, buckets, blades and other components. Medium rivets help attach sheet metal covers, guards, and other parts. Smaller rivets can be used for access panels, brackets, handles and interior details. Steel and aluminum rivets in various head styles are common.
Automotive Manufacturing
Self-piercing rivets (SPRs) have become a popular fastening method in automotive manufacturing. SPRs combine the piercing and riveting action in one operation, directly piercing sheet material layers and cold forming a mechanical joint. This eliminates the need for pre-drilling and allows dissimilar material joining. SPRs are used in body-in-white assembly, interiors, doors, hoods, and other applications.
Appliance and Electronics Manufacturing
Small aluminum and steel rivets are extensively used in appliance manufacturing for sheet metal casings, brackets, interior components, and wraps. In electronics manufacturing, miniature rivets help assemble small enclosures and chassis frames. Flush rivets provide a smooth exterior surface while still allowing easy disassembly for repair. Blind rivets are also common for access from one side only.
HVAC Ducting and Plumbing
Rivets are an alternative to screws for assembling HVAC duct sections, corners and joints. Duct rivets have very broad heads for increased retention on thin sheet metal. Rivets also assemble plumbing pipes, hangers, brackets, and hardware. Stainless steel and aluminum rivets resist corrosion from condensation and water exposure. Rivet nuts installed on sheet metal allow bolts to be used.
Rail and Transportation Manufacturing
Rivets have long been used for assembling railroad tracks, rail cars, subway systems, and other transportation infrastructure. Hardened steel rivets withstand extreme impact loads and vibration over decades of service. Large heavy duty rivets connect structural frames, truck assemblies, fuel tanks, and exterior hoppers. Interior rivets assemble panels, doors, floors, and seating.
Construction and Building Trades
In addition to structural steel construction, rivets have general uses in building construction. Aluminum and stainless steel rivets assemble curtain walls, storefront systems, window frames, and exterior facades. Steel and copper rivets attach gutters, downspouts, and flashing. Rivets connect wood beams, purlins, decking, railings, and trim. Rivet nuts allow bolts to be used on sheet metal.
Quality Assurance Testing
Rivets are stringently tested to verify shear and tensile strengths, hardness, chemical composition, and other properties. Lot samples are destructively tested by applying shear, tension, and bend loads. Production rivets are also proof tested to ensure quality. Aircraft rivets require meticulous testing and certification to guarantee reliability.
Maintenance and Repair Applications
For equipment and structures that were originally assembled with rivets, new rivets are often used for repairs and maintenance. Using the same rivet type, style, material, and strength ensures compatibility with the existing joints. Rivet removal tools cut or grind off the deformed tail end so new rivets can be installed.
Rivet Technology Innovations
While traditional solid and semi-tubular rivets are still ubiquitous, new structural adhesive hybrid rivets continue to gain adoption. These combine structural adhesive with blind rivets for a stronger, more rigid joint. Flow drill screws are also sometimes used now in place of rivets. New installation tools allow riveting in tight spaces. Nano-coated rivets resist galling and corrosion. Stronger rivet alloys continue to be developed.
In summary, rivets serve a vital role in the manufacturing and construction of aircraft, vehicles, machines, appliances, buildings, bridges, and numerous other products and structures. Their versatility, strength, and ease of installation will assure rivets remain a relied-upon fastening technology long into the future. With ongoing material and installation tool advances, rivets continue to evolve and improve. CNC Milling
