Uses for Rivets in Manufacturing and Construction(mold flash Ingram)
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- source:TAMIKO CNC Machining
Rivets have been used since ancient times to join materials together. Today, both solid and blind rivets made from various materials like aluminum, steel, copper, stainless steel, titanium and specialty alloys are extensively used in countless industrial, automotive, aviation and construction applications.
Here are some of the main uses and applications of rivets:
Aircraft and Aerospace Applications
Aircraft construction extensively uses rivets to assemble the fuselage, wings, engine cowlings and other components. Thousands of rivets are used to join the aluminum alloy sheets, ribs and spars in the frame and skin of an aircraft. Lightweight solid aluminum rivets are commonly used. High shear rivets that can handle substantial loads are used in critical joints.
Blind rivets allow joining layered materials from one side when there is no access to the back side. This is useful while working in confined spaces during aircraft assembly or maintenance. Rivets need to withstand forces from all directions while keeping aircraft components securely fastened.
Automobiles and Heavy Equipment
Rivets are used throughout automobiles and heavy machinery like construction equipment, farm equipment, cranes, etc. to assemble outer body panels and interior components. Aluminum and steel rivets securely fasten the body panels like hoods, doors, roofs, truck beds, fenders, etc. in vehicles. Rivets provide durable fastening while allowing some flexibility and vibration absorption.
Blind rivets are commonly used to fasten automotive interiors like door panels, overhead consoles, seats, carpeting, and trim pieces. Rivets offer high clamping force and shear strength to hold components together even when subjected to vibrations and jerks while driving.
Building and Construction
Both solid and blind rivets are popular in building and construction projects. They are used to join roofing sheets, guttering, downspouts, siding materials, railings, scaffolding, ladders, platforms, wall panels and drainage pipes.
Rivets provide a durable and reliable means of fastening metal framing in buildings, bridges, water tanks, transmission towers, offshore oil platforms, etc. High strength structural rivets are used for critical structural joints. Stainless steel rivets withstand outdoor exposure. Countersunk head rivets allow flush mounting.
Blind rivets are ideal for fastening hollow sections, joining brittle materials like glass and for making onsite repairs and modifications during construction. Temporary scaffolding joints also use blind rivets for quick assembly and removal.
Joining Pipes, Ducts and Tubing
Rivets provide a solid mechanical joint for connecting pipes and tubing used to convey fluids. They are commonly used to join water pipes, drain pipes, copper tubing, exhaust pipes, ventilation ducting, hydraulic lines, etc.
Tubular components in bike frames, furniture, railings, gates, racks, storage shelves and various structures are also joined using rivets. Stainless steel rivets withstand corrosion from water and chemicals. Aluminum and steel rivets provide robust joints that tolerate vibration and thermal expansion stresses.
Securing Outdoor Signs and Street Furniture
Outdoor signs, nameplates, street and park benches, litter bins, notice boards, bus shelters, etc. often use rivets for mechanical fastening. Rivets securely hold the components while allowing convenient dismantling for repairs or modifications. The mushroom shaped head provides a tamper-proof joint unlike screws.
Stainless steel and aluminum rivets withstand weather elements. Countersunk head rivets provide a flat rivet head surface. Drive rivets with a domed head are also common for outdoor use. Rivet joints retain integrity for years despite constant wind loading and vibrations.
Fabrication of Metal Products
Metal fabrication of products like storage tanks, pressure vessels, boilers, hoppers, bins, cabinets, enclosures, shelves, guards, gates, railings, ladders, and crane girders extensively relies on rivets. They create durable joints between sheet metal, plates, pipes, square and rectangular tubing, and structural steel shapes.
Both solid and blind rivets allow flexibility in joining dissimilar metals and materials of different thickness. Riveting also permits making large structures by fastening smaller sub-assemblies together. It is also one of the fastest metal joining techniques.
Securing Insulation and Sandwich Panels
Sandwich panels used for walls, roofs and cold storage applications use a foam or mineral wool insulation core sandwiched between two sheets of metal. Rivets firmly secure the assembly while allowing some shear and bending movements. They are more reliable than adhesive bonding which can fail over time due to vibration, moisture and thermal stresses.
Blind rivets are ideally suited for installing these panels as the joint is formed from one side. The rivets provide thermal breaks to minimize condensation and heat transfer. Roofing and cladding sheets in insulated buildings also utilize rivets for weather-tight fastening.
Electronics Equipment Manufacture
Rivets find widespread usage in the manufacture of appliances, computers, servers, telecom equipment and other electronics. Small aluminum blind rivets securely fasten the outer casing as well as interior sheet metal brackets, guides and heat sinks in electronic enclosures.
Rivets provide reliable electrical grounding between case panels. They also withstand vibration during equipment operation and shocks during transportation better than screws. Rivets help control electromagnetic interference by maintaining panel contact.
Securing Wires, Cables and Conduits
Plastic blind rivets are ideal for securing electrical wiring, cables and conduit runs along walls and ceilings. The rivets firmly clamp the wires or conduit but do not damage the insulation. This prevents short circuits while providing vibration resistance.
Plastic rivets are also used for bundling and routing cables in switchgear cubicles and wire troughs. Riveting avoids sharp wire ends from screws. Nylon and polypropylene rivets withstand chemicals and temperature extremes. Rivet installation is quick and requires no tools.
Summary
Rivets provide reliable and economical permanent fastening in countless manufacturing and construction applications. They are versatile, easy to install and create tamper-proof joints. Both solid and blind rivets are available in a range of materials like steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, plastics, etc. New application-specific rivet variants continue to further expand the usefulness of this age-old but still indispensible fastening technology. CNC Milling CNC Machining