High Quality Rivets for Precision CNC Machining(spring flat Elsa)
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Aluminum Rivets
Aluminum is a popular rivet choice for CNC machined parts. 6061 aluminum rivets offer high strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, and easy machinability.
6061 aluminum alloy contains magnesium and silicon as its major alloying elements. The addition of these elements improves the mechanical properties of aluminum, making it an excellent choice for rivets that need to withstand high shear and tensile stresses.
The aluminum rivets can be easily CNC machined into a variety of head shapes and sizes to suit the design needs. The softness of aluminum makes it easy to drill and drive the rivets into place during assembly. The rivets tightly fill the holes and hold the machined components securely together.
Aluminum rivets also have a lightweight design, which is beneficial for aircraft and other applications where weight savings are critical. This allows the final assembly to remain lightweight without compromising the integrity.
When installed correctly, the 6061 aluminum rivets maintain their strength and integrity even after years of service. This makes them an ideal choice for CNC machined parts and assemblies meant for long term use.
Stainless Steel Rivets
Stainless steel rivets provide very high strength along with corrosion resistance. There are several grades of stainless steel suitable for rivet construction, including:
- 304 stainless steel - Good corrosion resistance and durability. Easy to machine.
- 316 stainless steel - Excellent corrosion resistance. Suitable for more demanding applications.
- 17-4 stainless steel - Highest strength of stainless steel rivets. Ideal for high stress environments.
Stainless steel rivets are harder than aluminum and produce an appealing surface finish when CNC machined. The material maintains its properties at high temperatures, which makes it a popular choice for automotive and aircraft applications.
The additional strength and hardness does make stainless steel rivets slightly more difficult to machine. Slower feed rates and high precision tooling is often required for drilling and cutting operations during CNC machining. Lubricants are also recommended when machining to prevent built up edge on the cutting tools.
Despite the challenges, stainless steel rivets make an excellent choice when high strength fasteners are required. They can withstand repeated loading without loosening or failing over time. The corrosion resistance provides durability even when exposed to moisture or harsh chemicals.
Titanium Rivets
Titanium offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Titanium rivets provide the highest shear and tensile strengths while remaining lightweight. The material is valued for aircraft, medical implants, and other high performance applications.
Grade 5 titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) is a common choice for rivets due to its excellent balance of properties. The titanium alloy contains 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium as key alloying elements. This improves the material’s mechanical properties compared to commercially pure titanium.
The titanium rivets are machined using sharp tooling and high cutting speeds. Rigid setups and slow feeds are used to account for the hardness of titanium. Coolants help reduce friction and heat generation during machining.
Once installed, the CNC machined titanium rivets provide reliable fastening strength. The tight tolerances ensure precision and consistency between components. Titanium’s natural corrosion resistance also eliminates concerns about degradation over long term use.
Despite the high cost of titanium, its unmatched performance often justifies the investment for mission-critical CNC machined components.
Rivet Head Styles
In addition to material, the head style of the rivet will impact its functionality and appearance on CNC machined parts. Some common rivet head options include:
- Countersunk head - Flush profile for smooth surfaces.
- Dome head - Provides a finished look. Easy to inspect.
- Modified flush head - Lower profile than dome head.
- Universal head - Flat circular top distributes stress evenly.
- Oval head - Ideal for softer materials or hand driving.
- Flat head - Lowest profile rivet head for minimal protrusion.
CNC machining makes it possible to customize the rivet heads according to the needs of the assembly. This allows rivets to integrate seamlessly within the design aesthetic. Matching the rivet heads to the style of the components improves the overall finished look of the machined product.
Installation and Driving Methods
Proper installation of the rivets is critical for achieving maximum strength and quality. Here are some top techniques for installing CNC machined rivets:
Pressing - A hydraulic press pushes the top of the rivet to flare out and form the head. Offers excellent consistency.
Impact riveting - Hammers or pneumatic guns strike the rivet to flair out the tail. Quick and economical.
Roll forming - Specialized riveting machines curl the tail around the rivet shank. Ideal for large or tight spaces.
Swaging - The shank of the rivet is compressed and expanded using a swaging tool. Creates very secure fastening.
Friction drilling - Rotational force cooks the end of the rivet tail to form the head. Clean installation with no debris.
The driving method can be matched to the rivet design and characteristics of the assembly. CNC machining makes it possible to tailor the rivets to the ideal installation technique for maximum performance. Automated processes allow for rapid, repeatable rivet driving which improves manufacturing efficiency.
Inspection and Testing
All aircraft-quality and mission-critical rivets require thorough inspection before, during, and after installation. Some key quality checks include:
- Dimensional inspection of rivet lengths, diameters, head thickness, hole size, etc.
- Material certification checks of rivet grade and heat treatment.
- Visual inspection for surface defects pre- and post-install.
- Push testing riveted samples to validate shear/tensile strength.
- Process audits to verify proper driving tools and methods were used.
- Disassembly of random rivets to inspect grip length and flare.
The quality inspections validate that the CNC machined rivets meet required specifications. This ensures they will perform reliably once assembled into the finished product. Any defects found during testing can be quickly traced back to the source.
Regular inspection and testing provides confidence in the quality of the rivets as well as the manufacturing processes used to install them. This results in incredibly precise and robust CNC machined assemblies.
Conclusion
From lightweight aluminum to ultra-strong titanium, today’s rivet options allow CNC machined products to be assembled with remarkable precision. Matching the material, head design, and installation technique to the specific application results in optimized performance. Rigorous quality control processes validate the integrity of the rivets at each step. With proper selection and handling, rivets become an invaluable component in creating CNC machined parts and assemblies built to last. The strongest products start with the highest quality rivets. CNC Milling CNC Machining