Quality Rivets for CNC Machining Deliver Strength and Durability(designing snap fits Archer)
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Material
The rivet material must be compatible with the base materials being joined. Common rivet materials include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, and monel. Aluminum and steel rivets are lightweight, corrosion resistant, and economical. Stainless steel provides high strength and corrosion resistance. Monel and copper offer thermal conductivity. Ensure the material offers the required shear and tensile strength for the application.
Hardness
A rivet should be harder than the materials it is joining but soft enough to properly buck and flow into the hole during installation. The hardness impacts the rivet's drillability and driving characteristics. Hardness is measured using established scales like Vickers, Rockwell, and Brinell. Hardness can be optimized for the application by altering alloying elements in the rivet material composition.
Coating
Coatings provide lubricity, corrosion resistance, and other benefits. Common rivet coatings include zinc, cadmium, and aluminum. Zinc protects steel rivets from corrosion. Cadmium offers high corrosion protection on steel, copper, and aluminum rivets. Aluminum-coated rivets enhance conductivity and solderability. Choosing the optimal coating protects the rivet and surrounding materials after installation.
Strength
The rivet must have sufficient shear and tensile strength for the application. Shear strength resists forces trying to slide or twist the rivet. Tensile strength withstands forces trying to pull the rivet and materials apart. The rivet material and diameter impact strength capabilities. Make sure the rivet meets minimum strength levels required for the design.
Size
Rivet diameters range from 1/16 inch to over 1 inch. Lengths range from under 1/8 inch to over 8 inches. Select a rivet size that fits properly within the holes to be joined. The grip range must match the total thickness of the materials. The rivet diameter impacts shear and tensile strength. Make sure the rivet offers sufficient strength capabilities for the size needed.
Head Style
Common rivet head styles include round, countersunk, button, flat, and universal. Round head rivets provide a finished look. Countersunk nests flush for a smooth surface. Button head has a low-profile domed top. Flat head offers a flat top surface. Universal head works for both countersunk and flat applications. Choose a head shape that matches the product's design and manufacturing needs.
Installation Method
Installation methods include hand-set, hammer-set, pneumatic, and vibration. Hand-set uses a rivet gun for average production. Hammer-set works for high production rates. Pneumatic presses or squeezes the rivet using air pressure. Vibration shaking can drive mass rivet installation. Select a method that works with available machinery and achieves proper rivet setting for the application.
Manufacturing Process
Quality rivets are manufactured meeting rigorous specifications. Solid rivet blanks are headed into the required shape on both ends using cold or hot forging based on the material. Dies size and imprint the rivet head. Heat treating and finishing provide optimal hardness, strength, and aesthetics. Rigorous quality control ensures each rivet meets requirements. Ask potential suppliers about their manufacturing processes, capabilities, and quality certifications.
Testing and Certification
Reputable rivet suppliers perform extensive testing to verify rivets meet specifications for materials, dimensions, strength, corrosion resistance and other critical characteristics. Request test reports for the specific rivet types being considered. Look for relevant certifications like ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO/TS 16949 for automotive quality systems. Proper testing and certification confirms quality rivets ideal for CNC machining.
Trusted Suppliers
For demanding CNC machined components, source rivets from established suppliers with a proven reputation for rivet quality and reliability. Look for manufacturers that specialize in rivets with in-house engineering, production, testing, and quality control. Review a supplier's client list and machining applications. Ask for samples to test firsthand. Partnering with the right rivet supplier ensures consistency and performance.
Rivets play a surprisingly important role in CNC machined products. Using quality rivets matched to the design, materials, and production methods helps achieve strong, reliable, and durable outcomes. By considering all the factors that constitute rivet quality, CNC machinists can produce their best work. Focusing on optimal rivets brings out the highest quality in the final machined product. CNC Milling CNC Machining