High Quality Rivets for CNC Machines(is steel stronger than titanium Alan)
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- source:GAENOR CNC Machining
What are Rivets?
A rivet is a mechanical fastener that connects two or more pieces of material by inserting its shank through a hole and forming a head. The rivet shank typically has a flange underneath that, when deformed against the underside of the workpieces, compresses them together. Rivets come in many sizes, shapes and materials like aluminum, steel, titanium and more.
Common rivet types:
- Solid/blind rivets - tubular and are supplied with a preformed head. The tail is flattened to produce the second head.
- Semi-tubular rivets - similar to blind rivets but have a partial hole allowing the mandrel to protrude.
- Drive rivets - contain deep, threaded holes allowing insertion of a drive screw to force out the mandrel.
- Split rivets - hollow and slotted partially throughout the length of the tubular shank.
- Structural rivets - used in extremely demanding applications. Usually have large diameter shanks with multiple radial ring patterns overlaid along the length.
Advantages of Rivets for CNC Machining:
Rivets offer unique benefits for CNC machining and fabrication:
- Speed of Installation - can be installed rapidly with automated machinery. Minimal surface prep needed.
- Reliability - when properly set, the resultant joint has dependable shear and tensile strength.
- Adaptability - available in a wide range of sizes and materials to suit the application.
- Economy - lower cost per fastened joint compared to other mechanical fasteners like bolts. Minimal tooling required.
- Vibration Resistance - riveted connections have excellent vibration and shock load resistance.
- Appearance - smooth, finished look with no sharp or jagged edges.
Key Properties for Quality Rivets:
To select suitable rivets for a CNC project, several factors need to be considered:
- Strength - measured by shear and tensile strength values. This depends on rivet material and diameter.
- Ductility - ability to bend before fracture. Allows rivet to deform when set.
- Hardness - must be hard enough to handle driving force without losing shape but malleable enough for flaring.
- Grip Range - proper shank length relative to material thickness. Too short or long impairs performance.
- Corrosion Resistance - very important for rivets used in harsh conditions. Materials like aluminum and stainless steel offer good protection.
- Temperature Resistance - some applications require rivets that can withstand high heat like titanium.
- Accuracy - precisely concentric holes and consistent diameters allow flush driving.
- Compatibility - rivet material should be suitable for the materials being joined.
Material Choices:
- Aluminum - lightweight, strong and durable. Used for aircraft, automotive and other products. Resists weathering.
- Steel - very high tensile strength but heavier than aluminum. Low cost and readily available. Prone to corrosion.
- Stainless Steel - excellent corrosion resistance and temperature operating range. Added nickel boosts strength. More expensive.
- Titanium - extremely strong but lightweight. Outstanding corrosion resistance even at high temperatures. Costly but ideal for demanding environments.
- Copper - high hardness rating. Used for boilers, heat exchangers and architectural applications. Develops protective patina.
- Monel - nickel-copper alloy with strength and corrosion resistance. Mainly used in marine and chemical industries.
Choosing a Reliable Rivet Supplier:
Since rivet quality heavily impacts CNC machine performance, selecting a reputable rivet manufacturer is critical. Here are key factors to consider:
- Consistent quality control and inspection - ensures each batch meets specifications. ISO 9001 certification is preferable.
- Wide range of materials and sizes - provides flexibility to handle various applications with minimal tooling changes.
- Custom options - some projects require unique rivet dimensions or properties. Ability to customize is a plus.
- Competitive pricing - quality rivets don’t have to devastate the budget. Seek balance between cost and value.
- Inventory availability - short lead times for orders allow efficient production scheduling.
- Customer service - knowledgeable reps that can provide guidance on rivet selection and troubleshooting.
Well-engineered rivets that are mindfully sourced can make a big difference in CNC machined products. Partnering with an experienced rivet supplier invests in quality assurance and manufacturing success. With an expanded understanding of rivet types and properties, engineers can make informed choices for their specific application needs. CNC Milling CNC Machining