Introduction (machining quotes Cash)

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Rivets are one of the most versatile and commonly used types of fasteners in manufacturing. A rivet is a mechanical fastener that is inserted through holes in two or more sheets of material and deforms to hold the sheets together. Rivets come in a wide variety of head styles, materials, and sizes to accommodate many different applications. With computer numerical control (CNC) machining, rivets can be used in automated manufacturing processes to efficiently join components. This article will provide an overview of some of the key uses for rivets in CNC machining and manufacturing.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
One of the most prevalent uses of rivets in CNC is for joining sheet metal components. Rivets provide a strong mechanical attachment between sheets of metal while allowing some flexibility in the joint. This makes rivets ideal for fabricating enclosures, chassis, brackets, and other sheet metal structures. The CNC machining process can drill precision rivet holes and dimples to mark hole locations for easy riveting. Structural rivets are often used in sheet metal fabrication with alloys like aluminum, steel, or stainless steel. Specialized rivet setting tools can rapidly insert rivets into the CNC drilled holes to assemble the finished components.
Aircraft Manufacturing
The aerospace industry relies heavily on rivets for aircraft structural assembly. Rivets provide lightweight and reliable structure for joining the skins to internal ribs, bulkheads, and frames in both civilian and military airplanes and helicopters. High strength structural rivets made from alloys like titanium, aluminum, or nickel are inserted by automated riveting systems on CNC controlled assembly jigs. The structural integrity provided by thousands of rivets is critical for aircraft safety. CNC ensures precision hole sizing and placement which is essential for the proper fit of rivets in aircraft assembly.
Automotive Manufacturing
Cars, trucks, and other vehicles use plenty of rivets in their manufacture. The chassis, body panels, frames, and interior components all contain rivets for fastening. Robotics and CNC technology is used to precisely drill rivet holes and apply self-piercing rivets to join various automotive parts. Self-piercing rivets do not require pre-drilled holes, and can pierce through sheets while forming a head on the opposite side. This approach saves time and steps in the automotive assembly process. Automated riveting with robotics allows high-volume production of vehicles with consistent quality and reliability.
Appliance Manufacturing
Many household and commercial appliances rely on rivets for assembly. Appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and HVAC equipment often use sheet metal skins over an inner frame structure. Rivets provide durable fastening between the outer panels and internal support frames in an efficient manufacturing process. Precision CNC drilling ensures properly aligned rivet holes for each appliance model’s assembly design. Specialized robotic riveting systems can rapidly insert thousands of rivets to mass produce appliances with speed and accuracy. This helps maximize manufacturing productivity while maintaining consistency.
Electronics Manufacturing
Rivets find extensive use in electronic device construction from computers to mobile phones. Precision drilling by CNC produces tiny rivet holes to join small electronic components and circuit boards. The high speed and accuracy of CNC drilling is ideal for the small scale electronics manufacturing where miniature rivets are often measured in millimeters. Tiny specialty rivets fasten small circuit board components, assemble electronic device frames and casings, and mount miniature parts inside electronic products. CNC enables extremely precise sizing and placement of micro rivets for electronics assembly.
Plumbing Fixtures
Many plumbing fixtures including sinks, faucets, and toilets utilize rivets in their construction. While screws are also common, rivets allow more flexible joining of ceramic and pottery materials used in plumbing fixtures. The CNC machining process is utilized to drill holes for inserting rivets during fixture assembly. This provides precision alignment of fixture components and a solid joining method. Automated riveting systems can also improve production by rapidly inserting rivets during mass manufacturing. Durable and reliable riveted construction is important for plumbing fixtures which see constant use and load stress over their lifetime.
Jewelry Manufacturing
Miniature rivets play an integral role in jewelry making from necklaces to rings and bracelets. CNC lasers are often used to cut jewelry parts out of flat precious metal sheets. Small rivets just 0.5mm – 2mm in diameter can join these parts together to form the final jewelry item. The CNC process allows drilling holes just big enough for tiny jewelry rivets which may even be invisible to the eye in the finished product. Precision control over rivet hole diameter, depth, and placement allows seamless joining of delicate and intricate jewelry pieces. Using rivets eliminates the need for soldering and heating during jewelry assembly.
Shoe Manufacturing
The popular footwear industry relies on rivets for assembly of many shoe components. Rivets provide durable fastening of soles to uppers, attachment of straps and decorations, and construction of internal structures. CNC laser cutting machines produce leather shoe parts from hides and synthetic materials. These parts are then assembled using automated riveting machines to efficiently mass produce footwear. Shoes contain a surprising number of rivets hidden from view which hold the footwear together under loading. CNC allows precise rivet placement customized to each shoe design’s structural needs during active wear.
Industrial Machine Manufacturing
Heavy machinery used in agriculture, construction, mining, and other industries all utilize rivets in their construction. These large machines are comprised of steel structural frames joined to sheet metal skin panels and other components. The CNC machining process is essential for drilling the many holes required for inserting structural rivets in heavy equipment. Manual riveting has been replaced by automated machines that can quickly insert thousands of rivets during machine assembly. Riveting provides consistent and reliable structure to join industrial machine parts which undergo heavy vibration, loading, and stress during operation.
Conclusion
Rivets have proven to be a versatile and reliable fastening method perfected for precision CNC manufacturing. The capabilities of computer numerical control to quickly, consistently, and accurately produce rivet holes has increased the use of riveting across many industries and applications. From the smallest electronics to giant aircraft and machinery, rivets join a vast array of products we use every day. CNC enabled automation makes large scale riveting feasible for everything from cars to washing machines to airplane wings. The many uses of rivets are a testament to this simple but profound fastening device. As manufacturing technology advances, the precision, speed, and usefulness of rivets are sure to expand even further. CNC Milling CNC Machining