Uses for Rivets in Manufacturing and Construction(mig welder vs tig Theodore)
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- source:GAENOR CNC Machining
In Metal Fabrication
One of the most prevalent uses for rivets is in metal fabrication. They are extensively used to assemble sheet metal parts in a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, electronics, appliances, and more.
Some specific applications include:
- Joining body panels and aircraft/automobile parts. Rivets create smooth, flush joints while allowing some flexibility.
- Assembling electronic enclosures and cases like computer chassis or control boxes. Rivets allow for disassembly for maintenance and repairs.
- Joining sheets to frames in truck trailers, railcars, and cargo containers. Rivets withstand vibration and shock loads.
- Assembling consumer appliance bodies and parts like washing machines, refrigerators, etc.
Rivets are preferred for metal fabrication because compared to other mechanical fasteners:
- They create a permanent, rigid connection that rarely loosens.
- Installation only requires access from one side of the material.
- They accommodate some variation in hole size/alignment.
- Flush rivets provide a smooth surface finish.
In Construction
In building and construction, rivets reliably join structural steel, bridges, and high-rise structures:
- Structural steel rivets are used to connect I-beams, channels and gusset plates in buildings, transmission towers, cranes etc. They transfer shear loads effectively between members.
- Elevated fasteners like bridge rivets connect truss members, girder webs and flanges subject to tension, compression and cyclic loads over decades. Bridge rivets come in diameters up to 1 inch.
- Crane rail rivets assemble continuous crane runways used in factories and shipyards to handle heavy loads. The rivets absorb vibration and shock impacts.
- Boiler rivets withstand prolonged exposure to high pressure and temperatures to fasten boiler parts.
- Blind rivets are popular in building construction as they can be installed from one side without access behind the panel. They firmly fasten sidings, roofing, HVAC ducts and more while allowing some flexibility.
Advantages like high clamping force, vibration resistance, and durability make rivets a staple fastener in steel construction.
In Manufacturing Machinery
Rivets are commonly used in manufacturing machinery for assembling machine frames, bases, supports, guards etc.
- Machine frame rivets create rigid joints between structural members that must stay square and aligned. Vibration resistance prevents loosening.
- Base and support rivets provide a strong foundation bolting down equipment like lathes, presses and CNC machines. Stiff riveted joints reduce vibration.
- Sheet metal machine guards are assembled with rivets as they allow disassembly for maintenance access. Blind rivets are often used for easier installation.
- Pressure vessel rivets join parts like tanks, pipelines, boilers, etc. and withstand internal pressure and corrosion.
Rivets enjoy widespread use in machinery for their vibration damping quality, ability to bear shear loads, and ease of installation in blind locations.
Other Common Applications
- Furniture: Rivets discreetly assemble furniture frames. Blind rivets install brackets and hardware.
- Playground equipment uses structural and blind rivets to assemble climbers, slides, and swings.
- Scaffolding assembly relies on rivets to safely bear dynamic live loads.
- Automotive: Rivets install spare tires, racks, running boards, and other accessories when welding is not possible.
- Boats/Ships use rivets instead of adhesives to assemble parts that contact water.
- Rail transport uses special cold rivets that can be installed in sub-zero temps to assemble track components.
- Jewelry makers use miniature rivets as an alternative to soldering delicate materials like gold chains and bracelets.
In Summary
Rivets fill a unique niche as a permanent mechanical fastener that joins materials where welding, bolts, or adhesives won't suffice. Their versatility, strength, and ease of automated installation will continue to make them an assembly staple in manufacturing and construction for the foreseeable future. CNC Milling CNC Machining