Uses for Rivets in Manufacturing and Construction(hot chamber die casting Abner)
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Rivets have been used since ancient times to construct buildings, bridges, ships, railroad tracks, aircraft, and countless other products. Today, rivets continue to be invaluable for both permanent and temporary fastening needs. Here are some of the main uses for rivets in modern manufacturing and construction:
Aircraft and Aerospace Applications
The aerospace industry relies heavily on rivets to assemble airplane fuselages, wings, engine nacelles, and other components. Aircraft require vast numbers of rivets - for example, a Boeing 747 jet uses over 3 million rivets in its construction. The rivets used in aircraft are specialized high-strength types designed to handle vibration, fatigue, and temperature extremes. Common aircraft rivets include flush head rivets, countersunk head rivets, and specialty rivets for fastening composites.
Metal Fabrication and Machinery
Rivets provide a simple and efficient way to fasten sheet metal fabrications, enclosures, trailers, conveyors, and machinery. Using rivets rather than alternatives like welding or bolts allows manufacturers to avoid heat distortion, assemble dissimilar metals, and speed up production. Standard rivets like round head, flat head, and drive rivets are commonly used for these general fabrication purposes. Self-piercing rivets that combine drilling and riveting in one operation are also popular.
Automotive Manufacturing
Cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles incorporate thousands of rivets in their bodies and interior components. Rivets provide high shear strength while allowing some flexibility to handle chassis stress and vibration. OEM auto manufacturers and parts suppliers use rivets throughout engine and transmission assemblies, mufflers, wheels, seats, door panels, and more. Custom rivets with flush aerodynamic heads improve automobile aesthetics and performance.
Appliances and Electronics
The manufacture of appliances and electronic devices like washers, dryers, computers, medical devices, and industrial electronics relies on specialty rivets suited for plastic and sheet metal assembly. Small head rivets, soft grip rivets, and self-clinching rivets excel in these applications. Using rivets provides more consistent fastening than screws while resisting vibration loosening. Rivets also conduct electricity well and avoid problems with EMI/RFI shielding.
Building and Construction
Rivets secure steel I-beams, rebar, pipes, sheet piling, studs, roofing, siding, gutters, and ductwork on commercial buildings and residential homes. Structural rivets come in high strength grades that perform well even under seismic activity and weather extremes. Drive rivets allow construction crews to quickly attach metal roofing and sidings. Pop rivets provide a simple portable means of fastening braces, electrical boxes, HVAC components, and fittings indoors and out.
Shipbuilding and Marine Applications
The demanding environment of ships and offshore marine structures requires the utmost reliability from every fastener. Rivets have proven their seaworthiness for over a century on vessels of all types. Shipbuilders use structural rivets by the tens of thousands to assemble hulls, decks, bulkheads, railings, pipes, and more. Below water, rivets withstand corrosion far better than metal fasteners. On deck, they provide the highest shear strength for masts, cranes, and gear.
Railroad Tracks and Heavy Equipment
Riveting remains a trusted method of connecting railroad tracks and assembling locomotives, railcars, bulldozers, cranes, and mining equipment. The repetitive high impact loads and vibration encountered in these applications can quickly loosen nuts and bolts. Rivets on the other hand form a permanent vibration-resistant joint. Specialty head profiles, drive rivet systems, and installation tools allow for reliable heavy duty riveting even in the field.
Scaffolding, Ladders, and Safety Equipment
Portable riveted constructions like scaffolding, ladders, barricades, and fall arrest systems rely on hot driven rivets to form strong, permanent joints out of tubes and angles. Hot riveting does not require electricity on the jobsite and ensures a tight seal against within the joint – critical for safety gear. Stainless steel and aluminum rivets provide lasting corrosion resistance in outdoor environments.
While traditional solid rivets still dominate many of these applications, new blind rivets continue to grow in popularity as well. Blind rivets can be installed from one side rather than needing access to both sides of a joint. Different types like pop rivets, split rivets, and breakneck rivets each offer their own benefits and capabilities for onsite jobs.
In summary, rivets deliver unmatched versatility, strength, and durability across countless essential manufacturing and construction applications. Their flexibility, economy, and ease of installation make rivets a staple fastening method that will continue to be a mainstay for assembly in all sorts of products and structures for the foreseeable future. Whether used occasionally or by the thousands, rivets get the job done right. CNC Milling CNC Machining