Industry knowledge
What are structural rivets and how are they used?
Structural rivets are a type of fastener used to join two or more materials together in a strong and durable manner. They are typically made of high-strength materials such as aluminum, steel, or titanium, and are designed to provide a permanent, high-strength connection.
Structural rivets are used in a variety of industrial and construction applications, including aerospace, automotive, marine, and structural engineering. They are often used in situations where welding or other joining methods may not be practical or desirable, such as when joining dissimilar materials or when a joint needs to be made in a hard-to-reach location.
To use structural rivets, a hole is drilled through the materials to be joined, and the rivet is inserted into the hole. A special tool called a rivet gun is used to pull the mandrel (the thin metal pin that runs through the center of the rivet) through the rivet body, causing the tail end of the rivet to expand and form a head on the opposite side of the material. This head creates a strong, permanent connection between the two materials.
Structural rivets come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit different applications, and can be used to join materials of varying thicknesses. They are often used in conjunction with other types of fasteners, such as bolts or screws, to create even stronger connections.
What materials can be joined using structural rivets?
Structural rivets can be used to join a wide range of materials, including:
Metals: Structural rivets are commonly used to join various types of metals, including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, and copper.
Composites: Structural rivets can also be used to join composite materials, such as carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, fiberglass, and Kevlar.
Plastics: Some types of structural rivets can be used to join plastic materials, such as polycarbonate, PVC, and ABS.
Wood: Structural rivets can also be used to join wood materials, such as plywood, MDF, and particleboard.
Ceramics: In some cases, structural rivets can even be used to join ceramic materials, such as porcelain and ceramic tiles.
However, it is important to note that the type of material being joined will affect the choice of rivet material, size, and installation method. It is important to carefully select the appropriate rivet for the application, taking into account factors such as the strength requirements, joint configuration, and environmental conditions.
How are structural rivets installed, and what tools are required?
Structural rivets are typically installed using a special tool called a rivet gun, which pulls the mandrel through the rivet body to form the head and create a tight, permanent joint. Here are the general steps for installing structural rivets:
Drill a hole: First, a hole is drilled through the materials to be joined. The hole should be slightly larger than the diameter of the rivet.
Insert the rivet: The rivet is inserted into the hole, with the head of the rivet on one side of the material and the tail on the other.
Position the rivet gun: The rivet gun is positioned over the tail of the rivet.
Pull the trigger: The trigger of the rivet gun is pulled, which causes the mandrel to be pulled through the rivet body. As the mandrel is pulled, it deforms the tail end of the rivet and creates a head on the opposite side of the material.
Inspect the joint: After the rivet is installed, the joint should be inspected to ensure that it is tight and secure.
The specific tools required for installing structural rivets will depend on the type and size of rivet being used. In addition to the rivet gun, a drill, drill bits, and possibly a special mandrel removal tool may be required. It is important to use the correct tools and techniques for the specific type of rivet being installed to ensure a strong and secure joint.