Quality Rivets for CNC Machining(rivet in metal Erica)
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What Makes a Quality Rivet?
When assessing rivet quality, here are some key factors to consider:
Material Strength and Durability
High strength materials like steel, aluminum, and titanium withstand pressure and impacts without bending, deforming, or cracking. Durability against corrosion and weathering are also important.
Precision Manufacturing
Quality rivets have a high degree of dimensional accuracy and conformity to specifications. Proper head shape and shank length allow flush driving into materials. Consistent sizing also allows for interchangeability.
Optimized Design
Design features like large flange heads, grooved shanks, break mandrels, and specialty coatings all serve functional purposes for different applications. Quality rivets optimize these design factors.
Structural Integrity
Testing conducted on rivets ensures they meet requirements for tensile strength, shear strength, and fatigue life. Quality rivets will maintain integrity throughout the life of the finished product.
Consistency
Consistency in materials, dimensions, quality control, and performance characteristics allows for standardization and reliability.
Common Rivet Types for CNC Machining
Here are some of the most common rivet types suitable for CNC machining processes:
Blind Rivets
Blind rivets, also called pop rivets, have mandrels that are pulled to mechanically fasten materials together from only one side, without needing backside access. The flange head remains on the front side after driving the rivet.
Solid Rivets
Solid shank rivets without a mandrel are commonly used for pivot points. The rivet head pivots inside a countersunk hole.
Drive Rivets
Drive rivets have small heads and are driven using force from hammers, presses, or CNC equipment. They create very strong joints.
Structural Rivets
Structural rivets like universal head rivets and countersunk head rivets provide high shear strength for structural applications.
Tubular Rivets
Tubular rivets have hollow, cylindrical bodies that create strong, tight joints for sheet metal fabrication.
Self-Piercing Rivets
Self-piercing rivets drill through stacked sheets of material during the riveting process to eliminate pre-drilled holes.
How to Select Quality Rivets for CNC Machining
Consider the following factors when selecting rivets for CNC machining:
Joint Strength Needed
Determine the shear and tensile strength required. Structural and drive rivets typically allow for stronger joints.
Materials Used
Match rivet material and treatments to the base materials being joined to optimize strength and corrosion resistance.
Base Material Thickness
Choose rivets long enough to fully penetrate the material being joined without excess length.
Accessibility
Consider whether blind or solid rivets are needed for limited accessibility. Blind rivets can be installed from one side.
Holes Required
If pre-drilled holes are needed, select rivets to match the hole size. Self-piercing rivets remove this step.
Head Shape and Size
Choose rivet heads to sit flush or countersunk into the base material without bottoming out.
Automated Installation
For CNC machining, use rivets suitable for automated high-speed installation into pre-drilled or self-pierced holes.
Production Volumes
Higher volume rivet needs may require availability in bulk quantities and consistent sizing.
By taking these factors into account, manufacturers can dial in the optimal rivets for their specific CNC machining applications.
CNC Machining Process Considerations
The CNC machining process introduces some additional considerations for quality rivets:
Feed Rates and Speeds
CNC parameters must suit the rivet placement rate into the holes, allowing sufficient time for quality engagement without damaging the materials or rivet.
Hole Alignment
Consistent fixturing ensures properly aligned holes for straight rivet driving without bending or rupture.
Hole Sizing
Avoid undersized holes that can split rivets during driving or oversized holes that reduce joint strength.
Tooling and Drivers
Use recommended tooling and rivet setters to avoid damaging rivet heads or bases during high-speed automated installation.
Quality Control Checks
Conduct test runs and quality control checks to confirm installed rivets meet target specifications for hole fill percentage and joint strength.
By optimizing these factors, CNC machining can deliver high precision, repeatable riveting for maximum quality and joint integrity.
Conclusion
From fundamental material properties to head design and driving methods, many factors determine quality rivets well-suited to CNC machined products. By selecting the best rivet type and size for the application requirements and optimizing the CNC machining parameters, manufacturers can rely on strong, durable rivet joints in their finished products. With an understanding of the available rivet options and how they correspond to your production needs, you can source excellent quality rivets for reliable CNC machined assemblies. CNC Milling