High Quality Rivets Are Essential For CNC Machining(metal manufacturers near me Joanne)
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What Are Rivets?
A rivet is a mechanical fastener that consist of two parts - a cylinder shaped shaft and a head. The shaft is inserted into holes drilled or punched into the materials being joined. The excess length of the shaft extends out the other side and is mechanically deformed to create a second head. This process is called riveting and it creates a permanent joint. The material flexes into an enlarged shape which holds the rivet in place through friction and pressure against the joined materials.
Rivets have been used since ancient times to assemble materials in infrastructure, transportation, machinery and more. Today, rivets remain ubiquitous across many industries. Modern manufacturing techniques have improved the consistency and precision of rivets for more demanding applications.
Key Properties of Quality Rivets
When assessing rivets for use in CNC machining, here are some of the most important factors to evaluate:
- Hardness - The rivet must withstand considerable force during heading without deforming. Harder rivets made from steel, aluminum alloys, etc. resist wear better.
- Shear Strength - This determines how much load the rivet can withstand perpendicular to its axis. High shear strength prevents tearing through joined materials.
- Tensile Strength - Measures resistance to forces pulling/stretching along the rivet's axis. Prevents the rivet from snapping during machine stress.
- Head Shape - Different rivet head shapes suit varying applications. CNC machining commonly uses flat heads or countersunk heads.
- Diameter Consistency - Minimal variation in shaft diameter enables uniform clamping force and consistent rivet setting.
- Concentricity - Perfectly concentric rivets allow uniform compression and stress resistance during heading.
- Minimal Flashing - Flashing is excess material along the rivet edge. It can compromise joint integrity and aesthetics. Quality control should screen flashing.
Optimized Materials for CNC Rivets
CNC machining applies significant stress, vibration, friction and more against rivets. The best materials provide durability along with ease of installation. Common materials include:
- Steel - Offers excellent hardness and shear/tensile strength. Carbon steel, alloy steel and stainless steel are common options. Stainless provides corrosion resistance.
- Aluminum - Lightweight aluminum alloys balance hardness with ductility to avoid cracking. Aerospace grade aluminum is ideal for CNC.
- Monel - A nickel-copper alloy with high tensile strength suitable for marine and other corrosive environments.
- Titanium - Extremely strong but lightweight. Used in aircraft and other applications where weight matters. Resists corrosion.
- Brass - Brass rivets provide an appealing finish. The softer material requires less driving force during riveting.
Sourcing Quality CNC Rivets
With an understanding of critical rivet properties and materials, you can source optimized rivets for CNC projects. Here are some recommendations:
- Work with established manufacturers that specialize in rivets and fasteners for industrial applications. They will understand the demands of CNC machining.
- Make sure suppliers follow tight quality control standards for dimensions, consistency, material purity and more. Ask about their QC processes.
- Inquire about available head shapes/sizes, material grades and other options to get the right rivets for the application.
- For custom lengths or special requirements, see if the manufacturer can modify stock rivets to your specifications.
- Request samples before purchasing large quantities to ensure the rivets perform as expected.
- Compare pricing from different sources, but prioritize quality - cheap rivets can damage CNC machines and parts.
Installing CNC Rivets
The riveting process itself also influences joint quality. Follow these tips when riveting materials together in CNC applications:
- Use the recommended hole size – undersized holes make insertion difficult but oversized holes reduce rivet grip.
- Clamp materials to keep everything square and stable during riveting.
- For structural integrity, have at least 3 rivet diameters between holes and rivet edges.
- Use the correct rivet set tools to uniformly head rivets without damage.
- Set rivets to the manufacturer's specified force – excessive force can crack materials.
- Stagger rows of rivets where possible to distribute load and stress evenly.
- Apply sealant/adhesive around holes to prevent moisture ingress and corrosion.
With high quality rivets made from optimized materials, you can create CNC machined products that meet demanding mechanical requirements. Paying close attention to rivet specifications and installation procedures will ensure strong, reliable and long-lasting end products. Your machine shop can turn out parts with confidence and efficiency using the right rivets sourced from reputable suppliers. CNC Milling