Riveting in Sheet Metal Fabrication(glass beading Ira)
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How Rivets Work
A rivet consists of a cylindrical shaft and a head. To install a rivet, the parts to be joined are clamped together and a hole is drilled through them. The rivet is inserted into the hole and the tail end is upset, or deformed, to create a second head. This upsetting process expands the rivet and clamps the sheets tightly together between the two heads.
The deformation and friction hold the rivet in place securely, creating a permanent joint. Rivets are installed using manual, pneumatic, or hydraulic rivet tools that grip the rivet and provide the force needed to upset the tail. Rivets come in many head styles, shapes, and materials to suit different applications.
Types of Rivets
There are several types of rivets commonly used in sheet metal fabrication:
- Solid/blind rivets - These have a pre-formed head on one end and are driven using a special rivet gun. The gun upsets the tail to form the second head. No access to the back side is needed for installation.
- Semi-tubular rivets - These look like a sleeve with the head pre-formed on one end. The rivet gun upsets the tail and fills the sleeve. Semi-tubular rivets provide more grip than solid rivets.
- Drive rivets - These look like a nail with a wide head. They are driven using a hammer rather than an upset process. The rivet displaces the metal sheets as it's driven to clamp them together.
- Self-piercing rivets - As the name suggests, these pierce through the metal sheets without pre-drilling. Often used on overlapped light gauge metals.
- Structural rivets - Used for heavy structural connections. They have large head styles and high shear/tensile strength. Often used in bridge, shipbuilding, etc.
Rivet Materials
Rivets come in a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and specialty alloys like Monel. Steel and aluminum are most common for general sheet metal work. Stainless steel provides corrosion resistance while Monel offers both corrosion and high temperature resistance. The material choice depends on the service environment and structural loads.
Best Practices for Riveting Sheet Metal
Here are some tips for quality riveting in sheet metal fabrication:
- Use the recommended drill size for the rivet diameter to achieve optimal grip and performance. Keep holes centered on the joining point.
- Clamp materials firmly to keep everything aligned while drilling and riveting. Use dedicated clamps or C-clamps.
- Use properly sized and maintained installation tools to ensure proper deformation and clamping force. Replace worn jaws regularly.
- Apply pressure on rivet gun nosepiece when upsetting rivets. Keep the tool firmly perpendicular to the surface.
- Use rivet sets to form the correct head profile and avoid damage. Change sets with rivet diameter.
- Set rivets starting from the middle and working outwards to draw the materials tightly together.
- For structural joints, follow specified edge distances, spacing, and row offsets between rivets.
- Deburr all holes thoroughly to avoid cutting seals or damaging mating components.
- Seal or paint over rivets when needed to protect against corrosion. Avoid unnecessary holes in sensitive areas.
With the right techniques, proper tooling, and an understanding of how rivets work, strong and reliable riveted joints can be consistently achieved for sheet metal applications. Riveting remains a primary joining method across many fabrication industries due to the speed, versatility, and permanence it provides. CNC Milling CNC Machining