The Importance of High Quality Rivets for CNC Machining(aluminum die cast Edison)

  • Time:
  • Click:7
  • source:YESCOM CNC Machining
Rivets are an essential component in many manufacturing and construction projects. While they may seem simple, having the right rivets can make all the difference in creating a secure and long-lasting product. This is especially true when working with computer numerical control (CNC) machining. When shopping for rivets for your CNC machining project, be sure to look for rivets that offer high quality and consistency. Here are some of the key factors to consider.
Material Strength
The material used to make rivets directly impacts their strength and durability. Aircraft grade aluminum is one of the most popular choices for CNC machined rivets thanks to its high strength-to-weight ratio. Titanium and steel rivets are other options when high strength is needed. The material needs to be strong enough to handle the stress and vibration of the application without failing prematurely.
Precision Manufacturing
Quality rivets start with precision manufacturing. The rivets should be produced to tight tolerances in diameter, grip length and other critical dimensions. Any variation in the size can translate to issues with properly securing parts together. CNC machined rivets offer extremely high accuracy and consistency versus other mass production methods.
Head Shape and Size
The head shape and size should match the design specifications. Some options like round head, countersunk head, universal head, flat head and modified flush head all have specific uses. Using the right head style allows the rivet to seat properly and function as intended. Precision CNC machines cut the rivet heads to precise specifications.
Proper Material Hardness
The hardness of the rivet impacts the drillability and driveability. Rivets that are too soft can result in rivets deforming during installation or shearing off. If the material is too hard, the rivets will be difficult to drill out or drive in place. Hardness can be adjusted during the heat-treating process. Reputable rivet manufacturers test and verify hardness during production to ensure quality.
Smooth Finish and Chamfers
The surface finish and edge chamfering are often overlooked but play a role in quality. A smooth finish allows for easier installation and removal while minimizing friction. Chamfered edges prevent scratches, burrs and cutting hazards during handling. This level of refinement requires CNC machining rather than other processes.
No Burrs or Imperfections
Burrs, cracks or other surface imperfections point to issues with production quality. Defects like these lead to failure down the road by creating stress risers. It only takes a small notch to compromise the integrity of the rivet. CNC machining, when properly managed, minimizes the risk of such defects appearing in the final product.
Tight Dimensional Tolerances
While the specs vary by application, quality rivets generally hold dimensional tolerances of +/- .001 in. This includes the shaft diameter, head height, grip length, etc. Holding tight tolerances guarantees consistency and reliability when installing the rivets. CNC machining and secondary operations like grinding allow manufactures to achieve these high precision standards at production volumes.
Sourcing Traceability
Reputable manufacturers provide full traceability on their rivets and keep lot traceability records. This allows any issues to be traced back to the material source or production lot. Make sure your supplier documents and discloses this information. Traceability reassures customers that the product meets quality standards.
Testing and Certifications
Extensive testing demonstrates adherence to specifications and gives customers confidence in using the product. Tensile testing, hardness testing and other checks should be performed. Quality rivet manufacturers also obtain industry certifications like ISO 9001 that validate their quality systems and procedures.
Package Protection
How the rivets are packaged also prevents damage during handling and storage. Features like resealable bags protect against dirt and moisture. Boxes or tubes provide stability while stacks of rivets are moved. Even small steps like plastic end caps demonstrate attention to quality.
By taking the time to source high quality rivets and hardware for your CNC machined components, you can feel confident in the durability and performance of your end product. The small added cost of quality rivets pays dividends over the lifespan of the component and helps maintain your reputation for quality manufacturing. CNC Milling CNC Machining