High Quality Rivets for Precision CNC Manufacturing(cnc machining Myron)
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Defining Quality Rivets
A quality rivet for CNC applications is one that consistently provides secure fastening strength, precision alignment of parts, and smooth feeding through automated machinery. Key indicators of a good CNC rivet include:
- Tight dimensional tolerances - Quality control standards that ensure consistency in the diameter, length, head shape/size, and other dimensions. This enables precise positioning and alignment.
- Optimized material strength - Aircraft-grade aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and other materials that provide good shear and tensile strength for secure fastening.
- Reliable feeding - Shank and head dimensions that allow smooth automated feeding from vibratory bowls, stick magazines, and other rivet feeding systems.
- Precision head shapes - Cup head, flat head, and countersunk head options available for automated flush riveting.
- Flexibility - Different grip lengths, diameters, and materials to suit varied fastening applications.
Leading rivet manufacturers will adhere to strict production and quality control practices to produce rivets meeting these criteria for CNC environments. This includes state-of-the-art forming machines, automated vision inspection, and other innovations for high precision and consistency.
Popular CNC Rivet Types
Choosing the right rivet type and specifications is critical based on the application requirements. Here are some of the most common varieties suitable for CNC manufacturing:
Blind Rivets
These rivets are inserted into pre-drilled holes from one side of a workpiece for fastening where only one surface is accessible. Blind rivets are available with different head styles and in multiple materials, providing good shear strength. The mandrel stem helps compress the rivet for blind side clamping. Popular types include:
- Pop rivets - Steel/aluminum blind rivets with small domed heads. The mandrel snaps off after installation.
- Breakstem rivets - Similar to pop rivets but with larger flanged heads and mandrel designed to break off closer to the rivet head.
- Split rivets - Steel or copper alloy rivets with split stems for blind side compression.
- Interlock rivets - Aluminum blind rivets with a locking mechanism to prevent rotation and enhance resistance to vibration.
Solid Rivets
Unlike blind rivets, solid rivets require access to both sides of a workpiece for installation. They consist of a cylindrical shank and head without any internal mandrel. Common solid rivets for CNC use include:
- Round head rivets - General purpose steel/aluminum rivets with domed heads.
- Countersunk head rivets - Allows rivet heads to sit flush with the workpiece surface.
- Large flange head - Provides a wide clamping surface and can withstand high shear loads.
- Drive rivets - Tubular aluminum rivets applied using a hammer-set tool and dimpling die for high tensile strength.
Tubular Rivets
These hollow and open-ended aluminum rivets provide excellent shear strength-to-weight ratio. Tubular types like grip rivets and Huck bolts utilize an installation tool to mechanically pull the shank and flare the tail for blind side clamping. The tubular design distributes load over walls for fatigue resistance.
Specialty Rivets
In addition, manufacturers offer rivets designed for challenging CNC applications, such as:
- High strength steel rivets - For critical high load joints. Heat treated for enhanced hardness and shear/tensile strength.
- Corrosion resistant rivets - Stainless steel and aluminum materials for long-lasting performance in harsh environments.
- High temperature rivets - Advanced alloys that maintain mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. Useful in automotive and aircraft engines.
- Ultra-grip length rivets - For joining thicker or multi-layer stacked material. Grip lengths ranging from 0.25 inch to 1 inch.
- Custom length and head rivets - For unique joint design requirements and optimized automated feeding.
By selecting the optimal rivet type and collaborating closely with suppliers on specifications, companies can take full advantage of CNC automation while achieving robust, precision end products.
Automated Riveting Processes
CNC machines enable consistent and efficient riveting versus manual methods. Typical automated processes include:
CNC Drilling/Driving - CNC machining centers use special riveting heads to drill holes and upset the rivets in one continuous operation. No secondary staking or fastening step required.
Robotic Riveting - Articulated robots, like those from KUKA and FANUC, can be programmed to swiftly handle rivet installation for high volume production. Flexible grippers allow robots to feed and insert a range of rivet types and sizes.
In-Die Riveting - Riveting metal stamping dies outfitted with pilots guide self-piercing rivets to pierce the upper sheet layer and flare against the lower layer in a single stroke of the press.
Automated Feeding - Vibratory bowls, stick magazines, and tape feeds connected to the CNC machine or robot keep the rivets flowing for uninterrupted production cycles.
Inspection - Machine vision systems check installed rivet quality and dimensions to ensure strength specifications are met.
Proper integration of the automated machinery, programming, tooling, and inspection processes is key to achieving efficient and mistake-proof riveting results.
Quality Matters with CNC Riveting
In applications from aircraft assemblies to off-road vehicle construction to medical device fabrication, quality rivets are paramount for safety, durability, and performance. By partnering with a trusted rivet manufacturer that understands automated production and invests in state-of-the-art manufacturing, CNC users can realize faster cycle times, lower production costs, and a flawless finished product. With stringent sourcing of materials, tight tolerance control, and vision inspection, the best suppliers provide rivets that repeatedly perform right the first time for any automated manufacturing line. CNC Milling CNC Machining