The Many Uses of Rivets in Manufacturing and Construction(ss304 vs ss316 Evelyn)
- Time:
- Click:7
- source:YESCOM CNC Machining
Rivets have been used since ancient times to assemble armor, bridges, ships, buildings and countless other structures and products. Early rivets were handcrafted from wrought iron and steel, but today most rivets are mass-produced from steel, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, titanium and other metals.
Thanks to their simplicity, strength and durability, rivets continue to be ubiquitous in manufacturing and construction. Here are some of the main modern applications for rivets:
Aircraft and Aerospace Applications
Aircraft construction has long relied heavily on rivets to assemble fuselages, wings, engine nacelles and other components. Early aircraft used solid aluminum rivets, but most modern planes use flush head rivets instead. Unlike protruding head rivets, flush head rivets sit flush with the surface for reduced drag. Aircraft-grade rivets are exceptionally reliable and are available with heads that can be bucked on one side for situations with limited access.
Bridge Construction
Steel rivets are extensively used in the construction of steel bridges around the world. They are commonly used to connect steel girders and to join bridge sections. Rivets in shear are an ideal design for earthquake country, since they are less prone to loosening and fatigue. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, for example, used about 1.2 million steel rivets in its original 1937 construction.
Shipbuilding
Ship hulls have long been held together with millions of steel rivets. However, most modern shipbuilding has transitioned to welded and bolted construction instead for improved structural integrity. Nonetheless, rivets are still commonly used to attach hull panels and join smaller-scale boat components. Copper rivets are also relied upon for their antifouling properties around areas prone to erosion.
Heavy Equipment and Vehicles
Cranes, bulldozers, locomotives, heavy trucks and other large machinery rely extensively on rivets for structural assembly and in high-stress applications. Rivets provide consistent clamping force and reliability on parts that undergo constant vibration and loading. They are also used to attach panels, handles, steps and other hardware to vehicle exteriors.
Building and Plumbing Products
The home construction trade continues to use aluminum and steel rivets for assembling roofing, guttering, siding, railings and recreational products. Copper rivets are commonly used to join pipes, fixtures and valves in plumbing systems. Stainless steel rivets also see indoor applications for appliances and hardware. Blind rivets allow for easy riveting on projects with limited access.
CNC Machining
CNC machining applies automated precision drilling and riveting to mass produce aircraft, vehicle, machinery, electronics and other manufactured parts. Programmable riveting machines install rows of rivets along designed joint lines faster than manual assembly. Aircraft wings and fuselages, for example, are largely constructed through automated drilling and riveting.
Use in Arts and Crafts
Blind aluminum and steel rivets are also popular for use assembling projects like sculptures, models, appliances, furniture, hobby aircraft and armor. Their ability to join mixed materials makes them versatile for prototypes and small batch production. Hand squeeze rivet tools allow rivets to be easily set without heavy bucking equipment.
Rivets Continue to Play a Key Role
From aircraft and bridges to boats and buildings, rivets remain an indispensible fastening method across manufacturing and construction. They are relatively inexpensive, lightweight, reliable, and can be installed quickly using manual or automated processes. The enduring usefulness of the humble rivet is a testament to the enduring ingenuity of this ancient mechanical fastener. Modern industry continues to find new applications for this ancient technology. CNC Milling CNC Machining