Rivets are mechanical fasteners with a cylindrical shaft and head, used to permanently join materials by deforming the tail end. Their simplicity, vibration resistance, and structural reliability make them essential in aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics industries.
| Type | Functional Features | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Solid Rivets | High shear strength, permanent installation | Aerospace structural joints |
| 2. Blind Rivets | Single-side installation capability | Enclosed panel assembly |
| 3. Split Rivets | Flexible tail expansion for soft materials | Leather goods and plastic |
| 4. Drive Rivets | Low-profile design with high pull-out resistance | Sheet metal ductwork |
| 5. Structural Rivets | Optimized for load-bearing applications | Bridge construction |
Typical rivet structure includes: - Head (manufacturing head, bearing surface) - Shaft (smooth or threaded cylindrical section) - Tail (deformable end for mating surface) Materials: Aluminum alloys (2024-T4), Steel (A108), Stainless Steel (304/316), Monel, Plastic (Nylon 66)
| Parameter | Significance |
|---|---|
| Diameter (2-8mm standard) | Determines shear/bearing capacity |
| Length (4-50mm range) | Material thickness compatibility |
| Material Strength (414-1034MPa) | Load-bearing capability |
| Corrosion Resistance (ASTM B488) | Environmental durability |
| Installation Force (1.5-15kN) | Tooling requirements |
| Manufacturer | Representative Products |
|---|---|
| B llhoff Group | POP Avdel aerospace rivets |
| Southco | Flush head composite rivets |
| Emhart Tek | Multi-grip blind rivets |
| Cherry Aerospace | MaxiLOK structural rivets |
Key considerations: 1. Material compatibility (aluminum vs. stainless steel) 2. Joint thickness requirements 3. Environmental exposure (marine vs. industrial) 4. Installation access (single-side vs. double-side) 5. Certification requirements (NASM8000 series for aerospace)
Emerging developments include: - Self-piercing rivets eliminating pre-drilling (Tesla Model Y uses 30% SPR) - Smart rivets with embedded strain sensors - Bio-resorbable polymer rivets for medical implants - Automated robotic riveting systems achieving 120 rivets/min - Corrosion-resistant coatings extending service life beyond 20 years
