Uses for Rivets in CNC Manufacturing(basics of cnc machining Joanne)
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What are Rivets?
A rivet is a mechanical fastener that consists of two main parts - a smooth cylindrical shaft and a head. The shaft is inserted into pre-drilled holes in the materials being joined. The excess material below the head is then deformed to create a second head, clamping the materials together. This creates a permanent tubular rivet solidly fastening the parts.
Rivets are available in many materials, sizes, head styles and treatments to meet different strength, appearance and cost requirements. Common materials include aluminum, steel, copper, stainless steel, titanium and specialty alloys. Head styles include round, countersunk and specialty profiles. Rivet shafts may be left plain or treated with processes like anodizing for corrosion resistance.
Benefits of Rivets for CNC Applications
Rivets offer unique benefits that make them a top choice for many CNC machining applications:
- High Strength - The riveting process work-hardens and expands the rivet, creating a very tight joint that resists tension and shear forces. Rivet strength often exceeds that of the materials being joined.
- Vibration Resistance - Rivet heads securely clamp materials while allowing rotational movement. This makes riveted joints resistant to vibration loosening.
- Quick Installation - Rivets can be quickly inserted and headed to efficiently mass produce riveted products. Automated riveting systems minimize production time.
- Material Versatility - Rivets can join dissimilar materials like metals to plastics. The tubular rivet body isolates materials from direct contact.
- Reusability - Most rivets allow one-time assembly only. However, some types like blind rivets are removable and reusable if needed.
- Appearance - Countersunk and specialty head rivets provide a smooth exterior surface and finished look.
CNC Rivet Production
With CNC machining, rivets can be mass produced to high tolerances and with minimal material waste. Here are some of the ways CNC systems produce rivet parts and drive automated riveting:
- CNC Turning - Computer controlled lathes with live tooling are ideal for producing large batches of rivet shafts. Precision cutting forms the rivet lengths with required diameter and surface finishes.
- CNC Heading - Secondary CNC machines rapidly form rivet heads using cold heading processes. Different head configurations can be programmed for production flexibility.
- CNC Drilling and Countersinking - CNC machining centers accurately drill rivet placement holes and countersinks in parts to be joined. This optimizes rivet performance and appearance.
- CNC Riveting - Automated riveting machines use servos, presses and robots to quickly insert rivets and form heads. Integration with other CNCs allows just-in-time riveting during production.
- CNC Automation - Flexible manufacturing systems can connect multiple CNC machines with part handling equipment for complete high-volume rivet production and installation.
Riveting Applications in CNC Manufacturing
The versatility of CNC riveting makes it useful across many manufacturing industries:
Aerospace - Rivets are extensively used in aircraft assembly. CNC automation allows mass production of rivets and efficient riveting of fuselage skins, wings, and other components that require light weight and high strength.
Transportation - CNC riveting excels at joining aluminum and steel components in vehicles including cars, trucks, trains, and ships. Rivets withstand vibration while permitting some flexing between parts.
Electronics - Miniature rivets produced by precision CNC machining are ideal for assembling electronics enclosures, chassis and components. Automated riveting provides rapid production.
HVAC and Appliances - Sheet metal ducting, blowers, doors, panels, and fittings are all commonly joined with CNC produced and installed rivets.
Furniture and Fixtures - The joining flexibility of rivets allows use in furniture, retail displays, storage systems, and glass framing. CNC automation suits high volume production.
Signs and Decor - CNC riveting is used to assemble dimensional letters, logos and decorative metal panels. Rivets allow for screwless assembly and finished appearance.
Key Takeaways
CNC machining brings rivet production and installation to new levels of speed, precision and automation. This expands the usefulness of rivets across many manufacturing sectors. Understanding CNC riveting capabilities allows the optimal selection of materials, rivet styles, production methods and automation levels for a given product design and volume need. With a versatile fastening solution like CNC-produced rivets, manufacturers gain flexibility to efficiently join materials and components in mass production or custom projects. CNC Milling CNC Machining