Impact: Semi-Tubular Rivets
What material should my semi-tubular rivet be for impact riveting?
Semi-tubular rivets are commonly made from materials such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and brass. The choice depends on the application’s requirements for strength, corrosion resistance, and conductivity.
How long should my rivet be?
The shank length is determined by the part stack-up thickness and the required rivet stick-out. This stick-out is also known as clinch allowance and is generally between 50-55% of the shank diameter.
How big should the hole for my rivet be?
The rivet hole should be .010” to .015” larger than the rivet shank diameter for proper fit and to allow deformation during impact riveting. Proper hole alignment is also critical to prevent binding or uneven riveting.
Impact: Solid Rivets
What are the advantages of using solid rivets in an assembly?
- High shear strength for demanding applications
- Durability and resistance to loosening under vibration
- Reliable performance over time, even in harsh environments
What are the advantages of impact riveting for solid rivets?
- High-speed operation for mass production
- Strong and durable joints for heavy-duty applications
- Reliable performance in high-vibration environments
How long should my solid rivet be for Impact Riveting?
The rule-of-thumb is that the rivet stick out that protrudes through the part stack up prior to riveting should be about 100% of the rivet diameter. For example, if you are using an 1/8” (3.175mm) rivet, the stick out should be about .1/8” (1.575 mm) – meaning the length of your rivet should be equal to the part stack up plus 1/8”.
What applications are best suited for impact riveting with solid rivets?
- High-volume production lines
- Assemblies requiring strong, vibration-resistant joints, such as automotive or industrial equipment
Orbital/Radial Riveting:
How do I select the correct rivet material for my application?
- Common materials for solid rivets include:
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, suitable for low to moderate strength requirements
- Steel: Offers high strength but may require coatings for corrosion resistance
- Stainless Steel: High corrosion resistance with moderate strength
- Copper/Brass: Good for electrical conductivity and decorative purposes
The material should align with the application’s strength, corrosion, and thermal requirements
What are the advantages of using solid rivets in an assembly?
- High shear strength for demanding applications
- Durability and resistance to loosening under vibration
- Reliable performance over time, even in harsh environments
What are the advantages of orbital forming for solid rivets?
- Precise control over forming force and shape
- Smooth, uniform finishes on the rivet’s tail
- Suitable for delicate materials, as the process applies less direct force compared to impact riveting
- Minimizes stresses on surrounding materials
How long should my solid rivet be for Orbital Forming?
It is suggested that the length of the stick out that protrudes through the part stack up prior to forming should be about 50-60% of the rivet diameter. For example, if you are using an 1/8” (3.175mm) rivet, the stick out should be about .062” (1.575 mm) – meaning the length of your rivet should be equal to the part stack up plus .062”. This is only a rule-of-thumb as this percentage can change based on the desired finished form specifications.
What are the design considerations for rivet hole size and alignment?
Rivet holes should be about .010” - .015” (.254 mm - .381 mm) larger than the rivet shank diameter for proper fit.
Precise alignment is critical to avoid uneven forming or weak joints.