For centuries, people have constantly used various fasteners to connect disparate parts into a single whole. One of the most popular types of fasteners are rivets. Rivets are one of the oldest forms of joints in the world of construction and manufacturing. Their versatility and effectiveness allow them to be used in various industries, from aircraft construction to conventional repairs.
Content
- History of rivets
- The main types of rivets
- Industrial Applications
- Use in construction
- Advantages and disadvantages
1. History of rivets
Rivets have long been an important part of the construction and production processes of mankind. Their history goes back thousands of years and reflects the development of technology and the art of engineering.
Ancient Times
The first rivets appeared in the Bronze Age. They were handcrafted from copper or bronze and were used to join metal parts such as armor, shields, or jewelry. In particular, in the excavations of ancient civilizations, objects assembled with copper or bronze rivets are often found.
Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, rivets became the main method of joining parts of plate armor. This technology was also actively used in shipbuilding.
Industrial Revolution
With the development of industry and metallurgy in the 18th and 19th centuries, the technology for making rivets improved significantly. They became more durable and wear-resistant, which allowed their widespread use in the construction of bridges, railways and other large structures.
20th century
In the 20th century, with the development of aviation, rivets became the focus again. They were used to connect the metal plates of aircraft bodies, because they provided tightness and aerodynamics. But over time, in aviation, they began to be gradually replaced by more modern connection technologies.
Modernity
Today, rivets remain an important means of fastening in a number of industries. Thanks to modern materials and technologies, they have become even stronger, lighter and more durable.
2. Main types of rivets
Rivets occupy a special place in the arsenal of fasteners due to their variety and versatility of applications. They can be made of different materials and shapes, making them suitable for different tasks. Let’s take a look at the main types of rivets used in industry and construction.
Bursting rivets (blind)
This type of rivet is also called “blind” rivets because they can be installed when there is access from only one side. They are made up of two main parts: the rod and the body. During installation, the rod is tightened, which causes the housing to expand and the parts to securely fasten together.
Non-breaking rivets
These rivets are traditionally used in aviation and other industries where high bond strength is important. They have a sleek and one-piece body that provides a strong connection without the use of additional elements.
Oriented head rivets
These rivets have a specially designed head that can be installed in a specific position relative to the surface. This is useful in industries where aerodynamics or aesthetics are important factors.
Screw rivets
These rivets combine the properties of screws and rivets. They have a thread on the rod that allows them to quickly connect parts without the need to pre-drill holes.
Rivets for thermal insulation
These rivets are designed specifically to connect thermal insulation materials to basic structures. They have a wide flange to distribute the load and prevent damage to the insulation.
Stainless Steel Rivets
These rivets are made of stainless steel, which makes them resistant to corrosion and ensures a long lifespan in high humidity or corrosive environments.
3. Industrial Applications
Rivets are a key tool in various industries. Their versatility, high strength and ability to provide a reliable connection make them indispensable in many manufacturing processes.
Automotive industry
In the automotive industry, rivets are used to fasten body panels, fasten internal parts, and connect critical safety components. Their strength and ability to withstand heavy loads make them an ideal choice for automotive construction.
Aviation & Aerospace
Rivets are one of the main materials in aircraft manufacturing. They guarantee a reliable connection of the metal elements of the wings, body and other important parts of the aircraft. In addition, they are used in the production of rockets and other aerospace equipment.
Shipbuilding
In shipbuilding, rivets have traditionally been used to connect the steel plates of a ship’s hull. Although many ship structures are erected through welding today, rivets still find use in some parts of the ship, such as equipment and superstructure parts.
Railway industry
Rivets are used to connect various parts of wagons, including the bodywork, suspension, and other components. They are also used in the construction of bridges and other railway infrastructure.
Engineering
Machinery and equipment manufactured for various industries often consist of numerous parts that need to be securely connected. Rivets help ensure this reliability by withstanding the high loads that can occur during the operation of the machine.
4. Use in construction
Rivets have been used in construction for a long time, and while bolt-on joints or welding have become more popular in modern designs, rivets are still widely used in a number of areas.
Metal structures
For joining thin metal sheets or profiles in composite structures such as hangars, warehouses, or other industrial buildings, rivets are an excellent solution. They provide a strong yet flexible connection that can withstand dynamic loads such as wind or seismic vibrations.
Roofing works
Rivets are often used to secure metal or plastic roofing features, such as gutters, flashings, or other drainage systems. They ensure the durability of fasteners, resistance to corrosion and weathering.
Facade works
In modern construction, metal panels, composite materials or glass elements are often used for façade cladding. Rivets help secure these materials, ensuring the durability and stability of the façade.
Bridge Construction
In the past, rivets were a key element in bridge construction. While most bridges today are built using welding or other methods, some old bridge reconstructions or restoration work still require the use of traditional rivets.
Window and door structures
In the production of metal-plastic or aluminum windows and doors, rivets are used to fasten fittings, handles, hinges and other additional elements.
Advantages and disadvantages of rivets
Like any other material or technology, rivets have their advantages and disadvantages. To properly determine whether rivets are suitable for a particular project, both sides must be considered.
Advantages:
- Strength: Rivets provide a very strong connection that can withstand significant mechanical stress.
- Speed of installation: The application of rivets is a quick process, especially compared to bolting or welding.
- Versatility: Rivets can be used to join a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and more.
- Reliability: Rivet joints do not loosen or loosen over time like bolted joints can do.
- No heat: Unlike welding, rivet installation does not require high temperatures, so there is no risk of damage to materials from heat.
Disadvantages:
- Inability to disassemble: Rivet connections are permanent. If parts need to be disassembled, the rivet must be removed, which often causes damage.
- Corrosion: Although many modern rivets are treated with anti-corrosion coatings, they can corrode in harsh environments.
- Aesthetics: Rivet joints may not always be aesthetically pleasing, especially for visible parts of structures.
- Extra weight: When it comes to airplanes or automobiles, the extra weight of rivets can be critical.
- Need for special equipment: Riveting requires special equipment, such as riveters, to install rivets.
When choosing rivets for your projects, it’s important to consider both their advantages and disadvantages to determine if they’re the best solution for your specific situation. You can always choose high-quality and correct fasteners on the website of the www.krepezh.ua company TD KROS