Uses for Rivets in CNC Manufacturing(plastic prototype fabrication Elizabeth)
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Aircraft and Aerospace Applications
One of the most common uses of rivets today is in aircraft and aerospace manufacturing. Rivets are favored in these applications because of their high strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum and titanium rivets can provide strong, permanent fastening while adding very little weight. This is critical for reducing drag and maximizing fuel efficiency.
Rivets also allow for flexibility and vibration dampening in airframes. And unlike welds, rivets don't concentrate stress which could lead to metal fatigue and cracking over time. Riveting is generally faster and more consistent than welding or adhesive bonding when assembling large aerospace structures. Many aircraft models from Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier and other manufacturers rely extensively on rivets for major structural components.
CNC riveting machines are programmed to precisely locate and set rivets for maximum strength and consistency. CNC enables aerospace manufacturers to automate and optimize the riveting process for high-volume production.
Automotive Manufacturing
The automotive industry also takes advantage of CNC riveting for metal joining applications. Like aircraft production, auto manufacturing requires very high volumes of consistent, structurally sound fastening. Rivets offer high shear and tensile strength when joining metals like steel, aluminum and magnesium in vehicle frames, engines, transmissions and interior components.
Riveting also helps dampen noise and vibration in automobiles - an important factor for ride quality. CNC rivet setting robots can be integrated into automated assembly lines to improve quality and throughput. Programming flexibility allows different rivet configurations to be set according to product design needs. From luxury sedans to heavy duty trucks, CNC riveting helps hold automotive products together while meeting demanding production schedules.
Electronics Enclosure Assembly
Many types of electronics need to be housed in durable, tamper-resistant enclosures. These include ATMs, voting machines, security systems, telecom equipment, industrial control systems and more. Rivets provide a secure fastening method while allowing serviceability when needed. CNC automated riveting machines can quickly insert rivets around the perimeter of electronics enclosures according to design specifications. This helps ensure proper fit and seal against outside contaminants.
Riveting also allows for grounding of enclosure panels - an important function in electronics packaging. The joining process is highly repeatable for consistent quality output. And low-cost rivets reduce expenses compared to screws. CNC riveting improves electronics manufacturers' productivity when assembling protective casings.
Metal Fabrication
From industrial machines to storage shelving to building infrastructure, rivets have broad usefulness in fabricating metal components and structures. The permanence and vibration resistance of rivets make them ideal for many factory and construction applications. Portability and one-sided installation also help, since only one side of a riveted joint needs to be accessible.
CNC rivet setting technology allows fabricators to insert rivets for maximum strength in their end products. Different rivet lengths, diameters and materials can be specified in the CNC program based on required load capacities. This helps ensure safety and structural longevity. And automated riveting is much faster than manual installation. CNC riveting machines have helped metal fabrication shops improve quality, reduce labor costs and meet tighter delivery timelines.
Plastic Fabrication
While most rivets are intended for metal, special plastic rivets are commonly used to assemble plastic components and products. Plastic rivets provide solid fastening while allowing flexibility and shock absorption. They help reduce stress cracking versus screws in thermoplastic parts. And plastic rivets avoid some of the pitfalls of adhesive bonding like long cure times.
Plastic rivets molded from nylon, polycarbonate and other polymers can effectively fasten parts like plastic cabinets, shelves, covers, crates etc. CNC automated riveting provides quality and efficiency benefits when joining plastics. Precision rivet location and consistent set force help maximize joint strength. No adhesives are required, improving cycle times. And plastic rivets allow for quick disassembly unlike ultrasonic welding and other permanent plastic joining techniques.
Ballistic Protection Applications
Rivets have an important role in mechanical fastening of ballistic armor and shielding. In bulletproof vests for military and law enforcement, rivets provide solid fixation of hard armor plates into the vest jacket. Rivets keep the plates firmly in place to maximize ballistic protection. The joining process creates minimal material distortion around rivet holes - a leading cause of armor failure. Rivets also allow for armor removal and replacement if damaged.
In armored vehicles, rivets help bond multi-layer ballistic steel or composite panels into doors, hulls and turrets. CNC automated riveting machines properly preload rivets during installation to maintain shear strength over years of service. Riveting avoids welds that can crack under ballistic impacts. Proper rivet design, material selection and quality control help armor manufacturers meet stringent V50 velocity requirements.
Summary
From the earliest planes and automobiles to tomorrow's extreme environment electronics, rivets solve challenging fastening needs in manufacturing. Advancements in CNC technology have only expanded the usefulness of rivets, enabling more creative applications. Precision automated riveting helps industries build higher performing, more reliable products. While joining techniques continue to evolve, the simple rivet remains an integral component in high-quality modern manufacturing. CNC Milling CNC Machining