A Comprehensive Guide to Conical Head Rivet Types and Applications
Rivets are a common form of fastener that find use in applications ranging from aircraft manufacturing to electrical equipment assembly, where various designs have come about over time to address specific needs. Among the many variations available on the market, the conical head design present on different rivet subtypes is particularly noteworthy for the reliability and versatility it offers. With a basic understanding of the most common types of rivets that feature a conical head and their specific uses, professionals in various fields can make informed decisions about the best options for their particular needs.
Conical head rivets get their name from the cone-shaped head that sits on one side of the shaft, this feature providing a strong and durable joint for the benefit of metal sheet assemblies. When securing parts together, the conical head allows for even distribution of pressure to reduce the risk of damage to the materials being joined. While highly reliable, the shape of these rivets and the resulting protrusion they leave make them commonly used in applications where a flush finish is not necessary and the head can remain visible. Nevertheless, their robust design allows them to offer ample high-shear strength and resistance to vibration, which is beneficial for many operations.
One of the most common types of rivet that takes advantage of the conical head design is the solid rivet. These fasteners are widely used in the aerospace industry due to their strength and dependability, typically being made from aluminum, steel, or titanium to meet specific requirements or needs. To install solid rivets, a rivet gun and assembly tool are required. After the shaft of the fastener is passed through a pre-drilled hole, the rivet gun is used to apply pressure to the tail end, deforming it into a second head that secures the assembly. This process results in a reliable and tamper-proof joint, making solid rivets a preferred choice for critical applications in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance.
Another popular type that makes use of the conical head design is the blind rivet. Blind rivets are designed for situations where access to both sides of an assembly is not possible, and they consist of a tubular body with a mandrel situated inside. Once the rivet is placed through a hole on one side of the assembly, the rivet gun pulls the mandrel through the body, causing the fastener to expand and form a secure joint. Blind rivets are regularly found in aerospace, automotive, and electrical equipment assemblies, where ease of installation from a single side and joint reliability are major concerns. They are also available in various materials like aluminum, steel, and stainless steel to suit different applications and environmental conditions.
Drive rivets are the next type we will discuss, such fasteners being characterized by their unique installation method. Unlike solid and blind rivets, drive rivets do not need a gun to be properly installed, instead requiring the user to drive a mandrel into the rivet body with a hammer or mallet for deformation. This simple installation process makes drive rivets ideal for quick repairs and applications where specialized tools are not readily available, such as within the construction and electrical industries where they secure metal sheets and other components.
Tubular rivets, while not as common as some of the previously mentioned options, also regularly feature conical heads. They also have a hollow body, which reduces the overall weight of the fastener without compromising its strength. This hollow design also permits one to pass wires or other components through the fastener’s body, which is very beneficial for electrical assemblies. Nevertheless, the general characteristics of tubular rivets drive their presence in aerospace and automotive industries, where weight reduction is crucial.
From solid rivets used in aerospace to blind rivets in automotive and electrical equipment assembly, conical heads are regularly utilized for fastener designs to achieve reliable strength and load distribution. For those requiring high-quality rivets and other forms of fasteners, Purchasing Union is the fulfillment platform of choice with a wide range of products suitable for aircraft maintenance, manufacturing, assembly, and more. Take your time in browsing our expansive offerings as you see fit, and know that Request for Quote (RFQ) forms are available at any time on our website for the means of obtaining procurement options. You can also call or email for service, so be sure to take the first step of procurement today.
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