Choosing Quality Rivets for CNC Machines(is cast iron stronger than steel Valentine)
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- source:ZIEG CNC Machining
Material Considerations
Rivets come in a range of materials, each with their own advantages. Aluminum and steel are common choices that both offer good strength for the cost. Stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance, while titanium and Monel deliver strength plus corrosion resistance. Copper rivets provide high conductivity. Select a rivet material that can withstand the operating stresses and environmental conditions in your application.
Alloy Selection
For aluminum and steel rivets, pay attention to the alloy. Some aluminum alloys like 2117 and 5056 are optimized for excellent machinability, allowing easier insertion by CNC machines. There are also high strength aluminum alloys like 7075 that offer improved load-bearing abilities. On the steel side, rivets are available in alloys like 1144 and 12L14 that provide extra hardness while maintaining good formability. Discuss options with your rivet supplier to choose an alloy tuned to your specific needs.
Head Styles
Rivet heads come in a variety of shapes like round, countersunk, pan and truss. Select a head style that works with the angles and clearances in your assembly. For flush riveting, countersunk and pan heads nest neatly into holes. Round heads protrude and tend to be the strongest style. Truss heads curve outward for extra grip on surface sheets. Make sure your CNC program inserts the rivet to the correct depth for optimal head seating.
Size Consistency
Trustworthy rivet suppliers will ensure highly consistent sizing across all rivets in a batch. Diameters should vary minimally – no more than +/- 0.002 inches for most rivet sizes. Length tolerances are tighter, such as +/- 0.001 inches for rivets under 1 inch long or +/- 0.002 inches for longer rivets. This uniformity allows your CNC machine to reliably insert each rivet at the right depth without adjustments. It also guarantees an evenly distributed grip across every riveted joint.
Grip Range
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