In the process of sheet metal processing and manufacturing, riveting is a common method of connection, widely used in fields such as aerospace, automotive, electronic equipment, and mechanical structures. Compared to welding or bolted connections, riveting has the advantages of not requiring complex equipment, being easy to disassemble, and having good vibration resistance. However, the quality of the riveting effect largely depends on the type of rivet selected. Therefore, how to select the appropriate rivet according to specific application conditions is an important aspect that cannot be ignored in sheet metal technology.



One, Understanding the Basic Types of Rivets



Common rivet types include solid rivets, hollow rivets, mandrel rivets (blind rivets), self-piercing rivets, and structural rivets, among others.



1. Solid Rivets: High strength and fatigue resistance, suitable for situations with high connection strength requirements, such as aircraft structures and heavy machinery.



2. Hollow Rivets: Lightweight and easy to install, suitable for situations with low strength requirements but a need for rapid assembly.



3. Mandrel Rivets (Blind Rivets): Suitable for connection parts that can only be operated from one side, easy to install, but not as strong as solid rivets under high strength requirements.

　　4. Self-piercing Rivets: Do not require pre-drilling and are suitable for thin plate connections, commonly used in automotive manufacturing.

　　5. Structural Rivets: Designed for high shear and tensile loads, used for structural connections.



Two, Key Factors Affecting Rivet Selection

　　1. Connection Strength Requirements: If the connection part needs to withstand significant shear force or tensile stress, high-strength rivets such as solid rivets or structural rivets should be selected.

　　2. Material Type and Thickness: The hardness and ductility of the riveting materials, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or composite materials, will affect the selection of rivets. Thin plate connections are suitable for hollow or self-piercing rivets, while thick plates are better suited for solid rivets.



3. Working Environment: In high-temperature or corrosive environments, it is necessary to select materials with corrosion resistance and high-temperature stability, such as stainless steel or titanium alloy rivets.



4. Installation Convenience: In situations where it is impossible to operate from both sides, mandrel rivets are an ideal choice; while in automated production lines, self-piercing rivets can be considered to improve efficiency.

　　5. Cost and Production Efficiency: For sheet metal products in large-scale production, it is advisable to prioritize rivet types with high installation efficiency and low cost.



Three, Application Case Analysis



In the field of automotive manufacturing, body sheet metal mostly uses self-piercing rivets, as they can complete connections quickly without pre-drilling, thus improving production efficiency; while in the aerospace field, titanium alloy or aluminum alloy solid rivets are more commonly used due to their excellent fatigue resistance and structural strength.



Four, Conclusion



In summary, when selecting the appropriate rivet type during the sheet metal riveting process, multiple factors should be considered, including connection strength, material characteristics, environmental conditions, and installation methods. Only by scientifically selecting according to the specific application scenario can the quality of riveting and structural reliability be ensured, thereby improving the performance and service life of the overall product. For technical personnel engaged in sheet metal design and manufacturing, mastering the performance characteristics and application scope of different rivet types is the key to achieving high-quality connections.