When you look at the aircraft industry, it is no surprise that rivets are at the forefront of many aircraft designs being manufactured today. Rivets can be a significant factor in aircraft design and construction, as they are both light and sturdy. They are used for various applications and can be found in several materials, including mild steel, copper, aluminum, and titanium.

Mechanically locked stem self-plugging rivets

Mechanically locked stem self-plugging aircraft rivets were designed for applications where access to the blind side is unavailable. They are also used where there is little support for the sheet metal being joined. These fasteners are solid and long-lasting. An everyday use is in the fuel tank of aircraft wings. Tiny leaks of fuel can create an unacceptable risk of fire. Several corporations manufacture special-purpose fasteners. Mechanically locked stem self-plugging rivets are typically made of aluminum or impact-extruded tubing. They are usually produced with three standard diameters. However, they are also available in universal head styles. Their ultimate shear strength ranges from 50 KSI to 75 KSI. Often, tooling for these fasteners is different. Mechanically locked stem self-plugging blind rivets were developed to prevent the loss of the center stem due to vibration. As a result, the stem is enlarged in its plug section. This increases its strength in thin sheets.

Some of these rivets are also available with a separate sleeve element. Blind rivets can only be installed on an airframe if the manufacturer approves them. This requires a representative from the Federal Aviation Administration. In addition to the required certification, a blind rivet must be installed where the shop head can’t be seen. Typically, they are used in aircraft intake and structural assemblies. Unlike ordinary rivets, mechanically locked stem self-plugging blind fasteners do not have a head or a tail end. Instead, the tail end of the stem is formed as a low-profile button. It interlocks with the bottom sheet. Alternatively, the blind end may be countersunk. When installed, a mechanically locked blind rivet provides a large bearing footprint on the blind side of the fastener surface. It is ideally used in areas where the metal being joined is heavily stressed.

Semi-tubular rivets

Semi-tubular aircraft rivets are a type of rivet used in soft and hard materials. They offer a reliable fastening solution that allows easy visual inspection after installation. In addition, they are an inexpensive way to join two work pieces. These rivets are available in a variety of sizes and finishes. Most are made from steel, copper, or aluminum. They are also available in blind, multi-grip, and tubular designs. Depending on the application, they can be clinched or tightened. When compared to solid rivets, semi-tubular rivets provide a smaller hole. This reduces the force required to apply them. As a result, semi-tubular rivets have a low unit cost. If you have a project that needs a permanent fastening solution, a custom manufacturer can help you choose the right semi-tubular rivet. Depending on your application, you might need a unique head style or material. Different head designs include Flat, Radial, and Radial Faces. The standard material for semi-tubular rivets is copper. Other options include aluminum, nickel, and silver.

Important Uses

One of the most important uses for rivets is in sheet metal construction. Many modern airplanes are built from aluminum. Because aluminum is lightweight, it is also one of the most durable metals for a rivet. The most important use of a rivet is in structural applications. Rivets are commonly found in aircraft on the ground and the sky. Several rivet types exist for different applications, but solid shank rivets are the most common. Another essential feature of rivets is that they can withstand vibration better than screws. However, rivets can be pulled out of place, a situation that can lead to part cracking. Another reason to consider rivets is that they are easy to inspect. Even if you can’t see the rivets themselves, you can still get a good idea of how they are positioned. As such, you are more likely to spot a loose rivet than you are a missing screw. Also, rivets are more accessible to replace than threaded fasteners. If you find a loose rivet, consider repairing the area using a thicker washer or replacing the rivet with a longer, stronger rivet. For aircraft structures, there are five significant grades of rivets: the solid shank, the plastic, the aluminum alloy, the magnesium alloy, and the aluminum alloy.