FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OWERRI

P.M.B. 1526 OWERRI, IMO STATE.

A PRESENTATION
ON
RIVETING
COURSE CODE: POT 509 (GROUP THREE)
BY
NWAIWU CHIBUEZE CHRISTIAN 20171042087
IHEMADU NGOZI ANITA (20171070457)
IBE VIVIAN UGOCHI (20171048377)
ARIBE-MADU MMESOMA C. (20171061577)
ACHOLIKE JESSICA ISIOMA (20161975017)
ONYEAGORO JOYCE CHINONSO (20171052577)
OKE INIOLUWANIMI DEBORAH (20171040827)
OFILI UGOCHUKWU ONYEDIKACHUKWU (20171053767)
MONULU AFOMA ROSEANN (20171058767)
OBI CHIDERA PRECIOUS (20171046027)
BAWA PRAISE GODFREY (20171035227)
FRANCIS PERPETUA ONYINYECHUKWU (20171048987)
JOSEPH IFEANYI CYRIL (20171059747)
ANAELE GEORGINA CHIAMAKA (20171032937)
EJIOGU EZEKIEL (20152081367)

DEPARTMENT OF PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS

SCHOOL OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

MARCH 2023.

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE (1).................................................................................................................3

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................3

HISTORY OF RIVETS....................................................................................................4

EVOLUTION OF RIVETS..............................................................................................5

CHAPTER TWO (2)................................................................................................................6

RIVETS AND RIVETING: TYPES, METHODS, PRINCIPLES, ADVANTAGES,

DISADVANATGES AND APPLICATIONS.....................................................................6

MATERIALS USED TO PRODUCE A RIVET...........................................................7

TYPES OF RIVET...........................................................................................................8

TYPES OF RIVETING..................................................................................................14

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLD AND HOT RIVETING......................................15

RIVETING OPERATIONS: TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS OF RIVETING.....16

TYPES OF RIVETED JOINTS....................................................................................22

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS USED IN RIVETING.............................................................23

PRINCIPLES OF RIVETING......................................................................................27

ADVANTAGES OF RIVETING...................................................................................27

DISADVANTAGES OF RIVETING............................................................................28

APPLICATIONS OF RIVETING................................................................................29

APPLICATION OF RIVETTING IN PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS..........30

RIVETING FAILURES AND HOW THEY CAN BE AVOIDED............................31

CHAPTER THREE (3)......................................................................................................32

CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................32

2
 CHAPTER ONE (1)
INTRODUCTION
Riveting is an assembly process that uses a tool to drive a fastener into a substrate, such as a
metal plate. The process is commonly used in manufacturing automobiles, aircraft, and other
large metal structures. Riveting is an essential process in assembling these structures, as it
creates a strong bond between two pieces of metal. This bond is stronger than a welded joint,
and can withstand higher levels of stress and vibration.

The term rivet is used to describe a variety of fasteners with a couple of common traits. They
are pre-shaped at one end and reshaped when they are used. They have a smooth shaft that
passes through the materials being bonded. They are used to join two or more materials
together to form a joint that is tighter and stronger than a screw of the same diameter could
be. Riveting is used in all types of construction today, metal is the most riveted material, but
wood, clay and also fabrics can also be riveted.

Riveting is a relatively simple process. The tool used to drive the fastener into the substrate is
known as a rivet gun, or pneumatic riveter. The rivet gun is connected to an air compressor,
which provides the necessary power to drive the rivet into the substrate. The rivet gun is then
placed against the substrate and the rivet is inserted. The gun then applies pressure to the
rivet, forcing it into the substrate. Once the rivet is firmly in place, the gun is released and the
process is complete.

The process of riveting is essential in the manufacturing of large metal structures. Riveted
joints are strong and can withstand high levels of stress, making them ideal for use in the
construction of bridges and other large metal structures. Rivets can also be used in the repair
of damaged metal structures, providing a secure and reliable bond. Riveting is a simple and
reliable process that has been used for many years in the construction of metal structures.

The process has become even more important in the modern world, as more complex metal
structures are being built. Riveting is a necessary process in the manufacturing of
automobiles, aircraft, and other large metal structures, and is essential for providing a strong
and reliable bond between two pieces of metal

3
 HISTORY OF RIVETS
Riveting dates back centuries, to the time of the Ancient Egyptians. One of the earliest
recorded uses of riveting dates back to around 1000 BC, when it was used to fasten armour.
During this time, rivets were made from bronze and were heated over an open flame, then
hammered into place.

In the Middle Ages, the technology of riveting was used to build ships. The rivets were made
of iron, and were heated and hammered into place to form a watertight seal. This was
essential for the construction of wooden ships. Riveting was also used in the construction of
machinery in the industrial revolution. The rivets were used to fasten together the intricate
gears and components of the industrial machinery.

The development of the riveting process into modern times has seen it become an essential
part of many industries. It is used in the construction of aircraft, bridges, cars, and buildings.
It is also used in many manufacturing processes to hold together many different parts.
Riveting has been an important part of many industries for centuries, and its importance is
only set to grow as technology advances. It is an essential process for many manufacturers
and its importance is undeniable.

Fig 1.1. Early Application of Riveting in the Ship Building Industry

Here is a quick summary of the history of riveting;

 The first rivets appeared in Ancient Egypt over 5000 years ago, where they were used to
fix handles to clay jars.
 By the time of the Ancient Romans, rivets were commonplace in construction.
 In the 7th century, Vikings used rivets to attach the planks of their long boats.

4
 By the mid-19th century, advances in metal technology signaled the dawn of the modern
riveting era. Riveting became the primary method for constructing metal tools, buildings,
and vehicles.

EVOLUTION OF RIVETS
The use of rivets has been documented as far back as the Bronze Age in China and Egypt,
and the technique is believed to have originated in the region. The earliest rivets were made
from wood, but eventually, metals such as bronze, brass, and iron were used to make the
rivets. The rivets were hammered into the material until they were completely flush with the
surface. This process was used for both decorative and structural purposes, and it eventually
became widespread in ship building and other industries.

The first machine capable of making rivets mechanically was invented in 1836, by a boiler
maker called Antoine Durenne. The process involved upsetting the metal material, but not by
pounding it, rather by applying continuous pressure using a rivet-set. This technique
increased the output significantly.

Up to mid-19th century, rivets were forged by hand. The smith heated up a metal bar and used
a special anvil called a Bombarde to cut the bar to the proper length and hold it in place while
he shapes the factory head.

In the late 19th century, the development of riveting machines revolutionized the process,
allowing for faster and more efficient production. With the invention of electric riveting
machines, riveting could be done more quickly and with more precision than ever before.
This allowed for the production of more complex parts and enabled the construction of larger
structures.

Today, riveting is still used extensively in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and
construction. More modern techniques such as cold riveting, laser riveting, and friction
riveting have also been developed, allowing for even greater precision and efficiency.
Riveting has come a long way since its invention thousands of years ago, and it remains an
important process in many industries. It is a simple, reliable, and efficient method of joining
components together and is likely to remain an important part of the manufacturing process
for many years to come.

5
 CHAPTER TWO (2)
RIVETS AND RIVETING: TYPES, METHODS, PRINCIPLES,
ADVANTAGES, DISADVANATGES AND APPLICATIONS
A rivet is a mechanical fastener, typically made of steel or aluminum, used to join two or
more pieces of material together. It is typically a cylindrical-shaped metal pin with a head on
one end and a tail on the other, which is inserted through holes in the materials being joined.

Rivets work by being inserted into two pre-drilled holes in the two pieces of material, then
being hammered or spun until the head of the rivet is flattened. This causes the shank of the
rivet to expand and tightly bind the two pieces of material together. Before being installed,
rivets consist of a smooth cylindrical shaft with a head at one end. The opposite end of the
head is called the tail. To fasten the rivet, the tail is then deformed or upset using a tool such
as a hammer or a pneumatic rivet gun. This deformed tail expands to fill the hole and creates
a mechanical lock, effectively holding the materials together.

When installing, the rivet is placed in a punched or drilled hole, and the tail is screwed or
buckled so that it protrudes to approximately 1.5 times the original shaft diameter, holding
the rivet in place. In other words, pounding or pulling creates a new “head” by breaking off
the “tail” material flatter on the other end, resulting in a rivet that is roughly the size of a
dumbbell.

Rivets are often used to join metal components in the construction of aircraft, ships and other
large structures. They are also commonly used in the construction of buildings, automobiles,
and other smaller objects. Rivets provide strong, reliable connections while being easy and
cost-effective to install.

Fig 2.1. Parts of a Rivet

6
MATERIALS USED TO PRODUCE A RIVET
The choice of material depends on the specific application and the properties required for the
rivet to perform its intended function (application) and the environment the rivet will be
exposed to.

Rivets are typically made of metal, although they can also be made from other materials such
as plastic or composite materials such as nylon and polypropylene. Generally, metals are
more durable and can withstand greater temperatures and pressures than plastics.

The most common types of metal used to produce rivets include:

1. Steel

Steel rivets are strong and durable, and are commonly used in applications that require high
strength and load-bearing capacity.

2. Aluminum

Aluminum rivets are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them a good choice for
applications where weight and corrosion resistance are important.

3. Copper

Copper rivets are often used in applications where electrical conductivity is required, such as
in electrical components and circuits.

4. Brass

Brass rivets are corrosion-resistant and have good electrical conductivity, making them a
popular choice in electronic and electrical applications.

Other metals, such as stainless steel, titanium, and nickel alloys, may also be used depending
on the specific requirements of the application.

7
TYPES OF RIVET
There are several different types of rivets available. However, they are broadly divided into
the following categories;

1. Solid Rivets:

Fig 2.2. Solid rivets

These rivets are the most common types of rivets. They are straightforward, dependable, and
the oldest forms of joining materials. These simple tools consist of a solid shaft with a head
on a particular side once it is punched in. The headless part on the other end gets deformed
using a rivet gun or hammer.

Solid rivets are often utilized in cases where safety and reliability are critical. For example,
one of the typical applications is in the structural parts of aircraft.

2. Blind Rivets:

Fig. 2.3. Blind Rivets

8
They are also known as Pop Rivets. Blind rivets are otherwise referred to as hollow or pop
rivets. These metal rivets are tubular fasteners with a mandrel through their center.
Manufacturers insert blind rivets into drilled holes made in parts intended for joining.

The blind end of the rivets expands, causing the mandrel to snap off. Unlike with solid rivets,
you can install blind rivets in joints from one side of the part. This way, they are “blind” to
the other side. Blind rivets are suitable in situations where it is difficult to see the rear end of
a joint. Like any other rivets, it is pretty easy and fast to apply. It is the most dominant joint
in aerospace, electronics, and shipbuilding.

Some of the common blind rivets available for use are:

• Pull-Mandrel Rivets – are special double countersunk blind rivets providing flush
surface clinches on both sides of their applications. Here, the mandrel head doesn’t break
away, providing consistent clamp force. In addition, the tight radial set in these rivets
increases structural rigidity.

• Threaded Rivets – also known as blind rivet nuts or threaded inserts. Manufacturers
can anchor this variant of standard blind rivets from one side of the installed part. There are
standard and heavy-duty threaded rivets. Standard options satisfy almost every blind
application for permanent installation. However, heavy-duty rivets feature heavy-duty
sidewalls and heads. Thus, they are helpful for high-performance and more demanding
applications.

• Drive-Pin Rivets – these types of blind rivets have short mandrels protruding from
their heads. Once you insert a drive-pin rivet into a hole, its mandrel can work using a
hammer or other material. This flares out the rivet’s end that is inside the hole. Drive-pin
rivets are more popular for architectural and other aesthetically-intended applications because
they do not require the drilling of holes. However, you must note that they have lesser
clamping force than many other types of rivets.

9
3. Tubular Rivets:

Fig 2.4. Tubular Rivets

They come with a Hollow End. They are partially hollow rivets with many different
configurations. The generic tubular rivet comes with a manufactured head on one side and a
hollow end on the other side. The hollow end sticks through every piece for joining.
Manufacturers often cold-form the hollow end to a field head.

Tubular rivets are popular in commercial applications. Some of the specific tubular rivets
types are:

• Compression Tubular Rivets – these rivets consist of two parts with an interference
fit during the fastening process. Their commercial use is in soft materials and needs aesthetics
on both sides of the component.

• Full Tubular Rivets – they have deeper holes than their counterparts. They are also
usually weaker than semi-tubular rivets. However, they can easily pierce softer materials like
fabric and plastic.

• Semi-Tubular Rivets – these types of rivets have their holes in the field end. The
hole depth is usually about 1.12 of the shank diameters. Thus, the semi-tubular rivet may feel
like a solid rivet upon forming the field head.

10
4. Split Rivets:

Fig 2.5. Split rivets

Also referred to as bifurcated rivets, split rivets are closely related to self-piercing rivets.
They are the best options for joining softer materials like leather, plastic, and wood.

Split rivets are available with split or sawed bodies and are applicable to home repairs. Also,
they have sharp ends or tips that allow them to make holes in the materials themselves. It is
not advisable to use them in extreme or critical applications.

5. Flush Rivets:

Fig. 2.6. Flush Rivets

Flush rivets, also countersunk rivets are used on external surfaces to ensure a good
appearance and eliminate aerodynamic drag.

This is due to its use of both countersunk holes and heads. For reduction of drag and
turbulence (aerodynamic reasons), flush rivets are functional on aircraft exterior. There may
be a need for more post-installation operations to improve airflow.

11
6. Self-Piercing Rivets:
This category of rivets does not call for the need to drill or punch holes before use. This is
because the end of these rivets possesses a bevel drill or chamfered poke to pierce the
components involved. Self-piercing rivets pass through the top layer of the material while
leaving the bottom layer half pierced, forming a gas-tight or water joint. An upsetting die
causes the tail of the rivet to flare and interlock into the bottom sheet to form a low-profile
button.

7. Friction Lock Rivets:

Fig 2.7. Friction lock rivets

They are similar to Expanding Bolts. They are made in a cupola or countersunk way. These
friction-lock rivets are similar to expanding bolts.

The difference is that their shafts snap below the surfaces whenever there is a high enough
tension. A friction lock rivet is an original form of blind rivets, commonly applied in the
aerospace field for light aircraft repairs.

In addition, there are also other types of rivets that are relevant in the health sector.
They are:

 Copper rivets
 Speedy rivets
Rivets are the most commonly used fasteners in the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics. Copper
and Speedy rivets are staples to the field. These rivets can be used to attach:

I．straps to an orthotic device with speedy rivets

II．a suspension system to a prosthesis with copper rivets and a grommet (such as an
elastic hip belt)

12
 III．metal uprights to another piece of metal with copper rivets.

Copper Rivets

Fig. 2.8. Copper Rivets

Copper rivets are typically used in Prosthetics and are much stronger than speedy rivets. They
are available in many shapes and sizes. A 5/32” bit is sufficient for most copper rivet works.

Speedy Rivets

Fig 2.9. Speedy Rivets

Named for their ease of use, aluminum speedy rivets are used mostly in orthotics. They come
in a large number of sizes (in thickness and length) and have flat or capped ends. Hockey tape
can be used to cover rivets for a seamless and low profile on the interior of devices.

13
TYPES OF RIVETING
This is an aspect of riveting, that is categorized on basis of the temperature at which
protruding portions of rivets are hammered. It can also be classfied based on the method
used.

Given this, here are the two types based on temperature.

HOT RIVETING

In this category, the rivet end is heated by some external means like flame heating before
hammering. The elevated heating temperature lies around 2/3rd of the melting point of the
rivet material (50-70% of the melting point of rivet material). Due to such heating, the
material becomes soft and plastic, and thus lower upsetting force is required. So when the
rivet material is hard, like stainless steel, hot riveting is preferred as lower force is required. It
is also favorable for large-diameter rivets, usually a diameter larger than 10mm. Thermal
expansion of rivets due to heating also has an important role in gripping strength. This is
because a suitable heat source like a gas flame or fuel is needed for heating. Hot riveting most
times, are usually time-consuming as you will have to heat a large number of rivets. All rivets
here are subjected to both shear and tensile stress and this helps in gripping components
tightly.

Examples of rivets that can undergo hot riveting are; Solid rivets and drive-in rivets and these
rivets provide leak-proof joints.

COLD RIVETING

This is the type performed at room temperature only. Here rivet is not heated and thus
hammering is carried out at room temperature. So comparatively higher force is required for
upsetting; however, no heat source is desired for heating rivets. Heating time is also not
associated with it, so the process is comparatively faster.

However, rivet diameter is usually smaller that 10mm, and consist of soft materials, thus it
may not necessarily leak-proof except it is made of stronger material, then large amount of
hammering force is desired.

In this type, no tensile stress develops within rivets, so gripping is not very tight, as rivets are
subjected to shear force only. Examples of rivets here are; split rivets and tubular rivets.

14
When is hot and cold riveting desired? If the rivet material is hard, like stainless steel, then
hot riveting is preferred otherwise large hammering force has to be applied. Consequently,
when rivet material is soft, like aluminum or brass, then cold riveting can be performed. From
a dimension point of view, if the rivet diameter is larger than 10mm then hot riveting is
recommended as it will require lesser force during upsetting. For smaller diameter rivets, cold
riveting can be carried out.

Based on method applied when riveting, there are two types;

Hand Riveting

In hand riveting, the original rivet head is backed up by a hammer or heavy bar and then the
die or set, as shown in above left figure, is placed against the end to be headed and the blows
are applied by a hammer. This causes the shank to expand thus filling the hole and the tail is
converted into a point.

As the rivet cools, it tends to contract. The lateral contraction will be slight, but there will be
a longitudinal tension introduced in the rivet which holds the plates firmly together.

Machine Riveting

In machine riveting, the die is a part of the hammer which is operated by air, hydraulic or
steam pressure.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLD AND HOT RIVETING

COLD RIVETING HOT RIVETING
1. In cold riveting, hammering is carried out In hot riveting, the protruding end of rivets
at room temperature. No heating is is heated to an elevated temperature prior to
performed. hammering.
2. No tensile stress develops within rivets, In hot riveting, volumetric shrinkage, tensile
so gripping is not very tight. stress develops within rivets as it cools
down. This stress helps gripping
components tightly.
3. Cold riveting may not necessarily leak- Hot riveting mostly provides leak-proof
proof, while in hot riveting due to tight joints.
gripping.
4. In cold riveting, no heating time is While in hot riveting heating a large number
associated with cold riveting, so it is a faster of rivets take time. So hot riveting is a time-

15
 process. consuming process.
5. Cold riveting rivets are subjected to shear Hot riveting rivets are subjected to both
force only. shear and tensile force.
6. Cold riveting is preferred when the rivet Hot riveting is preferred either when the
is made of soft materials or its diameter is rivet is made of ferrous metal or when the
smaller than 10 mm. rivet diameter is more than 10 mm.
7. Higher force is required for upsetting as Hot riveting lower force is required during
rivet material remains at room temperature, upsetting as rivet remains in a plastic state
due to heating.
8. Cold riveting is not recommended for Hot riveting due to strong gripping force,
fluid-tight joining purposes joints are usually leak-proof.

RIVETING OPERATIONS: TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS OF RIVETING

On principle, the following sequence of operations is necessary for a riveted connection:

 Clamping/drilling:

All plates to be riveted must be clamped with one another as tightly as possible and be drilled
together. With separately drilled parts, attention has to be paid that misaligned holes are
reamed by a structural reamer.

Fig. 2.10. - Reaming of misaligned bore holes

Rivet holes have to be drilled a little larger the diameter of the rivet shank. For rivets thicker
than indicated in the table, the bore holes are made by 1 mm larger than the diameter of the
rivet shank.

Recommended values
D DB

16
 1 1.1
2 2.2
3 3.2
4 4.3
5 5.3
6 6.4
8 8.4
D = diameter of the rivet shank
DB = diameter of the bore hole

 Deburring/countersinking;

Rivet holes are always debarred with the help of a countersinking cutter; for countersunk-
head rivets, countersinking must be made by the 75° countersinking cutter. For this, the
recommended values are to be found in the marginal table:

Fig. 2.11. Deburring/countersinking

Recommended values
D DS
1 1.8
2 3.5
3 5.2
4 7
5 8.8
6 10.3
8 14

17
D = diameter of the rivet shank
DS = countersinking diameter

 Inserting/setting

The rivet is inserted into the bore hole, the workpieces are placed on the riveting support in
such a way that the set head is underneath. By hammer blows on the rivet setter, the plates are
pressed together and the set head draws itself to the workpiece.

Fig. 2.12. Inserting/setting

 Upsetting

By a couple of hammer blows accurately in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the rivet is

upset - until it fills up the bore hole completely.

Fig. 2.13. Upsetting

18
  Preforming/heading

By even and steady blows around the rivet head, the rivet head is preformed, if a button head
riveting shall be made.

Fig. 2.14. - Preforming

With countersunk-head riveting, the rivet head can be driven into the countersinking
immediately.

Fig. 2.15 - Heading

 Finish-forming of the button closing head

If the closing head has been preformed sufficiently, the head is finish-formed by the rivet
header.

19
 Fig. 2.16. Finish-forming

Note:

- Riveting by hand can be carried out in cold condition of the steel rivet up to approximately
8 mm diameter - thicker rivets must be worked in red-hot condition.

- Non-ferrous metal rivets are worked in cold condition after having them annealed before.

With every cold working of steel or non-ferrous metal, the material becomes hard and brittle,
especially if it is formed by many hammer blows. In order to keep the material as tough and
elastic as possible, the rivet should be shaped by a few, well-aimed blows.

Peculiarities of the technological process

- If no prefabricated button head rivets or countersunk-head rivets are at disposal, steel or

non-ferrous metal wires may also be used as rivet bolts.

In this case, the rivet bolt has to be clamped in clamping jaws for round material with a set
head to be preformed.

If no clamping jaws for round material are at hand. the rivet bolt must be preheaded in the
rivet hole, the set head is formed, then the workpiece is turned and the closing head is shaped.

20
 Fig 2.17. - Sequence of operations for a double-strap countersunk-head riveting with
rivet bolt

- If hollow rivets shall be used, an allowance has to be calculated as it is done with

countersunk-head rivets; the rivet -after having been inserted - is to be expanded by a centre
punch and to be upset by two short blows.

Fig.2.18. Hollow rivet expanded by a centre punch

Types of Riveted
Joints
21
TYPES OF RIVETED JOINTS
Commonly riveted joints are two types 1) Lap joint and 2) Butt joint. And following are .
Based on the arrangements of the plates, Riveted Joints are classifieds into two types:
1. Lap Joint.

2. Butt Joint.

1. Lap Joint

Lap is when two plates are placed above or below each other. When two plates are folded
under or above each other, this type of joint is called a lap joint. Riveted Lap joints are made
by placing two plates above or below each other, creating a hole in these two plates & fixing
the rivet inside the holes of the two plates, and hitting the rivet’s tail with a hammer.

2. Butt Joint

In the butt joint, both plates are combined by placing the plates on each other or on each
other. The two plate touches each other but does not overlap each other. To join two plates
side by side, cover plates are used, which typically have a thickness less than the thickness of
the main plate. The butt joint is placed on either side of the main plate and on both sides of
the plate by covering the plate, and holes are made at the joint of the main plate, and a rivet is
inserted into the cover plate and each hole of both plates.

2. Based on cover Plates Used, the Butt Joints Is Further Divided into Types:

 Single Strap Butt Joint

In butt joints, if only one cover plate is used on top of the main plate, then this type of butt
joint is called a Single Strap Butt joint.

 Double Strap Butt Joints

22
In the butt joint, if only two cover plates are used on the top of the main plate, then this type
of butt joint is called Double Strap Butt Joint.

3. Based on Lines of Rivets Used, the Rivets Joints Are Classified into Different Types:

 Single Riveted Joint

If a single line of the rivet is inserted between the two plates, then it is called a Single Riveted
Joint. Single Riveted Joints can be of Lap type or Butt Type.

 Double Riveted Joint

If two lines of rivet are inserted between the two plates, then this type of joint is called a
Double Riveted Joint. Double Riveted Joints can be of Lap type or Butt Type.

4. Based on the arrangement of rivets, Riveted Joint are classified into two types:

 Chain Type Riveted Joint

In a multi-line riveted joints, if all lines of rivet are placed adjacent to each other in the same
transverses line, then it is called Chain Type Riveted Joints.

 Zig-Zag Type Riveted Joint

In a multi-line riveted joints, if the lines of rivet are arranged in zig-zag type, then it is called
a Zig-Zag Type Riveted Joints.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS USED IN RIVETING

1.Riveting hammer:

These are locksmith's hammers of a weight between 50 g and 200 g. Hand hammers of a
weight between 200 g and 400 g are also used.

23
 Fig 2.19- Riveting hammer

2. Rivet setter

It serves for setting the set head to the workpiece and for pressing on the plates to be riveted.
The head bore side is hardened.

Fig 2.20. - Rivet setter

3. Rivet header

It serves for finish-forming the closing head of button head rivets after it had been preshaped
by the hammer. The head recess is hardened and polished.

Fig 2.21. - Rivet header

4. Rivet support (counter holder):

This receives the set head of a button head rivet and is equipped with a head recess. There are
fixed rivet supports for clamping in a vice as well as adjustable ones.

24
The latter are placed under big workpieces and adjusted with the help of a screw.

For countersunk-head riveting, a surface plate or anvil can be used as rivet support.

Fig. 2.22 - Fixed riveting support Fig. 2.23 - Adjustable riveting support

5. Clamping tools:

Various clamps or clamp dogs may be used for clamping the plates; in clamping jaws for
round material, rivet bolts can be preformed.

Fig. 2.24. - Clamping by hand vice

25
For hot-riveting, the following is required additionally:

- smith's fire (for heating up the rivets)

- rivet clamp (for holding the hot rivets)
- rivet tongs (for taking the rivets out of the fire)

For mechanized riveting, the following equipment is used:

- Pneumatic riveter: Pneumatic riveters (also known as Compression Riveters) squeeze the
rivet rather than hammering. This is a much quieter method, but more importantly, it allows
each rivet to be identical to each other, perfectly offset. Many size and capacity compression
riveters are available.
- hydraulic riveter

7. Bucking bars & kits

They are used in the process of setting or driving rivets in aircrafts, buses, boats and various
manufacturing industries to fasten, primarily aluminum and steel metal components together.

8. Rivet Guns: this simply refers to a tool used to drive rivets.

3. Rivet Shavers: Pneumatic rivet shaver tools are designed to shave (mill) rivets flush with
the surface of the sheet metal part to help eliminate the defect in aerodynamics caused by
raised rivets.

9. Riv-nuts: they are used to fasten a variety of materials together - including different types
of metals, plastics, fiberglass and carbon fiber.

10. Blind Riveter:

Pop rivets, also known as blind rivets, are a type of rivet. They are used in applications where
there is limited - or no - access to the rear side (blind side) of the parts to be joined.

11. Benchtop Compression Riveter:

Bench top compression riveters are designed to be mounted on a bench that supports the
work piece or as a portable unit on a cart. Bench top compression riveters are available for
hand/pneumatic operation, and have a wide range of optional tooling available.

26
12. Rivet Set:

The metal device that connects the rivet to the barrel of the rivet gun. It is usually made of
steel or other strong material and is intended to shift vibrating power from the end of the gun onto
the rivet head

PRINCIPLES OF RIVETING
1. Use of the correct allowance for edge clearance when marking out.

2. All drilled or punched holes should be made to the correct clearance size to suit the rivet
diameter.

3. Remove any burrs' from around the edges of all holes before finally assembling the parts to
be joined.

4. Ensure that holes are correctly aligned and matched before inserting the rivet.

5. Use the proper type of rivet as specified on the drawing (correct or length and diameter).

When inserting rivets, do not attempt to force or drive them into the hole.

ADVANTAGES OF RIVETING
Rivets are used for strengthening different types of steel structures and to provide stability in
complex structures created using more than 10 pieces of steel. Rivets are a popular fastening
method among workers in the steel construction industry. The advantages it provides for
construction of bridges and cell-phone or electrical towers makes it an advantageous fastener
for steel construction.

1.    Cost Effectiveness

Rivets are a cheap alternative to welding and metal adhesives. They save the cost of
electricity that is required in large amounts for welding connections. There is no need for
any special materials for the connection, unlike welding, which uses a hot metal adhesive to
connect the steel members. The small size of the rivets allows transportation of larger
quantities at once, thus saving the cost of transportation too.

2.    Increases Production Output

Welding requires the preparation of both the pieces to be connected. The welding process
also takes a lot of equipment to weld together and finish it by grinding the extra waste

27
residue left on the joints. This increases the production cost and decreases your daily
productivity. Riveting a joint, on the other hand, takes much lesser equipment and there is
negligible waste residue left after the joint has been riveted. This decreases production cost
and increases the profits of production.

3.    Flexibility in Design

Rivets are manufactured in different shapes and structures according to the needs of
construction. They are available in different materials that are chosen by the engineers for
their steel construction design. Oval-headed, brazier headed and tubular rivets are some
common designs and have different strength and tolerance values. The rivets can be painted
or polished to match the main working structure. You can have different metal combinations
for different pressures and metal thicknesses.

4.    Durability

Solid steel rivets are highly durable. They are resistant to corrosion, moisture and even
chemicals. Most of the rivets used in steel construction are made out of highly resistant
metals and alloys such as galvanized steel, nickel, titanium and aluminum-based alloys,
which increases the tolerance to high pressures and shear load. The anti-corrosive properties
also increase the life of the part being joined together.

5.    Easy Inspection and Maintenance

Inspecting and maintaining welded structures takes a longer time than rivets. Welded joints
need a closer look to find out the wear and figure out the life of the joints. If a welding has
worn off, the equipment has to be installed all over again and the welding process continues.
Rivets, on the other hand, do not require a finer inspection. And the worn rivet can be easily
reinstalled with minimum equipment like a hydraulic riveting machine or a simple hammer.

DISADVANTAGES OF RIVETING

1.Riveting take more labor time than welding. Additional operations like lay out and drilling
holes are necessary. The labor cost of rivet joints is high.

2.Stress concentration at the rivet holes of metal plates.

28
3.The holes may weaken the working cross section of the plate. Then the additional thickness
is required to compensate for this problem. This additional thickness and overlapping of
plates for riveting increases metal consumption.

4. It has more weight than welded joint due to strap-plate and rivets.

5.The riveted joints are bulkier than welding and brazing. The projection of rivet also affects
aesthetic appearance.

6.They typically do not make a tight or leak-proof joint unless using hot rivet or sealant along
the rivet.

7.The riveting process is noisier than welding due to hammer blowing.

APPLICATIONS OF RIVETING
Riveting is used in applications where reliability and safety count. Riveting is commonly
applied in the following areas;

1. Home Building

Riveting is widely used in gutter construction because nails aren't as effective for attaching
meta

l sheets together. Window blinds, hanger straps, wind guards, and even doors and windows
are often installed by riveting.

2. Wall and Ceiling Decorations and Signs

Because there is access to only one side of a wall or ceiling, riveting is ideal if one is looking
to permanently attach nameplates, signs, or decorations to them. Ornamental objects,
Christmas lanterns, Halloween decorations, framed paintings, photo frames, and just about
any other type of decoration can be efficiently and easily attached to walls and ceilings with
riveting.

3.Woodworking

Wooden stands and shelves, cabinets, lockers and just about anything made out of wood can
be held together effectively with the use of rivets. In fact, it's often the most superior option.
They're more durable than screws and nails, so they ensure a sturdier finished product, which
allows the furniture to be held in place for the long run. Even the hinges used on this product,

29
as well as the drawers, pulls, handles and doorknobs placed on them are often attached by
riveting.

4. Jewellery Production

Both professional and amateur jewelry makers use riveting as a cold connection technique. It
allows them to join metal pieces together without having to resort to soldering or using heat,
while also adding depth and texture to their jewelry. With just the most basic metal forming
skills, some common tools, and some instructional videos, any jewelry maker can use riveting
to make cold connections.

5. Aircraft

Naturally, an aircraft will have to be made from solid, strong materials. But these heavy-duty
materials would fall apart if they weren't fastened together firmly.

Though welding, bolting, and brazing are also used in the construction of an aircraft, riveting
is also vital to the process. The end goal is to have the strongest union of the parts that are
joined together and riveting is necessary to achieve this. It's most commonly used to join
aluminum alloys together because aluminum is difficult to solder. Riveting provides neatness
and strength, while also allowing for a lighter weight in an aircraft. Plus, during the
construction and repair of aircraft, it's not always possible to reach the rear end of the
structure being fastened, which is where riveting becomes especially useful.

APPLICATION OF RIVETTING IN PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS

The most commonly used fasteners in Prosthetics and Orthotics are rivets. Speedy rivets and
copper rivets are staples to the field. These rivets can be used in prosthetics and orthotics in
the following applications

1) Straps are attached to an orthotic device such as Boston brace, cock-up splint, Elbow/Knee
braces, with speedy rivets

2) A suspension system is attached to a prosthesis with copper rivets and a grommet (such as
an elastic hip belt).

3) Metals are attached uprights to another piece of metal, such as the coupling of a knee joint
or Hip joint for a Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) or A Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis
( HKAFO) as the case may be, with copper rivets.

30
RIVETING FAILURES AND HOW THEY CAN BE AVOIDED
Common defects in riveted joints

1. Shearing of rivet

2. Crushing of rivet

3. Splitting of the metal

4. Tearing of the plate

1. Shearing of Rivet

The plates which are connected by the rivets exert tensile stress on the rivets and if the rivets
are unable to resist the stress, they are sheared off. The resistance offered by a rivet to be
sheared off is known as shearing resistance or shearing strength or shearing value of the rivet.

2. Crushing of Rivets

Sometimes, the rivets do not shear off under tensile stress, but are crushed. Due to this, the
rivet hole becomes oval and hence the joint becomes loose.

3. Splitting of the Plates

This failure occurs because of insufficient edge distance. This can be provided by giving a
minimum edge distance from the center of any hole to the edge of a plate.

4. Tearing of the Plate.

A joint may fail due to tearing of the plate at an edge. This can be avoided by keeping the
margin=1.5d, where d is the diameter of the rivet hole.

HOW THEY CAN BE AVOIDED

Generally, shearing, bearing and splitting failure of plates may be avoided by providing
adequate proper edge distance. To safeguard a riveted joint against other modes of failure, the
joint should be designed properly.

31
 CHAPTER THREE (3)
CONCLUSION
Rivets are a better substitute for screws, bolts, and nuts. They prove more efficient and
reliable than all other connectors. Today, different types of rivets have various purposes. This
is a result of the dynamic nature of machines and structures. However, you have to choose
suitable metal rivets for your applications to get the best results.

It’s advantages which include cost effectiveness, increases production output, Flexibility in
design, Durability, Easy inspection and maintenance etc., are encouragement for it to be
chosen over welding and soldering.

Rivets are used mostly in-home building, wall and ceiling decoration, wood working, jewelry
and in aircraft.

32