Different Material of Solid Rivets

Solid rivets consist of a cylindrical shank and a mushroom-shaped head. They are used to permanently fasten two or more parts together and play a vital role in the aerospace industry. Installation is easy, using either a hammer or a dedicated riveting machine. First, drill a hole in the component and insert the solid rivet. Then, place the shank against the back of the rivet. Hitting the rivet head with a hammer causes the back of the rivet to collapse, securing the components together. While all solid rivets have a shank and head, they can be found in a variety of materials.

Steel Solid Rivets

Iron is commonly used to make solid rivets. Steel is an iron alloy. Like other iron alloys, it is composed of iron mixed with other elements. Steel contains less than 2% carbon. It may also contain other elements such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, or chromium, but all steels are composed of two main elements: iron and carbon.

Iron solid rivets offer superior strength. They are stronger than aluminum solid rivets and are well-suited for construction applications. However, a disadvantage of steel solid rivets is their weight. Because steel has a density approximately 2.5 times that of aluminum, steel rivets are heavier than aluminum rivets.

Aluminum Solid Rivets

Aluminum is one of the most common materials used to make solid rivets. Compared to other rivet materials, aluminum is lightweight, durable, and relatively inexpensive. Aluminum rivets are also highly corrosion-resistant. Because they contain no iron, they won't rust.

Some aluminum solid rivets are alloyed with other elements, such as zinc, magnesium, or copper, to increase their strength. Others are made entirely of aluminum. Regardless, aluminum is a common material for making solid rivets.

Stainless Steel Solid Rivets

Stainless steel solid rivets are highly corrosion-resistant. Primarily made of 304 or 316 stainless steel, they offer excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, humidity, and heat, making them suitable for harsh environments such as petrochemicals and bridges.

Brass Solid Rivets

In addition to aluminum and steel, brass is also used to make solid rivets. Brass solid rivets offer excellent corrosion resistance. Even with frequent exposure to moisture, they generally resist corrosion. Brass solid rivets are both strong and flexible.

They are less common than aluminum or steel, but some solid rivets are still made of brass. Brass’s soft nature makes it easy to install. Installation requires deformation. The back of the solid rivet must be deformed to bend around the component it is used on. Because of its solid core, brass solid rivets are easily deformed when struck with a hammer.

Summary

Solid rivets are characterized by a solid core. The core is made of a solid material such as aluminum, iron, stainless steel, or copper. Each material has its own advantages. The material of the rivet you choose depends on the application and your budget.