Riveting

Riveting is an extremely widespread universal process used in a wide variety of manufacturing sectors.

EMG designs and manufactures presses using different technologies, both manual and motorised, to carry out a wide range of riveting operations. Whatever the material of the parts to be joined, their shape or the diameter of the rivet, we put our know-how and experience at your service to meet all your needs.

Riveting, final assembly of metal parts by pressing

Riveting is the final assembly of two metal parts. This assembly cannot be dismantled without destroying the fastener (drifting). This process is particularly suitable for joining two thin parts.

Parts are riveted together by compressing the parts to be joined together and then crushing one end of the rivet with the upper part of the tool. The deformation of the rivet creates a head that holds the parts together. This type of assembly is safe and perfectly solid for all types of materials.

This process also offers high resistance to vibration thanks to the fact that the rivet's housing is completely filled. This recess is the hole made when the sheet metal is punched to allow the rivet shank to pass through. Riveting is a technique that ensures perfect contact between the surfaces of the metal sheets and equally constant and powerful tightening of the assembled parts.

The different types of rivet and their uses

There are several types of rivet. Each type is adapted to specific applications. Blind rivets, otherwise known as ‘pop rivets’, are used when access to only one side of the assembly is possible. Solid rivets are preferred for assemblies requiring maximum strength. Steel, aluminium, brass and other composite rivets offer a variety of assembly solutions, depending on the project and the type of material to be joined.

Hollow rivets are a derivative of the solid rivet and require several steps when the mandrel is struck to create a hole on either side of the workpiece. This type of rivet is used where weight is a critical factor. Wide head rivets distribute the load more evenly over the surface of the joint.

There are many other types of rivet, such as threaded rivets, drive pin rivets, tubular rivets and slotted rivets.

The advantages and disadvantages of riveting compared with other assembly methods

Riveting offers a number of significant advantages, particularly in terms of strength and durability. Rivets are remarkably strong (resistant to vibration and wear). Rivets are quick and easy to install. High-yield production can be envisaged using this assembly method. It is also less expensive than bolting, screwing or welding.

The disadvantages of riveting include the need to feed and drill for assembly, the absence of a watertight joint, a heavier weight than welding, for example, and a potentially high noise level when striking.

Riveting, arc welding, screwing: what are the differences and which process should you choose?

Riveting and arc welding are two assembly methods commonly used in the textile, automotive and aerospace industries. Riveting requires no heat, so sensitive materials are not deformed. Arc welding, on the other hand, creates more permanent metallic bonds. The choice between these methods depends on the type of material, time constraints and strength required.

The choice between riveting and screwing depends on the requirements of the joint. Riveting provides a strong, permanent fixing, ideal for metal assemblies and structural applications. Screws, on the other hand, allow easy disassembly, which is advantageous for applications requiring regular maintenance. Each method offers advantages in terms of cost, time and durability.

Stages in the riveting process

The riveting process follows a number of steps to ensure a strong joint:

Stage 1: preparation of the parts to be joined

Stage 2: choice of rivet, type, size, material, depending on the needs of the application,

Step 3: positioning the rivet in the hole in the part to be joined,

Step 4: press actuation: using the lever for manual presses and the control for pneumatic and hydropneumatic presses.

Step 5: check that the rivet head is properly formed and that no cracks have appeared.

What type of press should I choose for riveting metal parts?

As well as manual rack-and-pinion presses and manual toggle presses, which are used for riveting flexible materials such as textiles and plastics, pneumatic and hydropneumatic presses are used in industry for riveting metal parts.

In fact, the most suitable presses for this type of assembly are pneumatic and hydropneumatic presses, because this operation requires a very high level of effort, especially at the end of the stroke when the rivet head is being formed. And, of course, this has to be done without risking damage to the surface of even the thin sheets and plates to be joined.

The ability to control the lowering speed on pneumatic and hydropneumatic presses gives the operator additional comfort. The use of a compressed-air cylinder on this type of press means that the work is of the highest quality and precision, and the block formed by this process will stand the test of time.

As a manufacturer of presses for riveting metal parts, we offer you our know-how and experience to help you find the right riveting press for your job. Did you know that we also offer used riveting presses that have been completely dismantled, overhauled and inspected?

Common applications for riveting in different industrial sectors

Riveting is essential in many industrial sectors such as automotive, shipbuilding and aerospace. Each sector benefits from the unique properties of riveting for specific applications.

Riveting in the automotive industry: fastening sheet metal and structural components

In the automotive industry, riveting is used to fasten sheet metal and structural components of vehicles. It ensures a strong, durable bond between metal components. This method is favoured for its ability to withstand vibrations and dynamic forces. Steel and aluminium rivets are often used for their strength and lightness.

Riveting in shipbuilding: assembling hulls and metal structures

Riveting is also a guarantee of robustness in shipbuilding. It is used, for example, to assemble hulls and metal structures. It offers exceptional resistance to corrosion and mechanical stress. Rivets made from stainless steel and specific alloys are commonly used to guarantee optimum durability in demanding marine environments.

Riveting in the aerospace industry: guaranteeing the strength of aircraft assemblies

In the aerospace industry, riveting is essential to ensure the solidity of assemblies. It is used to secure fuselage panels and other aircraft components. Lightweight materials such as titanium and aluminium are chosen to minimise weight and maximise performance. Riveting ensures high resistance to pressure and temperature variations.

Recent innovations in riveting

There have been many innovations in the field of riveting. Recent developments have focused on improving materials and technologies to increase the efficiency and performance of fastening systems.

Titanium and aluminium rivets offer increased strength and significant weight reduction. Specific alloys are developed to meet particular requirements, such as resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures. These materials improve the durability and efficiency of assemblies.