Ethan Clarke
Riveting is a process that involves fastening two materials together using a rivet, which is a small metal pin with a head on one end. While it is possible to rivet metal to plastic, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The type of rivet and the application will determine the success of the joint. For example, standard aluminium pop rivets may crack the plastic, and stainless steel rivets may not work with certain tools. Additionally, the riveting process may require additional equipment and tooling. In some cases, glue or bolts may be a more suitable alternative to rivets for joining metal to plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rivet Type | Plastic rivets, semi-circular rivet head, ratchet rivet, push rivets, pop rivets, snap rivets, stainless steel rivets |
| Materials | Plastic, aluminium, stainless steel, nylon |
| Use Cases | Joining plastic to metal, connecting flat panels, fastening soft materials, panel fasteners, panel spacing, load distribution, decorative rivets |
| Advantages | Ease of use, simple operation, energy-saving, fast, compact equipment design, secure fastening, tamper-proof, durability, smooth finish |
| Disadvantages | Difficult to repair, not suitable for high-strength or long-term load applications, may crack plastic, rivets may loosen over time |
| Installation | Push into panel hole by hand, use pop rivet installation tool, heat rivet column to a malleable state, press softened rivet column to form a firm head |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right rivet type
When choosing the right rivet type, several factors come into play, including the materials being joined, the specific application, and the desired level of security and aesthetics. Here are some considerations to help you select the most appropriate rivet type for your project:
Material Compatibility
Consider the compatibility of the rivet with the materials you are joining. In most cases, it is advisable to choose a rivet that has similar mechanical properties to the materials being fastened. For instance, plastic rivets are commonly used to join soft materials such as plastics, urethane, and rubber. Metal rivets, on the other hand, are suitable for applications involving higher strength requirements.
Application and Strength Requirements
Different rivet types offer varying levels of strength and are suited to different applications. For example, semi-circular rivet heads with larger profiles are typically used in low-strength applications such as PCB boards and plastic decorative parts. If you require higher strength, consider metal rivets or more robust plastic rivet designs. Additionally, if you are working with sheet metal, ensure that the clearance between sheets is appropriate for the rivet type chosen.
Accessibility and Installation
Think about the accessibility of the installation area. Some rivets, like push-in blind rivets or pop rivets, are designed for situations where you cannot access the rear panel side, or "blind" side, during installation. These types of rivets often require special tools for installation. Standard rivets, on the other hand, can be installed by simply pushing them into a panel hole by hand.
Security and Aesthetics
Depending on your project, you may require rivets that offer security or a specific aesthetic. Ratchet rivets provide a secure and tamper-proof fastening while also offering an appealing design. Countersunk rivets are another option for creating a tamper-proof panel with a clean, smooth finish.
Load and Strain Considerations
If your application involves significant load or strain, consider alternatives to rivets, as they may loosen over time, especially in plastic. In such cases, a combination of a bolt, washers, and a lock nut might be a more durable solution. Additionally, if your project involves force moving back and forth, aluminum rivets may not be the best choice due to their tendency to crack under strain.
Remember, when choosing a rivet type, it is essential to consider the unique requirements of your project, including the materials, strength needs, accessibility, security, and aesthetics. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision about the most suitable rivet type for your specific application.
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Pros and cons of riveting metal to plastic
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to use rivets to join metal to plastic. Here are some pros and cons to help inform your decision:
Pros of Riveting Metal to Plastic:
- Rivets can provide a strong and secure joint between metal and plastic if used correctly.
- Riveting is a relatively simple process that can be done with basic tools, such as a rivet gun.
- The rivet manufacturers will provide specifications, such as grip length and pullout strength, to ensure the correct rivets are used for the specific application.
- Self-piercing rivets (SPR) are commonly used in the automotive industry to fasten plastic mouldings to steel, aluminium, and other materials. This suggests that riveting metal to plastic is a viable option for certain applications.
Cons of Riveting Metal to Plastic:
- There is a risk of cracking the plastic when using standard aluminium pop rivets. To mitigate this, washers can be placed between the rivet head and the plastic, but this may not be sufficient for thinner plastics.
- Rivets may loosen over time, especially if the joint is subjected to strain or dynamic forces. This is because the plastic can creep around the small bearing surface of the rivet hole under shear forces.
- Removing rivets can be more difficult compared to other fasteners like bolts.
- Riveting may not be suitable for critical applications as the pull-out forces of the rivets can be rather low.
- Additional considerations, such as surface area requirements, deformation allowances, and budget constraints, may impact the feasibility of using rivets.
Overall, riveting metal to plastic can be a viable option for certain applications, but it is important to carefully consider the specific requirements and constraints of the project to determine the most suitable fastening method.
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Using a rivet gun
There are several types of rivet guns, but the three general categories are manual, pneumatic, and electric. Depending on the make and model of the rivet gun, it may come with a selection of additional pin dies screwed into one of the handles. The spare pin dies are used for different-sized rivets. If you look at the cavity opening in the different dies, you will notice that they are all slightly different sizes, which allow for different thicknesses of mandrels. Ensure that you are using the correct-sized die for the particular rivet you are using. The mandrel should fit fairly snugly inside.
With the hole ready, select your rivet and insert the rivet pin into the hole so that the mandrel is facing upwards. This is because it's the mandrel that slots into the rivet gun die cavity, allowing you to pull the rivet up tight. If the rivet pin is tight to fit in the hole, you may need to enlarge it slightly using a bigger drill bit. This is especially the case when dealing with thin, fragile materials. With the rivet in place, slide the die cavity over the mandrel until it hits the rivet head.
When using a rivet gun, the rivet gun pin die slots over the pin or mandrel, and when the handles are squeezed, the pin is pulled through the rivet, which then deforms, forming a dome on the underside and joining the two surfaces together.
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Hot air riveting
The process of hot air riveting involves inserting rivets into pre-drilled holes. The rivet head stays in place on one end of the hole, as its diameter is more than the shaft. The hot air is directed only at the rivet heads, leaving the rivets themselves and the surrounding surface untouched. The rivet tail is then upset or hammered to increase its width so that it locks in place on the other end of the hole, creating a permanent joint.
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Alternative methods
One alternative method is to use a bolt, washer, another washer, and a lock nut instead of a rivet. This method is more suitable when strain will be exerted on the joint. Bolts are also easier to remove than rivets. Another option is to use glue to join the materials. This method can be enhanced by designing the plastic with a ledge to bear the load, so the rivet only needs to hold the plastic to the ledge.
If you are set on using rivets, it is important to consider the type of rivet and the materials being joined. Plastic rivets are commonly used to join soft materials such as plastics, urethane, and rubber. They are easy to use, simply pushed into a panel hole, usually by hand. Plastic snap rivets are perfect for rigid or compressive materials where a finished head is needed on both sides.
If you are using metal rivets, a hot air riveting process can be used. This involves two stages: first, hot air uniformly heats the rivet column to a malleable state; second, the cold riveting head presses the softened rivet column to form a firm rivet head. This method is suitable for small components with closely spaced plastic rivet columns. However, it is important to ensure that the fit between the rivet column and the holes on the parts being joined is not too loose, or the softened plastic may fill the gaps during the riveting process, leading to an insufficient rivet head size.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic rivets are used in most things, from computers to rockets. The rivet you use should have the same mechanical properties as the materials you intend to join. For instance, plastic snap rivet fasteners can be used to join soft materials like other plastics, urethane, and rubber. The ratchet rivet, countersunk rivet, and semi-circular rivet head are other common types.
Riveting metal to plastic is suitable for long-term mechanical vibration and extreme environmental conditions. It is a simple, energy-saving, and fast process with easy visual inspection of product quality. The rivet head design allows for a very compact equipment design, especially for small components with closely spaced plastic rivet columns.
Riveting metal to plastic requires additional riveting equipment and tooling. It is not suitable for high-strength or long-term load applications. It is a permanent connection, not suitable for detachable or repairable applications. Once failed, it is difficult to repair.
