Rivet-Secured for Permanent Joining

Rivets are mechanical fasteners that are used to permanently join two or more components together. They are used in many industries, including automotive engineering, the construction industry, medical technology, the electrical industry and the furniture industry. Unlike screws, riveted joints cannot be undone after riveting.

Rivets are particularly suitable where permanent, maintenance-free joints are required and disassembly is not intended.

Unlike threaded fasteners, riveted joints do not rely on preload generated by tightening torque. Instead, the plastically deformed shank creates a form-fit and force-fit connection that provides stable load transfer without the risk of torque loss.

Key advantages include:

• Permanent joint integrity: Once set, rivets create a non-detachable connection that does not depend on retightening.

• High vibration resistance: As there is no threaded interface, riveted joints are less susceptible to self-loosening under dynamic or cyclic loading.

• Consistent installation behaviour: The forming process defines the clamping condition during setting, reducing variability compared to torque-controlled screw assembly.

• Low maintenance requirement: No periodic retightening is necessary in service.

Rivets are therefore often preferred in safety-relevant or high-vibration applications where long-term stability and predictable joint behaviour are critical.

The primary difference lies in the shank geometry and the resulting installation behaviour and load capacity.

• Solid rivet:
  A solid rivet features a fully closed shank. During installation, the entire shank end is plastically deformed to form the closing head. This requires higher setting force but enables maximum shear strength and high load-bearing capacity. Solid rivets are typically used in structurally demanding or safety-relevant applications.

• Semi-tubular rivet:
  A semi-tubular rivet has a partially hollow shank end. The reduced cross-section lowers the required forming force during installation and allows controlled deformation with less stress on the joined components. This makes semi-tubular rivets particularly suitable for thinner materials, softer counterparts or assemblies where reduced installation force is critical.

The selection depends on required shear strength, permissible installation force and the mechanical properties of the joined materials.

Rivets can be manufactured from a wide range of materials, depending on load requirements, environmental exposure and the mechanical properties of the joined components.

Common material groups include:

• Carbon and alloy steels – for high shear strength and structural load-bearing applications

• Stainless steels – for corrosive or humid operating conditions requiring long-term resistance

• Aluminium alloys – for weight-sensitive assemblies with moderate load requirements

• Brass – for applications benefiting from natural corrosion resistance and favourable forming behaviour

• Copper – where electrical conductivity or specific material compatibility is required

Material selection is always aligned with the required load case, installation force and the interaction between rivet and counterpart material. Proper matching prevents galvanic corrosion, excessive surface pressure or unwanted deformation during setting.