What is Self Piercing Rivet ?
Self piercing rivet (SPR rivet) is a cold joining process. Which two or even more layers of sheets of different materials are joined by penetrating them with rivets. The technology’s maximum capacity to date allows for the joining of aluminum plates with a cumulative thickness of 12 mm or steel plates with a thickness of 6 mm.
As one of the alternatives to spot welding, the biggest difference with SPR rivet is that it does not transfer heat to the material. As a result, there is no unnecessary damage to the finished product. the fastening point is more fatigue resistant and stronger. and it is kinder to the intermediate layer of material without causing excessive deformation.
The Self-piercing rivets join a wide range of materials including high strength steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, plastics and composites. It is capable of joining different materials together and can also join materials that have been coated with various surface coatings without affecting the joining effect. For example, materials that have been lubricated, painted, coated or plated. SPR rivet can also be used to join materials that contain sealants, adhesives or insulating materials.
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What is a Self Piercing Rivet ?
Self Piercing Rivet (SPR Rivet) is a specialty riveting fixture that joins two or more sheets of material without the need for pre-drilling.
A Self Piercing Rivet consists of two main parts: a rivet head with a projection and a hollow rivet body. They are usually made of high-strength steel or aluminum alloys. To install a self-tapping rivet, the tip of the rivet is first aligned with the material to be joined, and then a specialized riveting tool is used to apply pressure to push the rivet head into the material. During the push-in process, the rivet head penetrates the first layer of material and enters the second layer of material, while the shank inside the body of the rivet is extruded to form a diffused shape that fills the gap in the material and creates a strong connection.
The main advantage of Self Piercing Rivets is that they provide a fast, efficient and strong joint without the need for pre-drilling. They are suitable for joining thin sheet materials such as metals, plastics and composites. Self-tapping rivets are commonly used in industries such as automotive manufacturing, appliance manufacturing, aerospace and construction, especially in applications that require high-strength connections and low material damage.
How do SPR Rivet Work ?
SPR Rivet works by applying the required pressure and force to penetrate and deform the material.The steps of SPR Rivet to produce a tightening effect are in order:
- By applying a certain amount of pressure, the rivet head begins to penetrate the first layer of material.
- As the rivet head continues to penetrate, it enters the second layer of material. During this process, the raised head of the rivet creates pressure that clamps the first and second layers of material together.
- When the head of the rivet completely penetrates and enters the second layer of material. the rod portion inside the body of the rivet is extruded and deformed. This process creates a diffuse shape that fills the gaps between the materials and creates a strong joint.
- Once the rod portion of the SPR rivet is fully extruded and deformed, it locks into the connected material. This type of connection provides a high level of strength and stability, allowing the connected materials to stay together.
How Do Install Self Piercing Rivet?
The SPR Rivet Riveting can be divided into four stages of the riveting process:
- Clamping phase: The crimper presses down the sheet to be riveted. At the same time, the self piercing rivets are also pre-pressing the sheet vertically downwards under the drive of the punch.
- Punching stage: The punch moves downward and pushes the self piercing rivet to force it to pierce the upper sheet. And at the same time, the self-piercing rivets also drive the lower sheet to deform plastically into the mold.
- Expansion stage: As the riveting process proceeds, the self-piercing rivets legs gradually open and the lower sheet undergoes plastic deformation, gradually filling into the mold. Under the joint action of the convex mold and the cam, the self piercing rivet leg expands to the periphery and is embedded in the lower sheet, forming a mechanical interlocking structure between the self piercing rivets and the sheet.
- Punch riveting completion: when the punch will self-piercing rivets downward pressure, until the spr rivet head and the upper surface of the upper piece of close contact and flush, can be considered riveting completed. At this time, the pressure edge will release the pressure edge force, the punch to restore the initial work, the end of the stamping riveting.
What Are Self Piercing Rivet Made of?
The raw material used in the manufacture of self piercing rivets is generally carbon steel. (Rivmate offers customization services)
Medium carbon steel refers to alloy steel with a carbon content of 0.25mm% to 0.60%. Medium carbon steel according to the composition of steel can be divided into two categories of alloy steel and carbon steel.
Alloy steel is divided into: ① high carbon steel, carbon content of less than 0.25mm%; ② medium carbon steel, carbon content of 0.25mm% – 0.7%; ③, high carbon steel, carbon content of more than 0.7%; medium carbon steel hot work and excellent processability, electric welding welding characteristics of the weaker. Compressive strength, strength than high-carbon steel, while plastic deformation and ductility is less than high-carbon steel. It does not need to be tempered, and can be applied immediately to hot-drawn and cold-drawn materials, and can also be applied after tempering.
Rivmate produces and manufactures self piercing rivet. After heat treatment and quenching, medium carbon steel has excellent comprehensive physical properties. The maximum strength that can be exceeded is about HRC55 (HB538), σb is 700 ~ 1300MPa. Therefore, in the medium level of compressive strength level of a variety of major applications, medium-carbon steel to get the most common use.
Applications of Self Piercing Rivet
There are many types of rivets on the market, and different rivets have different applications. Self piercing rivets are one of them. With the development of the machinery industry, spr rivet is used in more and more scenarios.
- Automotive industry
- Doors and windows installation
- Manufacture of transportation
- Manufacture and maintenance of aerospace equipment
- Connection of housing and internal parts of electronic products
- Installation of furniture connectors
Self-piercing rivets are relatively small, but have many applications. In the automotive industry, self piercing rivet is used in bodywork, assembly, and interior and exterior mounting. In windows and doors, the use of self piercing rivets will not only not destroy the galvanized layer on the board, but also retain the original aesthetic. The same is true in the transportation industry. Although the connection method used is different, the final effect is the same.
Applications of Self Pierce Rivets in the Automotive Industry
The automotive manufacturing industry is one of the most frequent users of self piercing rivets. Here are some specific applications of self piercing rivets in the automotive industry:
- Body manufacturing : self piercing rivets can be used to join body panels, doors, roofs, hoods, trunk lids and other components. Self-tapping rivets provide strong connections that ensure structural stability and strength of the body.
- High Strength Structural Connections:In automobiles, many components require high strength connections. Such as suspension systems, chassis components, and safety structures.self piercing rivet is used to connect these components, providing reliable connections and strong structural support.
- Door and window assembly: self piercing rivet is used to join door frames, window frames and other related components together to ensure stability, sealing and safety of doors and windows.
- Vehicle interior assembly: self piercing rivets are used to join seats, dashboards, center consoles, door panels and other interior components during vehicle interior assembly. They provide strong connections .
- Automotive restoration and maintenance: self piercing rivets also play an important role in automotive restoration and maintenance. When damaged body panels or other components need to be replaced, self-tapping rivets can be used to attach new parts and restore the structural integrity of the vehicle.
Advantages of Self Piercing Rivets(SPR Rivet) in Automotive Manufacturing
Self piercing rivet has become a commonly used connecting element in modern automobile manufacturing, providing reliable connections and structural support. Self piercing rivet offers the following advantages over other types of fasteners:
- Fast and Efficient Joining: Self piercing rivets allow for quick joining of thin sheet materials without the need for pre-drilling. Compared to traditional bolting or welding, self piercing rivets can be installed faster, which can increase productivity.
- Strong Connection Strength: Self piercing rivets provide a strong connection that can withstand high strength and vibration. They provide reliable support in the connection of automobile bodies and structures, ensuring the structural stability and safety of vehicles.
- Low Material Damage: Since self piercing rivets do not require pre-drilling during the joining process, they cause less material damage. Compared to traditional drilling and welding methods, self piercing rivets reduce or eliminate material distortion, heat-affected zones and cut debris, thereby improving the quality and appearance of the connected parts.
- Lightweight design: Self piercing rivets are usually made of lightweight materials, such as aluminum alloys. In the pursuit of automotive lightweighting trend, the use of self piercing rivets can reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and improve fuel efficiency and performance.
- Automated production: The installation process of self piercing rivets can be carried out by automated equipment, realizing a high degree of production automation. This improves productivity, reduces labor costs, and ensures consistent and reliable connection quality.
Find Self Piercing Rivet Manufacturers and Suppliers
You can watch a video of our factory producing self piercing rivets. You are very welcome to visit our self piercing rivet factory.
If you are looking for manufacturers and suppliers who can provide you with large quantities of high quality rivets, it’s so worthwhile for you to see here! Rivmate is the top manufacturer of rivets in China. Including standard blind rivets, structural rivets, automotive rivets, spr rivets and so on.
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