Solid rivets are a staple in aerospace engineering, providing durable and reliable fastening solutions for critical aircraft components. They are mechanical fasteners used to join two or more materials together permanently. Unlike other types of rivets, solid rivets do not contain a hollow core or mandrel. Instead, they consist of a solid shaft with a head on one end and a tail on the other. During installation, the tail is hammered or compressed, causing it to deform and form a second head, thereby securing the materials in place.
Materials and Common Usage:
Solid rivets are typically made from high-strength materials such as aluminum, steel, or titanium. These materials offer excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and corrosion resistance, making them well-suited for aerospace applications. Solid rivets are commonly used to fasten structural components, skin panels, and other critical parts of aircraft and spacecraft.
Advantages of Solid Rivets:
One of the primary advantages of solid rivets is their exceptional strength and reliability. Once installed, solid rivets provide a permanent bond that can withstand high levels of stress and vibration. Additionally, solid rivets offer superior resistance to shear and tensile forces, ensuring the structural integrity of aerospace assemblies. Moreover, solid rivets do not require special tools or equipment for installation, making them cost-effective and easy to use.
Disadvantages and Challenges:
Despite their numerous advantages, solid rivets present some challenges, particularly during removal and maintenance operations. Traditional methods of rivet removal involve drilling or grinding, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, excessive heat generated during removal can damage surrounding materials and compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft.
Fortunately, advancements in aerospace maintenance technology have led to the development of innovative solutions for rivet removal. E-Drill technology offers a precise and efficient alternative to traditional methods, allowing aerospace technicians to remove solid rivets quickly and safely. By utilizing electro-discharge machining (EDM) principles, E-Drill can selectively dissolve metal fasteners without generating heat or causing damage to adjacent structures. Additionally, E-Drill is compatible with a wide range of materials, including aluminum, steel, and titanium, making it a versatile tool for aerospace maintenance applications.
Solid rivets play a vital role in aerospace engineering, providing a robust and reliable means of fastening critical components. While traditional methods of rivet removal pose challenges in terms of time and precision, innovative technologies like E-Drill offer a more efficient and precise solution. By harnessing the power of electro-discharge machining, E-Drill enables aerospace maintenance professionals to remove solid rivets with ease, ensuring the continued safety and reliability of aerospace systems.
Solid Rivet Part Number Examples
| Part Number | Material | Head Style |
|---|---|---|
| MS20470A | 1100-F ALUMINUM | Universal Head |
| MS20470AD | 2117-T4 ALUMINUM | Universal Head |
| MS20470B | 5056-H32 ALUMINUM | Universal Head |
| MS20470D | 2017-T4 ALUMINUM | Universal Head |
| MS20470DD | 2024-T4 ALUMINUM | Universal Head |
| MS20470K | 2219-T81 ALUMINUM | Universal Head |
| MS20470E | 7050-T73 ALUMINUM | Universal Head |
| MS20470T | 45Cb TITANIUM | Universal Head |
| MS20470J | 2219-T62 ALUMINUM | Universal Head |
| MS20613_P AN125551 to AN125700 |
CARBON STEEL | Universal Head |
| MS20615_CU | COPPER | Universal Head |
| MS20615_B | BRASS | Universal Head |
| MS20613_C AN125401 to AN125550 |
300 SERIES STAINLESS | Universal Head |
| MS20615_M | MONEL | Universal Head |
| AN123301 to AN123450 | INCONEL | Universal Head |
| AN123151 to AN123300 | 347 STAINLESS | Universal Head |
| NAS1198 | A286 HIGH TEMP STAINLESS | Universal Head |
| MS20426A | 1100-F ALUMINUM | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20426AD | 2117-T4 ALUMINUM | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20426B | 5056-H32 ALUMINUM | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20426D | 2017-T4 ALUMINUM | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20426DD | 2024-T4 ALUMINUM | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20426K | 2219-T81 ALUMINUM | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20426E | 7050-T73 ALUMINUM | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20426T | 45Cb TITANIUM | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20426J | 2219-T62 ALUMINUM | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20427 | CARBON STEEL | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20427C | COPPER | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20427B | BRASS | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20427F AN124951 AN125100 |
300 SERIES STAINLESS | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| MS20427M | MONEL | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| AN123601 to AN123750 | INCONEL | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| AN123451 to AN123600 | 347 STAINLESS | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| NAS1199 | A286 HIGH TEMP STAINLESS | 100º COUNTERSUNK |
| AN430A | 1100-F ALUMINUM | ROUND HEAD |
| AN430AD | 2117-T4 ALUMINUM | ROUND HEAD |
| AN430B | 5056-H32 ALUMINUM | ROUND HEAD |
| AN430D | 2017-T4 ALUMINUM | ROUND HEAD |
| AN430DD | 2024-T4 ALUMINUM | ROUND HEAD |
| MS20435 | CARBON STEEL | ROUND HEAD |
| MS20435C | COPPER | ROUND HEAD |
| MS20435B | BRASS | ROUND HEAD |
| MS20435F | 301 SERIES STAINLESS | ROUND HEAD |
| MS20435M | MONEL | ROUND HEAD |
| AN442A | 1100-F ALUMINUM | FLAT HEAD |
| AN442AD | 2117-T4 ALUMINUM | FLAT HEAD |
| AN442B | 5056-H32 ALUMINUM | FLAT HEAD |
| AN442D | 2017-T4 ALUMINUM | FLAT HEAD |
| AN442DD | 2024-T4 ALUMINUM | FLAT HEAD |
| AN441 | CARBON STEEL | FLAT HEAD |
| AN441C | COPPER | FLAT HEAD |
| AN441B | BRASS | FLAT HEAD |
| AN441F | 300 SERIES STAINLESS | FLAT HEAD |
| AN441M | MONEL | FLAT HEAD |
| AN455A | 1100-F ALUMINUM | BRAZIER HEAD |
| AN455AD | 2117-T4 ALUMINUM | BRAZIER HEAD |
| AN455B | 5056-H32 ALUMINUM | BRAZIER HEAD |
| AN455D | 2017-T4 ALUMINUM | BRAZIER HEAD |
| AN455DD | 2024-T4 ALUMINUM | BRAZIER HEAD |
| MODIFIED BRAZIER HEAD | MATERIAL & HEAD MARKING | MODIFIED BRAZIER HEAD |
| AN456A | 1100-F ALUMINUM | MODIFIED BRAZIER HEAD |
| AN456AD | 2117-T4 ALUMINUM | MODIFIED BRAZIER HEAD |
| AN456B | 5056-H32 ALUMINUM | MODIFIED BRAZIER HEAD |
| AN456D | 2017-T4 ALUMINUM | MODIFIED BRAZIER HEAD |
| AN456DD | 2024-T4 ALUMINUM | MODIFIED BRAZIER HEAD |
