Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a modern manufacturing process that uses pre-programmed computer software to create intricate shapes in various materials, including metal, plastic, wood, glass, and composite. It’s a vast field comprised of several techniques, but today we’ll focus on one fundamental operation within this domain— CNC turning and a related aspect – the different types of rivets.
CNC Turning Breakdown
CNC turning is essentially a manufacturing method wherein a single-point cutting tool is parallel to the workpiece surface. The material, affixed to the chuck, rotates while the cutting tool moves in a linear fashion, cutting away excess material and thus creating a symmetrical cylindrical shape.
The way that a company would go about producing products using CNC turning begins with designing a prototype utilizing CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. This design is then converted into numerical data using CAM-software for the CNC machine. After configuring the settings, including speed, feed rate, and location, the paramount manufacturing phase can commence.
Subsequently, raw material or semi-finished products are inserted into the CNC machine’s spinning lathe component, and then a specific cutting tool fabricates the final product as per exact dimensions.
This technique is applicable for producing an array of custom parts such as drive shafts, bushings, flanges, knobs, pulleys, etc., along with forming internal features like tapers, radii, threads, or complex contours on the exterior.
Insight Into Various Types of Rivets
Nowadays, engineers prefer bolts and screws over rivets due to their ease of assembly and disassembly. However, before these alternatives came to be, rivets were quite the essential fasteners. There are numerous types of rivets available, suited for various application areas.
1. Solid/Round Head Rivets: These traditional rivets, also known as ‘bucked’ types, provide strong, tamper-proof joints. They are mostly used in structural work, particularly heavy industries, buildings, large-scale ship construction, and bridges.
2. Pop/Blind Rivets: ‘Pop’ or ‘blind’ rivets are valuable when only one side of the joint is accessible. Applications include automotive, electronics, and small home projects. Its name comes from the fact they “pop” during installation, leaving behind a empty shell till the mandrel breaks off.
3. Semi-Tubular Rivets: Like solid rivets, semi-tubular ones have a head on one end, but the other end includes a partial hole running through it. Their usage spans door hinges, brakes shoes, clutches, in electronic switches relay, etc.
4. Drive Rivets: Drive rivets offer quick installation where you merely need to insert them into the hole and hammer the exposed pin into the rivet body. These are commonly found in aluminum doors or windows.
5. Flush Rivets: Also referred to as countersink rivets, these are mainly utilized in applications that demand a smooth, finished look, favored by the aviation industry since it reduces air resistance.
6. Friction-Lock Rivets: Given its ability to handle shear loads effectively, friction-lock rivets usually find use in aircraft fuselages and other aerospace structures where high strength-to-weight ratios are crucial.
7. Self-Piercing Rivets: Pioneered by the automobile industry, self-piercing rivets eliminate the requirement for drilled or punched holes. Instead, they cut a hole upon being driven into the material.
Naturally, understanding both concepts useful for individuals involved in the design, development, and upkeep of mechanical systems or those who are curious hobbyists or aspiring professionals in the realm of manufacturing technology. With knowledge about CNC turning and different kinds of rivets, you’ve got the capability not just to construct myriad physical artefacts but lay the groundwork for countless creative undertakings!
