CNC turning, an essential sub-set of the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) processes, revolutionizes manufacturing by ensuring precision and mass-production capability. It offers significant value within a broad spectrum of industries including automotive, aerospace, medical, military, and many more where creating symmetrical products is non-negotiable. Added to this are rivets, which serve as permanent mechanical fasteners before welds came into popular use. There exist various types of rivets, each with its unique design, ideal for specific applications.
Understanding CNC Turning
CNC Turning is a type of machining that utilizes a pointed cutting tool to remove material from rotating workpieces in a method known as subtraction or ‘turning’. This process allows manufacturers to create intricate end-products with tight tolerances that could be complex, if not impossible, to deliver using manual operations.
With CNC Turning, one can produce several shapes including plain surfaces, tapers, fillets, contours, and even threaded surfaces. In addition, it’s possible to achieve different kinds of cuts like drilling, boring, knurling, or parting-off during the operation. Through advanced technological systems, operators control the speed, depth and angle of the cut to ensure every detail matches the programmed specifications.
Turning simply outshines the usual methods of producing detailed pieces at a rapid pace without compromising on quality. However, despite its sophisticated nature, producing a variety of objects – let’s say, the different types of rivets – requires equally advanced equipment and skillful handling.
The Production Process of Rivets through CNC Turning
Manufacturing rivets using a CNC machine involves initial programming of the device according to the specifics of the rivet to be produced. Loosely speaking, while all types of rivets serve similar purposes, they drastically differ in their designs, sizes, shapes, and materials used. Therefore, knowing your specific requirement is key when setting up the machinery.
Once configured, the CNC machines effortlessly carry out the turning process, meticulously chipping away layers of raw material until the desired size and shape are acquired. At the same time, the machine ensures any threading or emboss required on the final product forms precisely.
Types of Rivets
Different projects call for specially tailored rivets offered by versatile CNC Turning technology. But what types of rivets exactly?
1. Blind Rivets: These are tubular and assembled onto a blind installation tool. Thanks to their design, these rivets do not require access to the backside of the components being joined.
2. Solid Rivets: Widely used pre-19th century, these have evolved over years but remain unmatched in strength. They accommodate heavier loads, hence suitable for structural parts such as bridges, buildings, or aircraft bodies.
3. Semi-tubular Rivets: Unlike blind rivets, semi-tubular ones need accessibility from both sides. That said, they do provide comparatively better shear and tensile strength.
4. Drive Rivets: Applied mainly in soft or brittle materials, drive rivets come with a short mandrel projecting from the head, which is driven inwards with a hammer to fasten multiple layers together. 
In Summation
While seemingly simple, the production process of items like rivets demands high-grade engineering solutions – precisely why investing in CNC turning never disappoints. Whether you intend to produce elaborate solid rivets or opt for user-friendly blind rivets, CNC turning simplifies your course towards efficiently fabricating high-quality yielding end-products.
