Riveting system for composite materials - uses tubular rivet with flanged end to protect soft plastic component

摘要

Conventional methods of blind riveting are unsuitable for use with composite materials as the force required to expand the head will damage the soft part. This difficulty is overcome by using a tubular rivet (10) with a countersunk head which is inserted through the metal component and projects beyond the surface of the soft material. A special tool (13) is then used to spread this projecting end outwards (10a) to grip the soft material surface. A conventional blind rivet (14) can then be used, with the head (14a) formed, by collapsing the outer sleeve, abutting against the flanged end of the tubular rivet (10).