Introducing Riv-Loc™
Riv-Loc is an alternative to welding and traditional riveting. The Riv-Loc process utilizes a self-piercing fastener in a simple punch and die operation to automatically feed, punch, insert, and lock the fastener into place- all in a single high-cycle operation.
The Riv-Loc process is ideal when joining a range of materials including pre-painted, pre-coated, and dissimilar metal combinations, including varying thicknesses.
BTM offers production equipment to utilize the Riv-Loc process ranging from single-hit machines to fully automated turn-key systems.
Contact BTM today to learn if Riv-Loc is right for your application!
Riv-Loc™ features:
- Joins multiple layers of metal
- Can join dissimilar metal thicknesses
- Can join dissimilar metal types
- Precoated/Preplated assemblies
- Consistent quality
- Flush mounted finish
- Increased corrosion resistance
- A virtual air tight and water tight joint
- Aesthetically pleasing appearance
- Vibration resistance
- Minimal material distortion
- Joint strength to material tensile
- Electrical continuity
- Joint quality confirmed visually
Riv-Loc™ Advantages: |
Compared to Welding |
Compared to Riveting |
- No plating bleed out.
- No chemical changes in metals due to heat.
- No harmful heat, fumes, or sparks.
- No pre-cleaning of metals.
- Reduce costly touch up and refinishing.
- Can lower utility usage and costs.
- Reduce joint quality inconsistencies.
|
- No prepunching of holes
- Reduce excessive material handling
- No realignment of holes during assembly.
- No pre-cleaning of metals.
- Reduce work-in-process inventory.
- Can lower utility usage and costs.
- Reduce unnecessary labor costs.
|
How Riv-Loc™ works
 |
Step 1:
The Riv-Loc fastener pierces the material being joined.
Step 2:
The lower die shears the material, and allows the slug to pass through.
Step 3:
The Riv-Loc fastener takes the place of the materials being joined.
Step 4:
The punch and die squeeze the material, forcing it to flow around the fastener. |
Riv-Loc™ fasteners
Riv-Loc fasteners are constructed from hardened steel or aluminum, and are available in 21 standard sizes. Steel Riv-Loc fasteners are available with the standard zinc chromate plating at least .008 [0.0003"] thick.
Zinc dichromate for increased corrosion resistance, as well as other platings and coatings are available upon request to meet your requirements. Riv-Loc fasteners can also be painted to match your prepainted materials, eliminating the need for post-painting operations.
Selecting a Riv-Loc™ fastener
A typical Riv-Loc application will feature a combined total material thickness between 1.91mm (0.075") and 9.14mm (0.360"). The chart below offers a generalized approximation for some common applications. This information is for general use only, and should not be assumed to be ideal for every application. Contact BTM for applications which fall outside of the chart.
Example
When joining one sheet of 18 gauge aluminum with a thickness of 1.02 [0.0403"], to a sheet of 16 gauge steel with a thickness of 1.52 [0.0598"], the combined total thickness would be 2.54 [.1001"]. In this example, the application would require a #4 steel Riv-Loc fastener.
Standard Riv-Loc™ Sizes |
Approximate Combined Material Thickness |
Riv-Loc Size |
Riv-Loc Diameter |
Recommended Flange Width |
1.095 [.075"] |
1 |
4.750 [.187"] |
9.5 [.375"] |
2.134 [.084"] |
2 |
2.515 [.099"] |
3 |
2.819 [.111"] |
4 |
3.175 [.125"] |
5 |
3.505 [.138"] |
6 |
3.937 [.155"] |
7 |
4.191 [.165"] |
8 |
6.350 [.250"] |
12.5 [.500"] |
4.572 [.180"] |
9 |
4.953 [.195"] |
10 |
5.334 [.210"] |
11 |
5.715 [.225"] |
12 |
7.925 [.312"] |
17.0 [.675"] |
6.096 [.240"] |
13 |
6.477 [.255"] |
14 |
6.858 [.270"] |
15 |
9.525 [.375"] |
22.0 [.875"] |
7.239 [.285"] |
16 |
7.620 [.300"] |
17 |
8.001 [.315"] |
18 |
11.112 [.4375"] |
25.0 [1.000"] |
8.382 [.330"] |
19 |
8.763 [.345"] |
20 |
9.144 [.360"] |
21 |
For optimal joint strength, the softest and/or thinnest material should be pierced first.
Ensure that your material conforms to your specifications and tolerances before selecting the proper Riv-Loc fastener size. Contact BTM for applications where an oversized or undersized Riv-Loc fastener is desired.
|
|
