Resources
Resources
7 Essential Facts About Metal, Plastic, and Aluminum Rivets – A Precision Guide for Engineers
Release time:
May 27,2025
Rivets remain one of the most reliable and versatile fastening solutions available to modern manufacturing, serving a variety of purposes in light plastic assemblies or heavy aerospace structures. Their use provides permanent mechanical fastenings which are simple, strong and cost-effective.
This article reviews metal rivets, plastic rivets, aluminum rivets, stainless steel rivets, copper rivets, how to deal with rivets and burrs, and selecting the appropriate rivet drill size. If you are a designer engineer, product developer, or procurement specialist this guide can assist in making informed decisions when selecting rivets for specific applications.
1. What Are Rivets and Why Are They Needed?
Rivets are mechanical fasteners consisting of smooth cylindrical shafts with heads on one end. Once installed in pre-drilled holes, rivets can be deformed - usually by hammering or pressing - into another head that securely fastens materials together.
Key Benefits Include
- Permanent and Tamper-Proof Fastening
- Load Distribution Over a Wide Area
- Vibration Resistance
- Cost Efficiency in High Volume Production
2.Metal Rivets: The Backbone of Heavy-Duty Applications
Metal rivets are ideal for structural and load-bearing applications, offering exceptional strength and durability across industries like construction, automotive and aerospace.
Common types of metal rivets:
Aluminum rivets – Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, ideal for automotive and electronics
Stainless steel rivets – High strength, excellent corrosion resistance, widely used in marine and medical applications
Copper rivets – Excellent electrical conductivity and aesthetic appeal, suitable for decorative and electrical applications
Each metal offers specific mechanical and corrosion-resistance properties, making selecting the optimal type essential in challenging or dynamic environments.
3. Plastic Rivets: Lightweight and Corrosion-Proof
Plastic rivets are an ideal choice for non-conductive and lightweight applications, such as those involving electricity. Commonly made of nylon or polyethylene materials, these push-in style rivets make installation straightforward while offering numerous advantages compared to their alternative solutions.
- Electrical insulation
- Resistance to chemicals and moisture
- Cost-effectiveness in consumer electronics and auto interiors
Plastic rivets are commonly utilized in environments where metal corrosion or weight reduction are of concern, or where weight savings are essential.
4.Aluminum Rivets Are Versatile Yet Lightweight
Aluminum rivets offer the ideal balance of strength and weight, resist corrosion well, are easy to install/remove and are widely used across transportation, electronics, aerospace as it ensures both structural integrity and fuel efficiency.
Aluminium rivets tend to be softer than their steel counterparts and may not be suitable for high-load applications without washers or reinforcements for support.
5. Stainless Steel Rivets for Harsh Environments
When durability and longevity are of utmost importance, stainless steel rivets stand alone. Their combination of high tensile strength and corrosion resistance makes them the ideal solution for marine, medical, food processing industries as well as outdoor uses such as extreme temperatures or high UV exposure.
Due to their hardness, these materials require special tools for installation as well as exact rivet drill sizes in order to avoid cracking or deforming during operation.
6.Copper Rivets Are both Aesthetic and Functional
Copper rivets are versatile tools with both functional and aesthetic value, proving useful in leatherwork, decorative furniture design, electrical equipment manufacturing and heavy-duty applications like shipbuilding.
Benefits include:
- Natural corrosion resistance
- High electrical and thermal conductivity
- Attractive patina over time.
Their flexible nature makes them easy to install without cracking the material.
7. Understanding Rivets and Burrs - Why It Is Necessary
Burrs, sharp edges left behind after drilling or riveting operations, can cause much more than aesthetic problems. They can lead to:
- Material fatigue or stress risers (MFSR)
- Operator injuries arising due to improper seating of rivets (ISO 2485-1:2004)
- Improper seating of rivets
Yixin Precision puts special emphasis on post-machining deburring, such as chamfering, tumbling and ultrasonic cleaning processes to ensure every riveted joint meets ISO standards safely and smoothly.
Bonus Tip: Selecting an Appropriate Rivet Drill Size
Determining the appropriate rivet drill size is of utmost importance when it comes to strong and secure fastening. Too small could mean that a rivet won't fit; too large may not hold as securely.
|
Rivet Diameter |
Drill Bit Size (Imperial) |
Drill Bit Size (Metric) |
|
1/8" |
#30 |
3.3 mm |
|
5/32" |
#21 |
4.2 mm |
|
3/16" |
#11 |
4.9 mm |
|
1/4" |
F |
6.5 mm |
Always consult the manufacturer specs when dealing with plastic rivets or specialty metals where tolerances can vary significantly.
Why choose Shenzhen Yixin Precision for Rivets and Custom Fasteners?
Shenzhen Yixin Precision's expertise spans more than two decades, offering custom CNC machining, plastic injection molding and sheet metal fabrication for projects of 10 or 10,000 pieces. Our team offers:
- Convenient one-stop manufacturing for metal and plastic rivets
- Material variety including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nylon and more
- ISO 9001 and ISO 13485-certified quality control
- Advanced CNC turning/milling technologies to produce burr-free finishes
- Rapid prototyping and small-batch production support
- Expert engineering consultation for drill sizing, rivet selection and design optimization
Yixin Precision offers custom rivet and fastening components for aerospace, medical, robotics, electronics and consumer products to global customers worldwide. If you require reliable quality-focused manufacturing partner for rivet and fastening component production needs, Yixin Precision is your go-to supplier.
Metal rivets,plastic rivets,aluminum rivets,stainless steel rivets,copper rivets,rivets and burrs,rivet drill size,Yixin Precision
Related News
Contact Us
We will be dedicated to serving you
Based in the Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area, connecting the resources of China and the world, Yi Xin provides professional and precise machining services from the demand of customers.
LATEST NEWS
Powered by www.300.cn
Privacy Disclosure and Data Protection
In Yixin Precision Metal and Plastic Ltd., we prioritize the protection of our customers' and visitors' privacy. As a responsible company, it is our utmost priority to ensure that all personal data is treated confidentially and used in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
What does Privacy Disclosure mean to us?
Privacy disclosure is not just a legal obligation for us; it is a principle to which we are dedicated. We commit to treating any information entrusted to us during our business relationships with the utmost confidentiality. This includes both personal data of our customers and business information and trade secrets.
How we protect your data
To ensure the security of your data, we employ state-of-the-art technologies and security measures. Our systems are designed to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or loss of your information. Additionally, we regularly train our employees on handling sensitive data and data protection regulations to maintain the highest standards.
Disclosure of information
We do not disclose personal data of our customers or visitors to third parties unless express consent is given or we are legally obligated to do so. In cases where we engage service providers or partner companies for data processing, we ensure that they also adhere to strict data protection standards.
Your rights
As a customer or visitor, you have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your data. Please contact us if you have any questions about our privacy practices or if you wish to exercise your rights.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to change or update this privacy policy at any time. Please check this page regularly for updates.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy practices, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist you.
Yixin Precision Metal and Plastic Ltd Code of Conduct
In Yixin Precision Metal and Plastic Ltd, we place great emphasis on integrity, ethical behaviour, and professionalism in all our endeavours. Our Code of Conduct forms the backbone of our corporate culture and obligates all employees and partners to uphold the highest standards regarding business practices, work environment, and social responsibility.
1. Integrity and Ethics
We commit to acting honestly, fairly, and transparently. Our actions are always guided by the highest ethical principles, and we avoid any form of fraud, bribery, corruption, or unfair business practices.
2. Respect in the Workplace
We value diversity and foster a work environment characterized by respect, tolerance, and appreciation. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of inappropriate behaviour are not tolerated.
3. Data Privacy and Confidentiality
We respect the privacy of our customers, employees, and business partners and treat all information confidentially. Personal and business data are protected in accordance with applicable data protection laws and our internal policies.
4. Quality and Customer Satisfaction
We strive for excellence in product quality and customer service. Our aim is to exceed the needs and expectations of our customers and build long-term, trusting relationships.
5. Environmental Responsibility
We are mindful of our responsibility to the environment and aim for sustainable business practices. We strive for resource efficiency, waste minimization, and compliance with environmental regulations.
6. Social Responsibility
We actively contribute to the well-being of the communities in which we operate. Through voluntary efforts, donations, and other initiatives, we support social projects and contribute to positive change.
7. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
We strictly adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and standards in the countries where we operate. We are committed to a high level of compliance and integrity in all our business activities.
At Yixin Precision Metal and Plastic Ltd, the Code of Conduct is more than just a document; it is a promise we make to our employees, customers, suppliers, and society as a whole. We take our responsibility seriously and strive to achieve the highest standards every day.