Rivet head styles vary depending on the type of rivet and its application. Common rivet head styles include:
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Round Head : Dome-shaped with a large bearing surface, commonly used in construction and shipbuilding for strength and reliability. It sits higher on the surface than other heads.
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Flat (Nail) Head : Features a flat top that sits flush with the surface, ideal for aesthetic purposes or where a smooth finish is required to avoid interference with moving parts. Suitable for thin or easily deformable materials.
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Truss Head : A low-profile, mushroom-shaped head with a wide diameter, designed to distribute load over a large area, used for thin or brittle materials.
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Universal Head : Slightly rounded with a lower profile than round heads, providing good load distribution and appearance.
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Countersunk Head : Conical and sits flush with the surface to provide aerodynamic or smooth finishes, common in applications involving moving parts or where flush surfaces are needed. Available in 90° and 100° angles.
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Brazier Head : A button head with a wide, shallow design giving a larger bearing surface for pull-through resistance; modified versions have a lower profile.
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Large Flange Head : Provides a greater bearing surface to protect sensitive materials and handle higher loads, often used in furniture or larger construction.
In blind rivets specifically, the head styles are:
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Dome (Flat) Head : The most common, offers a large contact area and is suitable for thin or deformable materials.
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Countersunk Head : Used for flush surfaces or where the rivet must not be disruptive.
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Large Flange Head : For high load or delicate materials, providing increased protection.
Structural rivets often come with dome, countersunk, or truss heads, each chosen to suit particular mechanical requirements and aesthetics.
Selecting the appropriate rivet head style depends on factors such as material type (thin, brittle, or thick), desired appearance (flush or raised), mechanical load, and application environment (exposure to wind resistance, moving parts, etc.)
