What Is the Best Finish for a Rivet?

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Rivets can be manufactured in several different materials, including general purpose aluminum, soft setting aluminum for vulnerable materials, harder aluminum for higher tensile and shear strength, malleable aluminum for brittle and soft materials, general purpose steel, stainless steel for clinical or hostile environments, nickel copper alloy for high temperature environments, or copper for thermal or electrical conductivity.

The type of plating or coating that will be placed on your rivets for added protection against the elements will be directly related to the type of material they are made of, which environment they’ll be placed in, and which elements they’ll need to be able to withstand—and at what frequency. Your budget will also be a factor in your decision.

Choosing the right finish for your rivets isn’t a simple and easy task. Many factors must be considered in order for you to make the right decision for your unique needs. Though there is no “best” finish for a rivet, you do have many different options to consider.

Cadmium

Plating a rivet with cadmium is done through baking by electrodeposition. It provides a pleasant appearance.

Zinc

Zinc plating, also known as electroplating, is pretty common. Your rivet is hot dipped, or galvanized, in the zinc salt solution and then met with an electric current. It will continuously provide corrosion resistance because zinc will migrate to uncoated areas. It is aesthetically pleasant, cost-effective, and thinner than other types of finishes. This type of plating is ideal for rivets that won’t be placed in harsh conditions.

Nickel

Nickel plating is one of the oldest protection methods. However, it tends to be more expensive than zinc or cadmium plating, so it might be out of your budget.

Phosphate

Your rivet will be submerged in a bath of phosphoric acid to be coated with this type of plating. Phosphate plating is ideal when you want to paint your fasteners or dip them in oil or wax for further corrosion resistance.

Silver

Silver plating can be quite expensive but it is still commonly used in the aerospace industry or for applications where a dry lubrication is needed on top of the corrosion deterrence.

Passivation and Preoxidation 

Passivation and preoxidation are necessary prior to assembly for stainless steel rivets or you risk the creation of oxidation or galvanic corrosion in a joint.

Anodizing

Anodizing is used for aluminum rivets—it protects them for saline corrosion agents as well as abrasion. Additionally, they can be tinted in many different colours to suit your application.

Dacromet

This non-electrolytic, water-based dry film will effectively protect against corrosion and chemical and mechanical damage. If your rivet will be placed in a high-temperature environment, then Dacromet, with its galvanic action, passivation, and self-repairing features, will provide the greatest form of protection.

JS500

If you’re concerned about your rivet plating negatively affecting the dimensions of your application, then JS500 may be your best bet. This electrolytic zinc finish is quite thick so it can cover any blemishes on your rivets in order to better protect them from corrosion, without changing the dimensions of your product.

JS Plus

JS Plus is not only cost effective but it’s also one of the most superior options for corrosion resistance. It can significantly increase the lifespan of your rivet.

Your Manufacturer Can Guide You

If considering the different types of plating options is overwhelming to you, you can request help from your manufacturer. When you work with a high quality, reputable fastener manufacturer, you don’t have to be left alone to make important decisions. Your supplier will provide you with the pros and cons of each rivet finishing option and guide you through your decision to ensure you choose the right one for your application. Because reputable manufacturers use thorough corrosion resistance testing procedures, you’ll be able to effectively protect your rivets with the right type of finish.

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