Hollow Rivet Engineering
The defining feature of a CNC custom hollow rivets is its semi-tubular bore - a controlled cavity that extends partway through the shank from the tail end. This geometry allows the rivet tail to curl inward during installation, forming a secure mechanical lock with far less driving force than a solid rivet would require. The bore depth, wall thickness, and tail chamfer are all engineered to match your assembly's load profile and substrate material.
Standard catalog rivets often fail to meet tight tolerance demands, unusual head geometries, or non-standard shank lengths. That is where CNC custom hollow rivets from Key-CNC differ: we control bore concentricity, shank diameter consistency, and head-to-shank transition quality from batch to batch - parameters that mass-produced rivets simply cannot guarantee. Our precision manufacturing process achieves ±0.05mm standard tolerance, with ±0.02mm available for high-precision applications.
Material Selection Guide
Choosing the right alloy for your CNC custom hollow rivets directly affects joint performance and service life.
Key-CNC processes a comprehensive range of materials, each suited to specific operating environments:
|
Material Grade |
Key Properties |
Recommended Applications |
|
Lightweight; 7075 tensile strength approaches steel |
Outdoor gear, robotics, sporting equipment |
|
|
Excellent corrosion resistance; 316 for marine exposure |
Medical devices, food processing, marine hardware |
|
|
Carbon Steel C1045 / 12L14 |
Cost-effective; good machinability; suitable for surface hardening |
General industrial assemblies, furniture, braking systems |
|
Brass C36000 |
Good conductivity and corrosion resistance; aesthetic finish |
Electrical contacts, decorative hardware, instrumentation |
|
Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) |
Superior strength-to-weight ratio; biocompatible |
Aerospace, orthopedic implants, racing components |
Surface Treatment Options
Surface treatments improve the performance of CNC bespoke hollow rivets in corrosive, high-wear, and electrically sensitive settings. Key-CNC provides anodising (Type II and III), zinc plating, electroless nickel plating, passivation, black oxide, and custom PVD/DLC coatings, all designed to meet your operating conditions and improve rivet service life.
Head and Shank Styles
One advantage of ordering CNC custom hollow rivets from Key-CNC is full geometry flexibility. Beyond standard flat and oval heads, we manufacture truss heads for thin substrates, countersunk heads for flush-mount applications, shoulder shanks for precision locating, and cross-drilled shanks for locking pin or lubrication passage accommodation - all to your exact specifications.
|
Configuration |
Description |
|
Flat Head |
Flush seating for smooth surface requirements |
|
Oval Head |
Decorative low-profile dome for visible joints |
|
Truss Head |
Wide bearing surface for thin or soft substrates |
|
Countersunk Head |
90° or 120° flush-mount in tapered holes |
|
Shoulder Shank |
Precision locating step before hollow bore section |
|
Cross-Drilled Shank |
Lubrication passage or locking pin accommodation |
Technical Specifications
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|
Shank Diameter Range |
Ø1mm – Ø16mm (0.040″ – 0.625″) |
|
Length Range |
2mm – 100mm (0.080″ – 4.000″) |
|
Bore Depth |
Custom; typically 40%–70% of shank length |
|
Diameter Tolerance |
±0.05mm standard; ±0.02mm precision available |
|
Surface Finish |
Ra 0.8μm standard; Ra 0.4μm on request |
|
Hardness Range |
Up to 60 HRC (material & heat-treat dependent) |
|
Production Methods |
CNC turning, cold heading, precision grinding |
|
Lead Time |
Prototypes: 5–7 days; Production: 2–4 weeks |
|
MOQ |
No minimum; prototype & small batch supported |
Industry Applications
CNC custom hollow rivets serve as both structural connectors and precision pivot points in a wide range of industries. Key application sectors include:
- hollow rivets act as lightweight pivot pins in robotic end-effectors, joint assemblies, and conveyor mechanisms where repeated articulation demands low-friction, high-cycle durability
- 316 stainless and titanium rivets provide biocompatible, autoclavable fastening for surgical instrument handles, diagnostic housing hinges, and prosthetic component links
>> Automotive & EV
- brake system pins, door hinge pivots, and battery enclosure clips rely on CNC custom hollow rivets for vibration-resistant permanent joints
- aluminum hollow rivets reduce weight in bicycle frame hardware, camping equipment joints, and marine railing fixtures without sacrificing pull-out strength
>> Electronics & Lighting
- brass and stainless semi-tubular rivets deliver EMI-shielded grounding contacts and enclosure pivot hinges in compact electronic assemblies
Questions and Answers
Q: What Are The Uses Of CNC Custom Hollow Rivets?
A: The semi-tubular rivet is a permanent mechanical fastening with low installation force. They are structural connections, pivot pins and clinch fasteners that help secure joint integrity in robotics, medical devices, automotive systems, electronics and outdoor equipment.
Q: How do hollow rivets differ from solid rivets?
A: Hollow rivets are provided with a partial bore at the tail end that, during installation, is curled inward to form a clinch lock with less driving power. They are great for automated assembly, thin substrate joining, and when you don't want to damage neighbouring components with an excessive impact force.
Q: What depth of bore should I choose?
A: The bore depth is normally 40%-70% of the length of the shank. Shorter bores raise clinch strength, deeper bores reduce installation force. Our engineers will offer the optimal ratio based on the substrate material, pull-out force and assembly technique.
Q: Key-CNC does not only create shoulder or stepped shank rivets,right?
A: Yes sir. We also make shoulder shanks for precise locating, cross drilled shanks for locking pins or lubrication and stepped geometries that combine alignment and clinch functionality to your needs.
Q: What is Key-CNC's tolerance?
A: Normal diameter tolerance is ±0.05mm. High precision applications are possible with ±0.02mm precision by CNC turning and precise grinding. Controlled concentricity of bore and depth accuracy ensure assembly requirements are met.
Hot Tags: cnc custom hollow rivets, China cnc custom hollow rivets manufacturers, suppliers, factory
