Why Blind Rivets Are Essential For Lightweight Design

Blind rivets have become an essential and indispensable part of the manufacturing and engineering sectors thanks largely to their flexibility, ease of use and their ability to form very strong and durable bonds. But the question for those not familiar is generally: what is it about blind rivets that make them so effective for use in lightweight designs? We’ll answer that below, as well as focusing in more detail on why blind rivets have made themselves an essential part of the manufacturing process around the world.

What Is A Blind Rivet?

Blind rivets, also known as pop rivets, are a mechanical fastener with a smooth body and a mandrel. It is the mandrel that is used to draw the rivet body into a pre-drilled hole. This then causes the rivet to expand and create a very strong joint between the two materials.

Of course, there is more than one type of blind rivet. Some of the more common variants include standard blind rivets used for general fastening applications and featuring a dome shaped head, generally made from a choice of materials including aluminium and steel. 

Structural blind rivets are designed to have greater shear and tensile strength than standard rivets and are generally used where higher loads and structural integrity is of greater importance, such as the automotive industry. Sealed blind rivets are those that provide a watertight seal when installed making them suitable for the aerospace and marine industries. There are also multi-grip and peel type rivets, amongst others.

However, all types of blind rivets provide engineers and manufacturers with a number of key benefits, which include:

Weight Reduction 

Aluminium blind rivets are an ideal option for lightweight design and for when access is limited, as they don't require access to the backside of the joined material. This removes the need for bulky backing plates or additional components, keeping weight down – which can be essential especially when designing cars, boats or aircraft.

Simplified Assembly

The single-sided installation process simplifies assembly and reduces production time. This is beneficial for complex structures with limited access to both sides and for businesses keen to stay on top of timeframes and budgets which, let’s face it, is almost every business on the planet. 

Material Versatility

Blind rivets can be used to join various materials, including metals, plastics and composites. This versatility allows lightweight design across various industries, including aerospace and automotive (as mentioned above), but is also incredibly useful in construction, consumer electronics and more.

Strength & Integrity

Despite the streamlined design, blind rivets offer high levels of strength and can handle significant loads. This makes them ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial but structural integrity remains paramount. They are also resistant to vibration, which makes them a natural choice for vehicle design.

Riveting Solutions

Blind rivets are the backbone of strong, lightweight designs, providing durability without added bulk. At Rivetwise, we offer a wide range of high-quality blind rivets to meet your engineering needs. Whether it’s for aerospace, automotive, or any other lightweight application, our team is here to provide expert advice and tailored solutions. Discover our extensive range of blind rivets by getting a free copy of our catalogue today!