Self-Piercing Rivets  September 1, 2002 / Print / Reprints / /
Text Size+ Pierce rivets emulate the benefits of spot welding
without the risks.  At first glance, the sexy little sportscar
from Italy and the big brute truck from America appear to have
nothing in common. The all-aluminum Ferrari 360 Modena is a
sleek two-seater capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 in 4.3
seconds, while the Freightliner Century Class is a 330-hp
tractor unit that can haul 80,000-pound loads from coast to
coast. Although the two vehicles are worlds apart, they’re both
held together with self-piercing rivets.  The fasteners are
becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional spot
welding. They pierce and fasten in one operation, simplifying
assembly and reducing costs while providing a strong, reliable
joint. Unlike conventional riveting, self-piercing technology
does not require a predrilled hole. The rivet makes its own hole
as it is being inserted.  Self-piercing rivets also emulate the
results and quality of spot w