Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Riveting: Friction Welding
Blind Rivets
4. Move around the seam, changing direc-
tion as necessary for handling and con-
trol. For prettier welds, take frequent
breaks to let the parts cool:
A rotary tool can also be used to permanent-
ly fuse a spinning part to a fixed one, using a
one-sided “blind rivet.” Blind rivets have one
huge advantage over ordinary solid rivets:
you don't need access to both sides of an as-
sembly to rivet its parts in place.
This method works well for attaching plastic
panels to the outside of objects when access
to the interior is awkward or impossible. It
also lets you construct massive objects from
multiple panels, each panel printed close to
the bed of the printer for optimal printing.
Shown in
Figure 13-14
are two 3D-printed
blind rivets, next to a brass solid rivet and
three aluminum blind rivets. Notice that the
printed rivets, like the aluminum ones, have
a “mandrel” that extends well beyond the
rivet's head. This is the part that's gripped in
the rotary tool.
5. Let the completed seam cool to room
temperature before sanding and seal-
ing:
Figure 13-14.
3D-printed blind rivets, brass solid riv-
et, aluminum rivets