A Rivet Set Used To Drive Ms20470 Rivets Should

The MS20470 Rivet: A Comprehensive Guide to Setting and Applications

The MS20470 rivet is a critical component in numerous aerospace and industrial applications, known for its strength, reliability, and resistance to fatigue. Properly setting this rivet requires specialized tools and techniques. This comprehensive guide explores the nuances of using a rivet set designed specifically for driving MS20470 rivets, covering everything from selecting the right tools to troubleshooting common issues. Understanding these intricacies is crucial for ensuring structural integrity and preventing costly rework or failures.

Understanding the MS20470 Rivet

Before diving into the setting process, it's essential to grasp the characteristics of the MS20470 rivet itself. This solid, self-plugging rivet is typically made from high-strength materials like aluminum alloy or steel, offering exceptional performance in demanding environments. Its design incorporates a precisely engineered head shape and shank diameter, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of joining applications.

Key Features and Specifications of the MS20470 Rivet:

• Material: Typically aluminum alloy (e.g., 2024-T3, 6061-T6) or steel. The material choice depends on the application's requirements for strength, corrosion resistance, and weight.
• Head Style: Usually a universal head, designed to fit a wide range of rivet sets. This simplifies the process of selecting the appropriate tool.
• Diameter and Length: Available in a range of diameters and lengths, providing flexibility for different joining tasks and material thicknesses. The selection is crucial for proper structural integrity.
• Tolerance: Manufactured to tight tolerances ensuring consistent performance and reliable joins. Variations outside these tolerances can compromise the structural integrity of the assembly.

Selecting the Right Rivet Set for MS20470 Rivets

Choosing the correct rivet set is paramount for successful MS20470 rivet installation. An improperly sized or shaped rivet set can lead to:

• Deformed rivets: resulting in weakened joints.
• Damaged rivet heads: compromising the aesthetic appearance and potentially the structural integrity.
• Buckled or fractured shanks: leading to catastrophic failure.

Matching Rivet Set to Rivet Diameter:

The rivet set must precisely match the rivet's diameter. Each rivet set is designed for a specific rivet size range. Using a set that's too small will result in a poorly formed head and potential damage to the rivet. Using a set that's too large can crush the rivet, rendering it useless.

Types of Rivet Sets:

Several types of rivet sets are available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The choice depends on the application and the level of precision required.

• Solid Rivet Sets: These are durable and reliable, ideal for frequent use in demanding environments.
• Insert Rivet Sets: Offering greater longevity and resistance to wear, these sets are suitable for high-volume production.
• Adjustable Rivet Sets: These offer versatility for working with various rivet diameters but may require careful calibration to ensure accuracy.

Ensuring Proper Fit and Alignment:

Before driving the rivet, ensure the rivet set's cavity is cleanly aligned with the rivet's head and that it firmly grips the rivet head without any slippage. Poor alignment can result in an unevenly formed head or a misaligned rivet.

The Riveting Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The successful setting of an MS20470 rivet depends on a meticulously executed process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Material Preparation: Ensure the materials being joined are clean, free from burrs, and properly aligned. Any imperfections can interfere with the rivet setting process.
2. Rivet Insertion: Insert the rivet into the pre-drilled holes, ensuring it fully penetrates both materials. Proper hole size is crucial for a flush rivet head.
3. Rivet Set Positioning: Securely position the rivet set over the rivet head, making sure it is firmly seated and correctly aligned.
4. Impact Application: Use a suitable impact tool (such as a pneumatic or hydraulic riveter) to drive the rivet. The force should be consistent to ensure proper head formation without damaging the rivet. The impact force should be adjusted to avoid crushing the rivet.
5. Head Inspection: After driving the rivet, inspect the head carefully for any signs of damage, unevenness, or improper formation. Any imperfections suggest potential structural weaknesses.
6. Testing: In critical applications, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods may be employed to verify the rivet's integrity and the strength of the joint.

Troubleshooting Common Riveting Problems

Despite careful planning, problems can arise during the riveting process. Here’s how to address some common issues:

• Buckled Rivet Shank: This often indicates excessive force or a poorly aligned rivet set. Check the alignment, reduce the impact force, or choose a larger diameter rivet.
• Broken Rivet Shank: This is usually caused by using a rivet that's too short or applying excessive impact force. Ensure correct rivet length selection and reduce the impact force accordingly.
• Uneven Rivet Head: This can be due to an improperly aligned rivet set, insufficient impact force, or a flawed rivet. Re-check alignment, increase impact force carefully, or replace the rivet.
• Loose Rivet: This usually means the hole is too large, the material is too soft, or the impact force is insufficient. Use a smaller hole, select a stronger material, or increase the impact force.
• Damaged Rivet Head: This can result from using an improperly sized rivet set or applying excessive impact force. Ensure correct rivet set selection and control impact force precisely.

Advanced Riveting Techniques and Considerations

For complex applications, advanced techniques and considerations are necessary:

• Blind Riveting: For inaccessible locations, blind rivets are employed. These require specialized tools and techniques to ensure a secure and structurally sound joint.
• Countersinking: To achieve a flush surface, countersinking may be needed. The countersink tool must be carefully selected to match the rivet head diameter and shape.
• Material Compatibility: The choice of rivet material must be compatible with the joined materials to prevent galvanic corrosion. Selecting materials with compatible properties is key for long-term joint stability.
• Rivet Spacing: Proper spacing between rivets is crucial for uniform stress distribution and structural integrity. Adhering to established guidelines for rivet spacing is critical.

Safety Precautions During Riveting

Working with rivets and powerful riveting tools requires stringent safety measures:

• Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses to prevent eye injury from flying debris.
• Hearing Protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs to protect against loud noise produced by pneumatic riveters.
• Hand Protection: Wear gloves to protect hands from sharp edges or potential injuries.
• Tool Maintenance: Regularly maintain and inspect riveting tools to ensure they are in good working order and functioning correctly.
• Proper Training: Ensure that all personnel involved in the riveting process receive adequate training and understand safety procedures.

Conclusion: Mastery of MS20470 Rivet Setting

The successful setting of an MS20470 rivet demands precision, the correct tools, and an understanding of the process. By carefully following the guidelines outlined in this guide, professionals can ensure the creation of strong, reliable, and durable joints. Remembering that proper rivet selection, alignment, and the application of appropriate force are all crucial for a successful outcome and the avoidance of costly mistakes. Consistent attention to detail and a commitment to safety will yield high-quality results and promote the longevity of the final assembly. With diligent practice and adherence to safety protocols, riveting with MS20470 rivets becomes a predictable and reliable joining method in diverse applications.