Rivet Nut
The core advantage of stud rivet nuts stems from their "expansion fixing" design logic. Common stud rivet nuts are mostly composed of two parts: the nut body and the expansion sleeve (or built-in expansion core). The outer side of the nut body is provided with special patterns or barbs, while the inner side is processed with standard internal threads. During installation, it is only necessary to place the stud rivet nut into the pre-drilled hole of the connected part, and apply axial pressure to the nut using a pressure device (such as a riveting machine). At this time, the expansion structure inside the nut will expand outward under the action of pressure, making the expansion sleeve fit closely with the wall of the pre-drilled hole. Meanwhile, the patterns or barbs on the outer side embed into the surface of the plate, forming a mechanical interlock. This dual fixing method not only prevents the nut from rotating or loosening during use, but also generates sufficient connection strength on thin plates (usually with a thickness of 0.8-3mm) through the radial pressure produced by expansion. It avoids the weakening of plate strength caused by the traditional tapping process and solves the problem of plate deformation due to high welding temperatures.
In terms of core advantages, the "efficiency" and "adaptability" of stud rivet nuts are particularly prominent. Firstly, the installation efficiency is high. The traditional threaded connection for plates requires multiple processes: "drilling - tapping - cleaning - nut installation", while stud rivet nuts only need two steps: "drilling - riveting". Taking the assembly of electronic equipment casings as an example, the use of stud rivet nuts can shorten the connection time per point from 3-5 minutes (with traditional processes) to less than 30 seconds, greatly improving the efficiency of the production line. Secondly, the application range is wide. Stud rivet nuts are compatible with plates of various materials, including cold-rolled steel plates, aluminum alloy plates, galvanized plates, and stainless steel plates. As long as the size of the pre-drilled hole matches the nut, a stable connection can be achieved. At the same time, they come in a variety of specifications, covering common thread sizes from M3 to M12. Customized products with special lengths or surface treatments (such as galvanizing and nickel plating) can also be provided to meet anti-corrosion and high-temperature resistance requirements in different scenarios.
From the perspective of application scenarios, stud rivet nuts demonstrate irreplaceable value in the field of "thin-walled component connection". In the electronic equipment industry, for the internal connection of thin-walled components such as server casings and laptop shells (usually with a plate thickness of 1-2mm and compact space), traditional bolt fixing cannot be adopted. Through the "space-free" installation method, stud rivet nuts can stably fix circuit boards and interface modules inside the casing without penetrating the plate and affecting the appearance. In the automotive industry, for the connection of plastic-metal composite components such as car dashboards and door trim panels, stud rivet nuts can effectively avoid damage to plastic parts caused by welding, while forming reliable threads on the metal frame to ensure that interior parts do not loosen during long-term use. In the medical device field, the connection between the shell and internal components of diagnostic instruments has extremely high precision requirements. Stud rivet nuts have an installation accuracy of ±0.1mm, which can accurately match the position of components. Moreover, they have no welding residues or cutting waste, complying with the clean production standards for medical devices.
In the installation and quality control process, mastering the correct operation method is crucial to ensuring the performance of stud rivet nuts. Two points should be noted before installation: first, the size of the pre-drilled hole must match the nut. Generally, the diameter of the pre-drilled hole should be 0.1-0.3mm smaller than that of the nut body. An excessively large hole may lead to insufficient expansion, while an excessively small hole may crack the plate. Second, the surface of the plate must be clean and free of impurities. Oil stains or oxide layers will affect the fit between the expansion sleeve and the hole wall, reducing the connection strength. During installation, pressure control is particularly important. Different specifications of stud rivet nuts correspond to different riveting pressures (for example, an M4 stud rivet nut corresponds to a pressure of approximately 5-8kN). Insufficient pressure will result in inadequate expansion and easy loosening of the nut, while excessive pressure may crush the plate or damage the internal thread of the nut. After installation, the reliability of the connection can be verified through a "torque test". Use a torque wrench to apply the specified torque to the nut (for example, an M5 stud rivet nut usually needs to withstand a torque of 8-10N·m without loosening). If the torque meets the standard, the connection is considered qualified.
It is worth noting that although stud rivet nuts have significant advantages, common misunderstandings should be avoided in their use. For instance, stud rivet nuts should not be used on materials that are too thin (less than 0.8mm) or have low strength (such as PVC plates), otherwise, insufficient expansion force may lead to connection failure. At the same time, in scenarios with frequent vibrations (such as the car engine compartment), stud rivet nuts with anti-loosening structures (such as built-in spring washers or nylon anti-loosening rings) should be selected to further improve vibration resistance. In addition, regular maintenance is important. For stud rivet nuts exposed to humid environments for a long time, it is necessary to regularly check for surface corrosion. If necessary, repaint or replace them to ensure the stability of the connection is not affected.
As an "efficient fastening expert" in the industrial assembly field, stud rivet nuts, with their unique structural design, convenient installation method, and reliable connection performance, have become the preferred solution for threaded connection of thin-walled components. With the development of industrial manufacturing towards "lightweight" and "precision", the application scenarios of stud rivet nuts will be further expanded. Their value in improving assembly efficiency, reducing production costs, and ensuring product quality will also provide support for the transformation and upgrading of more industries.
