As products are increasingly utilising multi material assemblies, it has become important to understand the various options and processes available for joining the same. A common and useful method is using blind rivets which allow fast and convenient assembly.
However, when joining soft or low density materials like plastics, wood, fabric etc., the rivet head can pull through during fastening or application of load. Therefore it is important to select the correct type of rivet and process.
A rivet with a large Flange head is a good option in many cases where a soft part is to be fastened to a hard part with the large flange abutting the soft side.
This is feasible only when the hard side is behind i.e the blind side.
There are also new designs available which are better suited for such applications.
For joining panels where the soft side is behind i.e. the blind side, special purpose rivets can be used.
The PEEL blind rivet is one such type of blind rivet.
On setting the body splits into several parts, assuring a good fastening on soft or irregular surfaces.
You can see a video installation below.
Another useful rivet is the Tri-Go Rivet that has a Triple-Claw setting making it the ideal problem solver for soft materials.
Watch the installation video below.