In the sophisticated world of modern electronic and electrical connections, Rivet Contact plays a vital role. This efficient and reliable connection technology is the key cornerstone to ensure stable signal transmission and smooth power flow.

 

Ⅰ. Definition of Rivet Contact

A Rivet Contact is a specialized mechanical fastener designed to establish secure and reliable connections in electrical, electronic, and structural applications. Unlike traditional rivets that primarily focus on mechanical joining, Rivet Contacts are engineered to combine electrical conductivity with mechanical strength, making them indispensable in industries where both electrical performance and structural integrity are critical. These contacts are typically made from conductive metals like copper, silver, or tungsten, and may feature additional coatings (e.g., gold, nickel) to enhance corrosion resistance and conductivity.

 

Ⅱ. Key Features and Advantages

1. High Conductivity and Low Resistance

Rivet Contacts are optimized for efficient electrical current transfer. Silver-based contacts, for example, offer exceptional conductivity, making them ideal for high-current applications such as switches and circuit breakers . Tungsten rivets, known for their high melting point and durability, are used in extreme-temperature environments like aerospace and automotive engines.

2. Mechanical Strength and Vibration Resistance

Rivet Contacts provide robust mechanical connections that withstand dynamic loads and vibrations. Unlike threaded fasteners, which can loosen over time, rivets form a permanent joint, ensuring long-term stability in demanding environments such as automotive powertrains or industrial machinery.

3. Corrosion Resistance

Many Rivet Contacts are coated with materials like zinc, nickel, or gold to resist oxidation and environmental degradation. For instance, ZnNi-coated rivets exhibit superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional zinc plating, making them suitable for outdoor or marine applications.

4. Design Flexibility

These contacts come in various shapes (e.g., flat, domed, pointed) and configurations to accommodate different installation requirements. Bimetal rivets, composed of two dissimilar metals (e.g., silver and copper), offer tailored properties such as thermal expansion control or enhanced wear resistance.

5. Cost-Effectiveness

Rivet Contacts are often more economical than alternative connectors like bolts or welded joints, particularly in high-volume production. Their simple installation process reduces labor costs, and the materials used (e.g., copper) are generally less expensive than specialized alloys.

 

Ⅲ. Types of Rivet Contacts

Silver Solid Contact Rivets

Ag Silver Solid Contact Rivets ensure low contact resistance and stable current transmission, making it suitable for electrical applications requiring low voltage and high precision. Silver and fine grain silver(FAg)possess very high electrical and thermal conductivity,low and stable contact resistance,and good workability.For silver resistance to arc erosion and contact welding are limited,mechanica strengthis low,Due To the small quantity of nickel in the fine grain silver,resistance to arc erosion and mechanical strength are higher than that of silver.

 

Composite Contact Rivets

Composite Hollow Copper Silver Contact Rivets combine the durability of copper with the conductivity of silver to create high-performance electrical connections. Suitable for high-load electrical applications, it ensures stable current transmission and reduces energy loss.

 

Bimetal Rivet Contacts

Electrical Silver AuNi/CuNi Bimetal Contact Rivets combine the high conductivity of silver with the strength and toughness of copper, making it suitable for high-load, high-current environments, providing reliable electrical connections and ensuring long-term stable operation of industrial equipment.

 

Plated Rivet Contacts

Copper-clad Silver Contact Rivets for Household Appliances use advanced copper-clad silver-clad technology, which has both the strength of copper and the conductivity of silver. It is suitable for all kinds of household appliance switches, ensuring safe and efficient electrical contact and prolonging service life.

 

Ⅳ. How to Choose the Right Rivet Contact

Selecting the appropriate Rivet Contact requires a systematic evaluation of the following factors:

1. Electrical Requirements
Current Rating: Match the contact’s conductivity to the application’s current demands. Silver or copper contacts are preferred for high-current systems, while gold-plated contacts suit low-power, high-reliability circuits.
Voltage Tolerance: Ensure the contact material can withstand the operating voltage without arcing or breakdown.

2. Mechanical Constraints
Load Capacity: Consider the shear and tensile forces the joint must endure. Solid or bimetal rivets are ideal for heavy-duty applications, while blind rivets are suitable for lighter loads.
Environmental Conditions: Evaluate exposure to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures. Corrosion-resistant coatings (e.g., ZnNi, gold) are essential for harsh environments.

3. Material Compatibility
Avoid galvanic corrosion by selecting rivets made from materials compatible with the joined components. For example, aluminum rivets should not be used with steel unless protected by a non-conductive coating.

4. Installation Requirements
Accessibility: Choose blind rivets for one-sided installations or solid rivets for applications requiring full access to both sides.
Tooling: Ensure the rivet type is compatible with available installation tools (e.g., pneumatic or electric squeezers).

5. Regulatory Compliance
Adhere to industry standards and environmental regulations. For instance, RoHS-compliant rivets must limit the use of hazardous substances like lead and cadmium.
 

Conclusion

As a mature, reliable and efficient electrical connection technology, Rivet Contact has become the preferred connection solution for modern electronic and electrical equipment, especially in high-reliability fields such as automotive electronics, industrial control, and communication equipment, with its excellent mechanical strength, stable electrical performance, and friendliness to automated production. In-depth understanding of its definition, advantages, types, and mastering scientific selection methods are key skills for engineers to achieve robust electrical interconnection and ensure long-term reliable operation of products. Choosing the right riveting terminal and process is to create a solid and reliable connection node for the "neural network" of the equipment.