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Rivets
Thomas Oatess
asked this on April 05, 2011 04:32
I need to create a rivet that will hold 2 3mm acrylics and 1 or 2 3mm felt pieces. I'd like to create it with acrylic or metal. Can anyone point me in the right direction for a tutorial or assistance? They should be 2 pieces that fit into each side and snap together inside the middle. My pieces are like sandwiches. 1 acrylic, 1 or 2 felt and 1 acrylic. I have tried to create rivets from sterling and niobium but am having no luck. I'd like to continue using the laser cut materials here.
Thanks,
Thomas
Comments
Hi Thomas,
I would look and see what's out there as far as prefabricated plastic rivets, from the way you describe it sounds like you'd want a ratchet type plastic rivet. If you still want to make them I'd take a look at these to see how they work.
Few site that show what they look like.
http://www.jetpress.com/Products.aspx/14586/Rivets/RatchetType/
http://products.kinter.com/viewitems/push-in-fasteners-2/ratchet-rivet-fasteners?&forward=1&gclid=CI7A6djdhagCFQI3gwodGmiDsA
Something like that would allow you to get snug fit. Might be hard to find in colors besides black and natural, most seem to be nylon so you could dye them to get different colors.
I wonder if this would work in acrylic or metal?
I attached a .PDF
The holes would have to be rectangular. Opposite direction to each other and the inner center portion would have to be round.
I like what MadeByDan did with the red spinning top.
Hi Josh ... is there anyone that could create a rivet for 3d printing for me? Similar to what you have pictured above?
Hi Thomas,
You could try to put a free ponoko ID request up; see if any other users want to take the project on.
http://www.ponoko.com/ponoko-id
Cut a rectangle of acrylic the right length. Then insert it into the acrylic/felt sandwich and you can fuse the acrylic pieces together to hold the entire product together. Use something like ProWeld (check hobby stores) I use it on some of my products. It softens the acrylic and welds the pieces together for a strong hold.
I have also tapped acrylic and screwed pieces together. Any metal to plastic joint is going to be delicate but if you don't over tighten the bolt it holds just fine.
Does it need to be temporary or permanent?
Jonathan Bowen
CorSec Engineering
www.corseceng.com
This is a photo of the 3 layers I need to rivet together.
Thanks,
Thomas
What about these?
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=40796&catid=704
They screw together. the 1/4" length might work if your using 3mm acrylic that 0.236" total with some space for the felt and it can be compressed. Hope that helps!
Jonathan Bowen
CorSec Engineering
www.corseceng.com
Hey Jonathan
I had a 3d designer created a set of rivets for me. I am currently having them printed thru Shapeways in various materials. We shall see how well they print. I am concerned about the size.
Thomas
Hi Thomas - we'd love to hear how these work out, and to see what you think about weighing up the benefits of having them 3D printed vs purchasing pre-made ones.
Cheers!
I have had them created in 3D. I just uploaded it to my factory. I will send the file to Rich to review. I am a little concerned they may not be printable in stainless steel just the plastics.
Here is a photo.