In the project highlighted here, we helped a major automotive OEM with a problem that was threatening to cause significant disruptions to production and create a high scrap rate. At C&L Rivet Company, we specialize in developing solutions to challenging problems such as the one highlighted here. The customer was using a standard rivet in a clamshell housing of a transmission; the vibration experienced during normal operation caused the rivet to loosen, resulting in fluid leakage from the transmission. The transmission uses an injection molded clamshell housing which is manufactured using very expensive molds that would have to be modified to remedy the situation. Additionally, they would also have to scrap a large number of parts that were already manufactured. Both of these scenarios equaled a great deal of additional costs and time.
At C&L Rivet, our reputation as problem solvers brought this customer to us. In just a matter weeks, our team developed a knurled rivet that would work as a direct replacement for the failing units currently in use. This design not only solved the wear and subsequent leakage problem but also added a level of durability that the previous rivet could not match.
The rivet we developed is composed of C1006 steel and is manufactured using a cold heading process. We chose cold heading because it would deliver the required volume and high precision that the project required. The finished rivets featured a 0.120″ diameter shank and a .160″ diameter knurled or ribbed shoulder by 0.625 long. All of which required tolerances of ± 0.002″.
This example epitomizes a successful project; the customer thought so as well and awarded us a contract for the ongoing production of this part. We now manufacturer 10 to 20 million of these rivets annually, with specified quantities released monthly.
To learn more about this project or the processes used to manufacture it, see the table below or contact us directly.