How to Choose the Rivet Head? Technical Keys to Decide Which Rivet Head to Use
The choice of rivet head goes far beyond personal preference. It determines how the joint is sealed, its strength, and even the final appearance. In this post, we’ll explain the most common types of rivet heads and when to use each one.
1. Dome Head (TT) – The All-Terrain Option
- Appearance: low and rounded profile.
- Used in: structural and non-structural joints where a completely flat surface is not required.
- Advantage: even load distribution.
Technical example:
AL3210TT – Aluminum Mg 3.5 + zinc-plated steel mandrel.
Ideal for thicknesses of 5–7 mm.
2. Countersunk Head (TS) – When Flush Matters
- Appearance: conical head that sits flush with the surface.
- Used in: aesthetic applications or where surface movement occurs and interference must be avoided.
- Advantage: prevents dirt buildup and makes cleaning easier.
Technical example:
AOZ4814TS – Zinc-plated steel, for thicknesses of 7–9 mm.
Commonly used in bodywork and enclosures.
3. Large Head (TL) and Extra Large Head (TXL) – For Delicate Materials
- Appearance: larger head diameter.
- Used in: soft materials (plastics, fiber, laminates) or when there’s a risk of sinking.
- Advantage: larger contact area = lower surface pressure.
Technical example:
AL4820TL – Aluminum with steel mandrel.
Supports thicknesses of 13.5–16 mm without deforming the base material.
4. Sealed Head (TST) – For Harsh Environments
- Appearance: similar to dome head, but with integrated sealing ring.
- Used in: joints exposed to moisture, dust, or pressure differences.
- Advantage: sealing without additional gaskets.
Technical example:
TSTALX4813TT – Aluminum Mg 5 + stainless steel 321 mandrel.
Recommended for outdoor equipment or industries requiring airtightness.
5. Multi-Grip (MX) – When Thickness Varies
- Appearance: available in various shapes (TT, TS, TL).
- Used in: joints where material thickness may vary or in structures with dynamic loads.
- Advantage: strong clamping and adaptability.
Technical example:
MXAL4013TT – Aluminum Mg 2.5 + zinc-plated steel.
Thickness range: 4–9.5 mm. Perfect for modular structures.
How to Choose in Practice?
- If you prioritize strength and don’t mind the relief → TT
- If you need a smooth, aesthetic surface → TS
- If you work with soft or composite materials → TL / TXL
- If you need sealing → TST
- If you’re joining materials of varying thickness or with variable loads → MX
We should never underestimate the impact of the rivet head on the final assembly result.
A small detail like the rivet head can make the difference between a reliable joint and a recurring issue.
Con más de 40 años de experiencia en el sector de la soldadura y las técnicas de unión Bearcat extiende sus conocimientos a todos los sectores industriales: automoción, ingeniería de ferrocarriles, ingeniería industrial, industria naval, obra civil.
