Engineering guide

The difference between monometallic, bimetallic and trimetallic contact rivets

The structure of the rivet determines where the functional alloy is placed, how the part is connected, and how the consumption of precious metal is controlled.

Contact rivet structureSGEI technical guide

Single metal structure

The entire geometry is made of contact alloy. Formability, bonding, heat path and alloy consumption must be verified for the complete part.

Bimetallic structure

The functional layer is placed on the switching surface and the body is made of a suitable alloy for support and connection. The thickness of the layer and the quality of the interface are among the controlled characteristics.

Trimetallic structure

Three alloy zones are defined for the working surface, the body and the joint zone. Joint integrity and rivetability should be checked along with switching performance.

Necessary items in the drawing

Head diameter and height, shank diameter and length, radii, concentricity, layer dimensions, alloys, surface condition and inspection criteria must be clearly controlled.

Practical summary

Any alloy, geometry, or corrective action decisions must be verified by controlled drawing and representative testing on the final assembly.

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