Large Flange Dome Head Rivets

Large Flange Dome Head Rivets

Large flange dome head rivets are blind rivets with an oversized head diameter that distributes the clamping load across a greater bearing area than a standard dome head rivet of the same shank size. This design is the correct specification when riveting thin sheet materials, brittle substrates, or materials with low compressive strength — where a standard rivet head would pull through the material under load rather than securing it. AIMS Industrial stocks large flange dome head rivets in aluminium and stainless steel for construction, signage, cladding, and general sheet metal applications.

When to Use Large Flange Rivets

The key selection criterion for large flange rivets is the bearing strength of the material being fastened. Standard rivet applications involve steel-to-steel or aluminium-to-aluminium joints in structural sheet metal where the material is thick enough to resist pull-through. Large flange rivets become the correct choice when:

• Fastening thin sheet materials (below 0.8mm) where a small bearing area creates pull-through risk
• Riveting into plastics, fibreglass, composite panels, or other brittle materials
• Attaching insulation panels, vapour barriers, or lightweight cladding sheets
• Fastening through oversized or slotted holes where a larger bearing face is needed
• Securing soft materials such as foam, rubber sheet, or gasket material between harder substrates

Aluminium Large Flange Rivets

Aluminium large flange rivets are lightweight, economical, and suitable for the majority of construction, cladding, and sheet metal applications where corrosion resistance requirements are moderate. The aluminium mandrel and body combination sets reliably and produces consistent clamp force across the specified grip range. For outdoor applications in non-marine environments, aluminium rivets with a lacquer or anodised coating provide adequate long-term corrosion resistance.

Stainless Steel Large Flange Rivets

Stainless steel large flange rivets are specified for applications requiring superior corrosion resistance — coastal construction, marine and offshore fabrication, food processing facilities, or any installation exposed to aggressive chemical or salt spray environments. Stainless steel rivets are harder to set than aluminium, requiring a heavier-duty rivet gun, but they provide significantly longer service life in demanding environments where aluminium would corrode prematurely. Grade 304 stainless is suitable for most corrosive environments; grade 316 is specified for marine and chloride-rich exposures.

Grip Range and Shank Size Selection

Correct rivet selection requires matching the shank diameter to the hole diameter, and the grip range to the total material thickness being joined. The grip range specifies the minimum and maximum total thickness of materials the rivet will correctly clamp. Under-gripping leaves the joint loose; over-gripping prevents full mandrel pull-through and compromises joint strength. Select the rivet size with a grip range that places the actual material thickness in the middle of the specified range for the most consistent results.

For large flange rivet specifications, bulk pricing, or help matching rivet size to your application, contact our team at AIMS Industrial.