Pilot Point Blind Rivet

The Pilot Point blind rivet is essentially a structural blind fastener featuring an integrated drilling tip. Its primary distinction from standard blind rivets lies in the "Pilot Point"-a specially designed cutting tip at the front of the mandrel. Functioning like a miniature drill bit, it can penetrate two or more layers of material and complete the riveting expansion process without the need for a pre-drilled hole.
Its core characteristics can be summarized in four points:
1. Geometric Design of the Drilling Tip
The drilling tip utilizes a structure combining a helical chip-evacuation flute (similar to a twist drill) with a cutting edge. Parameters such as the cutting angle, helix angle, and web thickness are optimized via simulation to suit various substrates (steel, aluminum, and thin stainless steel sheets). It self-locates and maintains stability during drilling, preventing the "skidding" or "wandering" issues common with standard rivets.
2. Structural-Grade Bulb Expansion Mechanism
During the riveting process, as the mandrel is tensioned, the rivet sleeve forms a controlled bulb (or "locking ring") on the blind side. This exerts a uniform clamping force across the joined sheets, rather than relying solely on the rivet head for load-bearing. This design results in a tensile and shear load distribution comparable to that of high-strength bolts, classifying it as a "structural-grade" blind fastener.