How are Alloy 2117 rivets treated before they are driven?

Alloy 2117 rivets are indeed supplied in a pre-heat-treated condition to ensure that they have the necessary mechanical properties for strength and durability when installed in aircraft structures. This pre-treatment enhances their performance during installation, particularly in terms of ease of driving and resistance to fatigue once in service.

This entails that when these rivets are shaped and manufactured, they undergo a specific heat treatment process that optimizes their characteristics for the applications they are intended for. As a result, when they are used in sheet metal assemblies, they can effectively provide the required tension and compressive strength without needing additional heating or cooling processes before being installed.

This pre-heat treatment is crucial because it allows for consistent quality and performance in aerospace applications, where safety and reliability are paramount.