This article will take an in-depth look at eyelets.
The article will bring more detail on topics such as:
This chapter will discuss what eyelets are, their manufacturing process, and deep drawn stamping.
An eyelet is a metal, rubber, or plastic ring with flanges are used to strengthen or reinforce holes punched in thin fabrics. It is a smaller counterpart of a grommet that is bigger in size and used for more heavy duty materials.
Eyelets can be used to strengthen a hole or protect something from the hole's jagged edges. Fabrics, sheet metal, and other thin fibrous materials are frequently utilized in these devices. Thinner textiles are prone to breaking without eyelets, but an eyelet helps avoid abrasion and other damage.
Eyelets are quite simple devices and are usually constructed using metal stamping machines and procedures. Metal stamping is a procedure that transforms flat metal sheets into precise, predetermined shapes. It's a complicated procedure involving various metal forming techniques, such as blanking, punching, bending, and piercing which causes the metal sheet to alter conformation. A metal stamper may cut or mold metal sheets by applying sufficient force to the workpiece via the punch.
An eyelet has a metal ring with a flange around the center hole. The ring protrudes into a longer barrel, which can be fit into a hole in the material. The barrel can be set using a variety of tools and machines once the eyelet has been inserted. When an eyelet is set the barrel is caused to spread out thereby covering the material between the flange and spread barrel.
A short metal tube runs through the hole in the material, and a metal ring surrounds the hole’s edges, strengthening it. This drastically decreases the chances of the hole ripping and being damaged. The size of the eyelet usually determines the eyelet’s strength. A larger flange size, for example, equals more strength.
The manufacturing/fabrication of eyelets can be broadly done through the deep drawing process, which will be discussed below.
The manufacturing of a metal sheet into a three-dimensional configuration in order to produce precise, cylindrically formed components is the process of deep drawn stamping. A set of standards must be completed in order for a metal part to be classified as a deep drawn stamping.
This is done by passing a coil of flat metal into a press having tooling stations, each of which performs a repetitive operation on the metal. The depth and length of the deep drawn stamping, for example, must be greater than half the diameter of the shape.
A multitude of forming processes can take place during deep drawn stamping. A piercing, extruding, or traditional punch can be used to cut a precise shaped hole out of the drawn portion. Alternatively, notches in specified sections of the component can be cut to allow the part to be linked or attached to another object.
A die, tap, or wheel and arbor can be used to produce threads on the component. A pre-established trim line can be used to trim scrap and extra metal from a fully or partially shaped component. Beads, rips, and flanges are used to add rigidity to a part that is otherwise weak and flexible. The needed thickness of the material could be reduced by up to 50% as a result of the increased stiffness.
Shell-like, cup-like, square, rectangular, and cylindrical shapes can all be created using the deep drawn procedure. Moving the flat metal sheet, or blank, over the die to be molded is the first step.
A component called a "blankholder" is located on both sides of the die cavity's entrance, and it keeps the blank in place to prevent it from shifting while it is formed over the die. After that, the punch is inserted into the blank, which forces it into the die cavity and molds it into the desired shape.
Nickel, zinc, titanium, aluminum, and steel are some of the sheet metals that are typically utilized in the deep drawn stamping technique. The material’s malleability determines the thickness of the deep drawn stamping. The thicker the stamping, the softer the substance.
Deep drawn stamping can be used to make a wide range of items. Metal parts for the electronics industry, for example, can be manufactured, such as connection shells for computer disk drives. The automobile industry can make oil pans and motor housings for diesel engines.
Deep drawn stamped cups and cans are extremely beneficial to the food and beverage business. Deep drawn stamping is a procedure used by industrial manufacturing organizations to obtain components such as fasteners, washers, and big equipment enclosures. Finally, deep drawn stamping is used to make products that are found in houses and are used in everyday life, such as kitchen sinks.
Eyelets are made of metal sheets, such as aluminum, steel, and brass, which are discussed below:
Aluminum is a chemical element (atomic number 13) with the symbol Al. Aluminum’s density is lower than that of other common metals, it’s approximately a third of that of steel. It has a higher affinity towards oxygen, and creates a protective layer of oxide on its surface when exposed to air.
Aluminum eyelets are manufactured from Aluminum sheets which are made by pressing and rolling basic raw-form aluminum into panel shape under high pressure. Aluminum sheeting is typically made to be extremely thin and lightweight, yet strong enough to provide tremendous adaptability and ease of installation and maintenance. Additional coatings put to aluminum sheets can assist create a long-lasting material for usage in outdoor settings or other difficult situations, such as external cladding. Thin sheet aluminum is appropriate for usage in eyelets due to its highly lightweight nature.
When manufacturing aluminum eyelets, the major elements to consider are surface dimensions and thickness. While the overall surface area is the most important factor to consider when planning a project with this type of sheet metal, the various material finishes available will also play a role in determining which type of aluminum sheet is best for eyelets. Anodized aluminum sheeting, for example, offers both corrosion resistance and a more visually beautiful exterior face, whereas raw or unfinished plates can be coated or treated in a variety of ways after initial forming and fabrication.
It's usually cut to a thickness of 1mm-2mm, and at this thickness, it can be easily produced by hand or with smaller portable tools. Grade 3003-H14 is stronger than grade 1100 yet maintains the same formability and low price. It is corrosion resistant and weldable. This is the grade used in eyelets.
The advantages of aluminum in eyelet manufacturing include:
However, the disadvantages of aluminum in eyelet manufacturing include:
Steel is an alloy of iron with a small fraction of a percentage of carbon added to enhance strength and fracture resistance in comparison to other types of iron. A number of other elements could be added or present. An additional 11 percent chromium is often added for corrosion and oxidation resistant stainless steel. Steel's foundation metal is iron. The common steel alloys in eyelets include stainless steel (most preferred) and carbon steel.
Stainless steel is also eco-friendly and chemically inactive, and its durability ensures that it fits the demands of long-term use. Furthermore, when it comes into touch with water, it does not produce molecules that could alter its composition. As a result, stainless steel is used in a wide range of common items including eyelet manufacturing. Steel can be made into sheets and grades 304, 410 (corrosion resistant), and 430 (low cost) are good for eyelet manufacturing.
The advantages of steel in eyelet manufacturing include:
The disadvantages of steel in eyelet manufacturing include:
Brass is widely used as sheet metal and it is an alloy of copper. In comparison to copper, brass is corrosion resistant, durable and formable along with a shiny decorative appearance which makes it a good material for manufacturing eyelets.
Metal stamping is an example of an application where corrosion resistance is required. Brass's composition, which is typically 66 percent copper and 34 percent zinc, making it a good option for copper-based eyelets since it is more corrosion resistant. Because zinc reacts with minerals in salt water, leaving porous copper behind, brass is not suited for eyelets that are exposed to water. These minerals will not react with the tin in bronze. Lead is usually added to brass to increase its machinability and other unique elements built into the different brass alloys.
The advantages of brass in eyelet manufacturing include:
The disadvantages of brass in eyelet manufacturing include:
The specifications of eyelets include:
There are various significant factors to consider while choosing an eyelet. The size of the hole is the most significant factor to consider. The eyelet must, of course, have the necessary diameter to fit through the hole, but it must also have the correct flange diameter to offer sufficient strength for your specific applications. Likewise, the material thickness should be taken into account to ensure that the eyelet's barrel extends far enough through the material.
It's also critical to select an eyelet material that meets the needs of your applications. Brass, aluminum, and steel are just a few of the materials that can be used to make eyelets. The type of material you use will be determined by whether your uses are decorative or industrial.
This chapter will discuss the types of eyelets and how eyelets can be installed.
The standard is the most common shape that is used.
This type of eyelet exhibits a cleaner appearance than the standard type because the part appearing on the surface is flatter. There are two types of flat eyelets: the punched type and the one requiring a tip hole. There are also the ones with decoration and those with mesh.
Making holes of the same shape is necessary for a fabric beforehand. The holes can be made use of in the threading of wide tapes or ribbons, or the ones that are large can be made use of in handles of bags.
These types of eyelets are the most common types of eyelets and are made by punching a hole through the upper part of a shoe. For the provision of structural integrity and prevention of fabric from fraying, punched eyelets are often reinforced by means of a metal which can either be hidden or visible from the outside. Eyelets that are hidden provide the shoes with a cleaner aesthetic because the holes are smaller and usually have reinforcement on the underside of the throat.
Punched eyelets are the ones that are least obstructive besides other eyelets. But their adjustment is the most difficult.
Webbing eyelets are most often seen in shoes that are used for dancing but are also used in sneakers and some boots. To make them, a piece of folded fabric or leather is attached along the throat of a shoe.
These types of eyelets exhibit lighter weight and put less pressure on foot which makes them the most suitable for many types of athletic shoes. However, webbing eyelets are prone to tearing even though they have these advantages.
These eyelets are a type of metal eyelet attached to shoes by means of rivets. They function the same way webbing eyelets function, but they are much more durable. However, the rivets can cause pressure points that are painful which makes them more suitable for shoes that have thick, hard-wearing uppers.
These are seen on different types of boots such as military boots, work boots, as well as hiking boots. D-ring eyelets exhibit a larger opening compared to punched eyelets and they offer some flexibility.
These eyelets are often referred to as speed hooks. They are another type of metal eyelet that is usually seen on boots. Shoelaces loop through the hooks instead of being threaded through a hole which quickens the process of lacing and unlacing. This is an advantage which makes these eyelets more suitable for boots since the time they take to put on is longer because of their many eyelets.
Usually, hooked eyelets are attached to a boot starting just above the angle toward the top of a boot with threaded eyelets lower on the throat, where lacing tends to remain threaded. Hooked eyelets are also able to be attached to a punched eyelet, allowing the one who wears the boots to thread or loop the shoelaces. Hooked eyelets are the quickest and easier to lace but they are the least secure.
Rivets and eyelets are both types of fasteners used to join materials together. However, they differ in their design and application. Rivets are cylindrical in shape with a head at one end and a tail at the other, and are used to create a permanent bond between materials. They are commonly used in heavy-duty applications where high strength and durability are required, such as in aerospace and automotive industries. In contrast, eyelets are typically smaller in size and are often used in applications where a temporary or semi-permanent fastening solution is needed. They consist of a hollow metal ring that is inserted into a hole in the material and then crimped to secure it in place. Eyelets are commonly used in applications such as leatherwork, textiles, and paper crafts.
While both rivets and eyelets serve similar purposes, their different designs make them better suited for specific applications. Rivets provide a strong, permanent bond that is ideal for heavy-duty applications, while eyelets are more versatile and can be used for temporary or semi-permanent fastening solutions. Ultimately, the choice between using rivets or eyelets depends on the specific needs of the application at hand, such as the materials being joined, the required strength of the joint, and the desired level of permanence.
Eyelets look and function almost the same as grommets but they are different from grommets. The flange diameter of grommets is larger than that of eyelets and grommets offer more strength. The material used to make eyelets include aluminum, brass, or steel. The finished appearance of eyelets is more attractive than that of grommets.
There are different sizes and designs of eyelets offered by suppliers depending on the customer’s needs. There is also a new generation of eyelets that has evolved beyond the classic nickel or brass-finished eyelets, which includes eyelets made from lighter weight aluminum that are easily set.
In the installation of eyelets, a hand press machine is used. This hand press machine can be used not only for eyelets but also for dot buttons and mechanical fasteners. Be sure to test the fabric that you would like to use because some fabrics may not perform well because of their thickness or processing. The eyelets fit into the bottom frame and it is hit.
The lever is like leverage that allows for the smooth installation of eyelets with a force that is light. If you are installing large quantities, this is a handy machine. In some sewing factories, automatic machines are used to handle large quantities of products that cannot be handled by means of a hand press.
However, because of the nature of this machine, there is a limitation to the places where the fabric can be pressed. It is not possible to install it in the center of the machine or other hard-to-reach places. The first step is fitting the frame into the hand press machine. The installation is easy. It can be done either with screws or by simply fitting the eyelets into the holes. The parts are set there. The part that will be on the front is the upper side, and the washer is the lower side. Caution must be taken in order not to mistake the front and the back of the washer.
After confirming where the eyelets will be attached and the front and back of the fabric, press. Ideally, the front part’s protrusions should curl up nicely when looking at the backside. If you are capable of pressing very well but the eyelets turn, or if you pull on the fabric they come loose, you can always put an addition of a rubber seal to solve the problem in most cases.
This chapter will discuss the applications and benefits of eyelets.
These increasingly famous craft products are found in a wide variety of colors and shapes. This new generation of eyelets is suitable for any craft project requiring a practical application of eyelets, as well as decorative usage that is simple. Eyelets are utilized in industrial applications and also apparel that includes belts, hats, labels, and shoes.
Eyelets can be used for decorative apparel to develop creative dresses, capes, or skirts. Eyelets can give a product a unique look. For small projects, eyelets can be easily applied with an anvil setter or a hammer. There are also hole-cutting tools that can aid in the positioning of the eyelet perfectly for a finish that is clean. To make the decorative apparel easy to adjust, a small ribbon can be placed throughout each eyelet.
Eyelets can also be used for shoelaces. They are more important in making shoes that have shoelaces that are functional and long-lasting. The eyelets help by giving protection to the fabric from fraying. Eyelets help by improving the quality of your footwear.
Eyelets can be utilized for drapery or interior curtains. These help by giving protection to the fabric from fraying and can help in the holding up of fabric of any weight on a horizontal rod. Curtain eyelets are available in different sizes and colors that include silver, gold, and copper. There are also more decorative eyelet options like flower shapes and squares. The flower shapes come in silver and gold or marbled color. The flower eyelets can snap easily into the eyelet tape to provide an even, finished look for easy application.
Eyelets that are custom made can be used with:
The benefits of eyelets include:
However, the benefits of eyelets far outweigh the eyelet’s drawbacks.
An eyelet is a metal, rubber, or plastic ring with flanges that is used to strengthen or reinforce holes punched in thin fabrics. There are many different types of eyelets with different properties. For instance webbing eyelets are light in weight and they are used on many types of sports shoes. D-Ring eyelets are suitable for shoes that have hard wearing uppers since they can create pressure points that are painful. Clear plastic eyelets offer other benefits like longevity, UV resistance, and weather resistance. Therefore it is important to consider the type of material and the design of the eyelet when selecting an eyelet for a particular application.
Die stamping is a cold forming process that takes a sheet of metal, referred to as a blank or tool steel, and cuts and shapes it using a single or series of dies to create a desired shape or profile. The force that is applied to the blank modifies and changes its geometry...
Metal stamping is a coldworking process that transforms sheets of metal into specific, preset shapes. It uses specialized tooling which involves the stroke of the punch that brings conformational change to the metal sheet...
A metal washer is a small flat piece of metal that has a hole in the center and is used as a spacer, a method for absorbing shock, or distributing the load of a fastener. The hole in the middle of a metal washer allows for a bolt or screw to pass through...
The metal stamping process began during the industrial revolution as a cold forming means for producing frames and handlebars for bicycles. From its beginnings in Germany, it has grown into an essential part of modern industry for the production of parts and components for a wide variety of industries...
Contract manufacturing is a business model in which a company hires a contract manufacturer to produce its products or components of its products. It is a strategic action widely adopted by companies to save extensive resources and...
Precision sheet metal fabrication is a common manufacturing process where the structure of a metal workpiece is cut, bent, and assembled by machining. There are any number of operations that are performed in the creation of a finished sheet metal product...
Secondary manufacturing processes, or fabrication, work on products from primary processes to create a metal part or structure that is suitable for end-use. In these processes, semi-finished metal products are reshaped and joined...
Sheet metal fabrication is metal that has been formed into thin and flat sheets which is then cut and bent into various shapes. Different metals, brass, steel, copper, tin, titanium, aluminium, etc., can be made into sheet metal...