This article will take an in-depth look at eyelets.
The article will bring more detail on topics such as:
This chapter will cover the definition of eyelets, their manufacturing process, and the technique of deep drawn stamping.
An eyelet is a small ring made of metal, rubber, or plastic, designed to reinforce or strengthen holes punched in thin fabrics. It serves a similar function to a grommet, which is larger and used for more heavy-duty applications.
Eyelets are used to reinforce holes or protect materials from the rough edges of the holes. They are commonly applied in fabrics, sheet metal, and other thin, fibrous materials. Without eyelets, thinner textiles can easily tear, but eyelets help prevent abrasion and other forms of 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 features a metal ring with a flange surrounding its central hole. The ring extends into a longer barrel that fits into a hole in the material. Once inserted, the barrel can be set using various tools and machines. Setting the eyelet causes the barrel to expand, securing the material between the flange and the expanded barrel.
A short metal tube fits through the hole in the material, and a metal ring encircles the edges of the hole to reinforce it. This significantly reduces the risk of the hole tearing or getting damaged. The strength of the eyelet typically depends on its size; for instance, a larger flange provides greater strength.
The production of eyelets is primarily achieved through the deep drawing process, which will be explored further 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 process involves feeding a coil of flat metal into a press equipped with tooling stations, each carrying out a specific repetitive operation on the metal. For deep drawn stamping, the depth and length of the stamping must exceed half the diameter of the shape being formed.
During deep drawn stamping, various forming processes can be employed. These include piercing, extruding, or using a conventional punch to cut precise holes in the drawn material. Additionally, notches can be made in specific areas of the component to facilitate connection or attachment to other objects.
Threads on the component can be created using a die, tap, or wheel and arbor. A pre-set trim line can remove excess metal and scrap from the component, whether it is fully or partially shaped. To enhance the rigidity of otherwise weak and flexible parts, features like beads, ribs, and flanges are added. These additions can reduce the required material thickness by up to 50% due to the increased stiffness.
The deep drawn process can create various shapes, including shell-like, cup-like, square, rectangular, and cylindrical forms. The first step involves moving the flat metal sheet, or blank, over the die to be molded.
A component known as a "blankholder" is positioned on both sides of the die cavity's entrance to secure the blank and prevent it from shifting during formation. Following this, a punch is inserted into the blank, pressing it into the die cavity to mold it into the desired shape.
Common sheet metals used in the deep drawn stamping process include nickel, zinc, titanium, aluminum, and steel. The malleability of the material influences the thickness of the deep drawn stamping; generally, softer materials can be stamped to greater thicknesses.
Deep drawn stamping is versatile and can be used to produce a variety of items. For instance, it is used to create metal components for the electronics industry, such as connection shells for computer disk drives. In the automotive industry, it can be employed to manufacture parts like 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 crafted from metal sheets, including materials like aluminum, steel, and brass, which are detailed below:
Aluminum, with the chemical symbol Al and atomic number 13, is a metal characterized by its low density—about one-third that of steel. It has a strong affinity for oxygen, which leads to the formation of a protective oxide layer 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 producing aluminum eyelets, key factors to consider are the surface dimensions and thickness of the material. The overall surface area is crucial for project planning, and the choice of material finish also impacts the selection of aluminum sheet. For instance, anodized aluminum provides both corrosion resistance and an aesthetically pleasing surface, while raw or unfinished plates can be coated or treated in various ways post-fabrication.
Typically, aluminum is cut to a thickness of 1mm to 2mm, which allows for easy production by hand or with smaller, portable tools. Grade 3003-H14 is preferred over grade 1100 for its superior strength while maintaining similar formability and cost-effectiveness. This grade is also corrosion-resistant and weldable, making it suitable for eyelets.
The benefits of using aluminum for eyelet manufacturing include:
However, the drawbacks of using aluminum in eyelet manufacturing include:
Steel is an alloy of iron, typically with a small amount of carbon added to improve strength and fracture resistance compared to pure iron. Other elements may also be included. For instance, stainless steel often contains about 11 percent chromium to enhance its resistance to corrosion and oxidation. The base metal in steel is iron. Common steel alloys used in eyelets include stainless steel, which is the most preferred, and carbon steel.
Stainless steel is both eco-friendly and chemically inert, offering excellent durability for long-term use. It does not release molecules that might alter its composition when in contact with water. These properties make stainless steel a popular choice for a variety of applications, including eyelet manufacturing. Stainless steel can be processed into sheets, with grades 304, 410 (corrosion-resistant), and 430 (cost-effective) being particularly suitable for eyelet production.
The benefits of using steel in eyelet manufacturing include:
The drawbacks of using steel in eyelet manufacturing include:
Brass, an alloy of copper, is commonly used as sheet metal. Compared to pure copper, brass offers improved corrosion resistance, durability, and formability, along with an attractive, shiny appearance. These qualities make brass an excellent choice for manufacturing eyelets.
Metal stamping often requires materials with good corrosion resistance. Brass, which is typically composed of 66 percent copper and 34 percent zinc, is a suitable choice for copper-based eyelets due to its enhanced corrosion resistance. However, brass is not ideal for eyelets exposed to water because zinc reacts with minerals in salt water, potentially leading to porous copper. In contrast, bronze, which contains tin, is more resistant to such reactions. Additionally, lead is sometimes added to brass to improve machinability and to tailor the properties of various brass alloys.
The benefits of using brass in eyelet manufacturing are:
The drawbacks of using brass in eyelet manufacturing are:
The specifications of eyelets are:
When selecting an eyelet, several key factors must be considered. The most critical factor is the size of the hole. The eyelet needs to have the appropriate diameter to fit through the hole and a sufficiently large flange diameter to provide the necessary strength for your specific application. Additionally, the material thickness is important to ensure that the eyelet’s barrel extends adequately through the material.
Choosing the right material for the eyelet is also crucial. Options such as brass, aluminum, and steel each offer different properties, so the material should be selected based on whether your application is decorative or industrial.
In both the United States and Canada, there is a diverse range of machines designed for the production of eyelets. These machines play a crucial role in modern manufacturing by ensuring the accurate and efficient creation of eyelets, which are vital components in numerous sectors, such as fashion, automotive, electronics, and more. This, in turn, supports the production of many everyday items. Below, we review several prominent eyelet production machines, highlighting their distinctive features and attributes that contribute to their widespread use.
Features: The Komax Gamma 333PC stands out for its rapid production capabilities, ideal for high-volume eyelet manufacturing. It incorporates state-of-the-art technology for precise eyelet placement and offers a user-friendly interface for easy operation and swift setup.
Features: The Schaefer Megomat 206 is versatile, accommodating a broad spectrum of eyelet sizes and materials. It features an automatic feeding mechanism that boosts production efficiency and cuts down on manual effort, along with built-in quality control systems to ensure consistent production standards.
Features: The USM Swivel Eyelet Machine offers a swivel function that enables eyelet insertion from various angles and positions. Renowned for its robustness, it can endure prolonged industrial use. The foot-operated control feature allows the operator to keep their hands free during operation.
Features: The RMI 422F is a fully automated machine that reduces manual intervention, enhancing production efficiency. It allows for customizable eyelet insertion settings, catering to different production needs. Its compact design makes it ideal for facilities with limited space.
Features: The Fancort Eyelet Press System features a modular structure, offering flexibility and customization for a variety of applications. It also has a high force capability, allowing it to insert eyelets into tough materials. Additionally, it can be adapted for other related tasks in eyelet production and assembly.
It's important to note that the information provided may no longer be current. For the latest and most accurate details on top eyelet production machines in the United States and Canada, consulting industry experts or contacting manufacturers directly is advisable.
This section will cover the various types of eyelets and the methods used for their installation.
The conventional shape is the most frequently utilized.
This eyelet variant has a neater look compared to the standard type, as the visible part is flatter. It comes in two forms: the punched style and the type that needs a tip hole. Additionally, there are decorative versions and those designed with mesh.
Prior to installation, it is essential to create holes of a consistent shape in the fabric. These holes can accommodate wide tapes or ribbons, while larger holes may be used for bag handles.
These eyelets are among the most frequently used and are created by punching a hole through the top section of a shoe. To enhance structural strength and prevent fabric fraying, punched eyelets are often reinforced with metal, which can be either concealed or exposed. Hidden eyelets offer a sleeker appearance as they feature smaller holes with reinforcement typically located on the underside of the throat.
Punched eyelets are among the least intrusive compared to other types of eyelets, though they are the most challenging to adjust.
Webbing eyelets are commonly found in dance shoes, as well as in sneakers and certain boots. They are created by attaching a folded strip of fabric or leather along the shoe's throat.
These eyelets are lighter and exert less pressure on the foot, making them ideal for various athletic footwear. Despite these benefits, webbing eyelets are susceptible to tearing.
These eyelets are a type of metal eyelet secured to shoes with rivets. While they serve a similar purpose to webbing eyelets, they offer greater durability. However, the rivets may create pressure points that can be uncomfortable, making them more appropriate for shoes with robust, durable uppers.
Commonly found on various types of boots, including military, work, and hiking boots, D-ring eyelets feature a larger opening than punched eyelets and provide additional flexibility.
Often known as speed hooks, these metal eyelets are commonly used on boots. Instead of threading shoelaces through a hole, they loop through the hooks, which speeds up the lacing and unlacing process. This feature makes them particularly useful for boots, which typically have many eyelets and can be time-consuming to put on.
Typically, hooked eyelets are positioned on the boot just above the ankle, with threaded eyelets located lower down on the throat where lacing tends to stay threaded. They can also be attached to punched eyelets, allowing the wearer to thread or loop the laces. While speed hooks offer a faster and easier lacing option, they are less secure compared to other types of eyelets.
Rivets and eyelets are both fasteners used to join materials, but they differ in design and use. Rivets are cylindrical with a head on one end and a tail on the other, creating a permanent connection between materials. They are ideal for heavy-duty applications requiring high strength and durability, such as in aerospace and automotive industries. In contrast, eyelets are typically smaller and suited for temporary or semi-permanent fastening. They consist of a hollow metal ring inserted into a hole and crimped to hold it in place. Eyelets are commonly used in leatherwork, textiles, and paper crafts.
Although rivets and eyelets both serve to fasten materials, their distinct designs make them suited to different tasks. Rivets offer a strong, permanent bond for demanding applications, whereas eyelets are more adaptable for temporary or semi-permanent needs. The decision to use rivets or eyelets will depend on factors such as the materials being joined, the strength required, and the level of permanence needed.
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.
Suppliers provide a variety of eyelet sizes and designs to meet different customer requirements. Additionally, a new generation of eyelets has emerged, moving beyond traditional nickel or brass finishes to include options made from lightweight aluminum, which are easier to install.
Eyelets are installed using a hand press machine, which is versatile enough to also handle dot buttons and mechanical fasteners. It's important to test the fabric beforehand, as some materials may not perform well due to their thickness or treatment. The eyelets are positioned into the machine's bottom frame and then pressed into place.
The lever mechanism of the hand press provides the necessary leverage for easy installation with minimal force. This machine is particularly useful for large quantities of eyelets. In high-volume settings, sewing factories may use automatic machines to handle the volume that a hand press cannot manage.
However, hand presses have limitations regarding where they can be used on the fabric, as they are not suitable for installing eyelets in the center or other difficult-to-reach areas. Begin by securing the frame into the hand press. Installation is straightforward and can be done either by screwing or simply fitting the eyelets into the designated holes. Ensure that the front part of the eyelet is on top and the washer is on the bottom, being careful not to confuse the front and back of the washer.
Once you have confirmed the placement of the eyelets and the orientation of the fabric, proceed to press. Ideally, the protrusions on the front should form a neat curl on the back. If the eyelets rotate or become loose when the fabric is pulled, adding a rubber seal can often resolve the issue.
This chapter explores the various applications and advantages of eyelets.
Eyelets, available in a wide array of colors and shapes, are increasingly popular in both practical and decorative craft projects. This new generation of eyelets is versatile, suitable for various applications ranging from industrial uses to fashion items like belts, hats, labels, and shoes.
Eyelets are ideal for adding decorative elements to clothing items such as dresses, capes, and skirts. They can transform a simple piece into something unique. For smaller projects, eyelets can be easily installed using an anvil setter or hammer. Hole-cutting tools can also help achieve precise placement for a clean finish. Small ribbons can be threaded through the eyelets to enhance adjustability and add a decorative touch.
Eyelets are essential for reinforcing shoelaces, contributing to the durability and functionality of shoes. They protect the fabric from fraying and enhance the overall quality of the footwear.
Eyelets are also used in drapery and interior curtains, where they prevent fabric fraying and support the hanging of fabric of various weights on a horizontal rod. Curtain eyelets come in various sizes and colors, including silver, gold, and copper, with additional decorative options like flower and square shapes. Flower-shaped eyelets are available in silver, gold, or marbled colors and can snap into eyelet tape for a polished look and easy application.
Custom-made eyelets can be tailored for specific needs:
The benefits of eyelets are:
Despite their drawbacks, the advantages of eyelets significantly outweigh their disadvantages.
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.
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