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How to Select Blind Rivet Nuts for EV Battery Housing Applications

Jan. 15, 2024

Blind Rivet Nuts for EV Battery Housing and Battery Pack Applications

As electric vehicle manufacturers increase the use of lightweight aluminum battery housings, thin sheet metal, and modular battery structures, fastening systems must provide more than a simple threaded connection.

Engineers and procurement teams need to consider joint strength, material compatibility, corrosion resistance, sealing, installation access, vibration, production efficiency, and long-term serviceability.

Blind rivet nuts provide a practical threaded fastening solution when access to the rear side of the workpiece is restricted. They can be installed from one side of an aluminum battery enclosure, thin sheet metal panel, or enclosed profile, creating a permanent threaded connection for screws or bolts.

For EV battery housings and new energy vehicle components, the appropriate rivet nut should be selected according to the parent material, sheet thickness, load requirements, environmental conditions, sealing requirements, and installation process.

Juxin Fasteners provides blind rivet nuts, sealed rivet nuts, aluminum rivet nuts, stainless steel rivet nuts, and OEM fastening solutions for automotive, EV, battery, electrical, sheet metal, and industrial applications.

The "pull method" comprises Spin on, 1. Insert, 2—upset, 3. and Spinoff, 4. cycles.


Pull methods

Selection criteria for blind rivet nut Selecting the body.


Hexagonal body

A hexagonal body in a hexagonal hole ensures the blind rivet nut has the best resistance to over-torque turning.

Pull methods

Round body, knurled or plain

For use where a hexagonal hole is not possible. The knurled version is preferred to the smooth, particularly for plastic or soft materials (aluminum, PA, SMC, etc.).

Pull methods

Open-end

This is the most common option due to its compact form and the free choice of screw length.

Pull methods

Closed-end

For all uses where no liquid is to be allowed to pass between the screw and the blind rivet nut. To form a pressure-tight seal between the blind rivet nut and the workpiece, we manufacture blind rivet nuts with a seal on the bodyside (see example on page 112).

Pull methods

Hexagonal body, flat head

"Advantages:

1. Very high turning resistance

2. Suitable for soft components (aluminum, plastic,...)

3. High crimping force

4. screw length can be varied (open end)

5. Splash-proof closed-ended)"

Pull methods


Why Use Blind Rivet Nuts in EV Battery Enclosures?

EV battery packs commonly use aluminum alloy housings because of their combination of low weight, corrosion resistance, thermal performance, and manufacturability.

However, thin aluminum panels can present challenges when a threaded fastening point is required.

Direct tapping may provide insufficient thread engagement, while welding a nut can introduce heat, distortion, additional processing, and potential surface damage.

A blind rivet nut creates a mechanical threaded insert without requiring access to the rear side of the panel.

Key advantages include:

  • One-sided installation

  • Threaded connection in thin sheet metal

  • No welding heat-affected zone

  • Suitable for aluminum battery housings

  • Efficient installation in enclosed structures

  • Potential for sealed fastening configurations

  • Compatibility with automated installation processes

  • Serviceable screw connections

For high-volume EV production, the ability to install a threaded insert from one side can also simplify assembly-line design and automation.

Pull methods


How to Select the Right Blind Rivet Nut for an EV Battery Housing

There is no single blind rivet nut that is suitable for every battery enclosure.

The correct selection should begin with the joint design rather than the thread size alone.

The key parameters include:

  1. Parent material

  2. Sheet thickness

  3. Required grip range

  4. Hole diameter

  5. Thread size

  6. Required pull-out resistance

  7. Required torque resistance

  8. Corrosion environment

  9. Sealing requirements

  10. Installation equipment

  11. Production volume

  12. Service and maintenance requirements


Pull methods


1. Select the Rivet Nut According to Sheet Thickness

The first parameter engineers should confirm is the material thickness.

Every blind rivet nut has a defined grip range, representing the thickness range in which the insert can be properly installed.

For EV battery housings, common parent materials include:

  • Aluminum sheet

  • Aluminum extrusion

  • Thin steel sheet

  • Composite panels

  • Engineering plastics

  • Molded battery enclosure components

The actual material thickness should be measured and compared with the manufacturer's specified grip range.

Why Grip Range Matters

If the workpiece is outside the specified grip range, the rivet nut may not form the intended blind-side deformation.

This can lead to:

  • Insufficient clamping

  • Reduced pull-out resistance

  • Excessive deformation

  • Rotation during screw installation

  • Damage to the parent material

  • Inconsistent assembly performance

For complex battery enclosure assemblies, engineers should also consider the available installation space behind the panel.



Pull methods

2. Choose the Correct Rivet Nut Body Design

The body geometry has a direct influence on rotation resistance, pull-out performance, installation requirements, and compatibility with the parent material.

Hexagonal Body Blind Rivet Nuts

A hexagonal body rivet nut is designed to engage with a corresponding hexagonal hole.

This configuration provides high resistance to rotation after installation and can be particularly useful where the joint is exposed to higher installation torque.

Typical applications include:

  • Aluminum battery housings

  • Automotive brackets

  • Electrical enclosures

  • Industrial equipment

  • Sheet metal assemblies

Hexagonal body rivet nuts are especially attractive when the design allows a controlled hexagonal hole.

Round Body Rivet Nuts

Round-body blind rivet nuts are commonly used where a standard round hole is preferred.

They can simplify hole preparation and are widely used in general sheet metal applications.

For softer parent materials, engineers may consider knurled or mechanically engaging body designs to improve resistance to rotation.

Knurled Rivet Nuts

Knurled rivet nuts have an external mechanical profile that increases engagement with the parent material.

They can be considered for:

  • Aluminum

  • Engineering plastics

  • Composite materials

  • Thin sheet metal

  • Soft materials

The correct configuration should be validated according to the material hardness, sheet thickness, hole diameter, and required joint performance.

3. Open-End vs. Closed-End Blind Rivet Nuts

The end configuration is another important selection factor for EV battery and enclosure applications.

Open-End Blind Rivet Nuts

Open-end rivet nuts are widely used because of their compact design and flexibility regarding mating screw length.

They are suitable for many general-purpose threaded fastening applications.

Typical uses include:

  • Brackets

  • Covers

  • Interior components

  • Electrical equipment

  • Sheet metal assemblies

Closed-End Blind Rivet Nuts

Closed-end rivet nuts provide a closed rear end and can be considered where the application requires additional protection against fluid or contaminant passage through the fastener.

They are particularly relevant when the enclosure design includes environmental sealing requirements.

However, the closed-end design should not automatically be interpreted as a guarantee of enclosure-level waterproofing.

The final sealing performance depends on the complete joint, including:

  • Rivet nut design

  • Sealing element

  • Mating screw

  • Washer or gasket

  • Hole geometry

  • Installation parameters

  • Panel design

  • Seal compression

  • Assembly tolerances

For battery enclosure applications requiring a defined IP rating, the complete enclosure assembly must be validated through the appropriate sealing tests.

4. When Should You Use Sealed Blind Rivet Nuts?

EV battery housings are often exposed to:

  • Water

  • Condensation

  • Road spray

  • Dust

  • Cleaning fluids

  • Temperature cycling

  • Vibration

  • Humidity

When a fastening point forms part of an environmental barrier, a sealed blind rivet nut can be considered.

A sealed rivet nut may incorporate a pre-installed sealing element around the body or head to reduce the potential path for moisture and contaminants through the fastening hole.

Potential benefits include:

  • Integrated sealing

  • Reduced assembly steps

  • Consistent seal placement

  • Compatibility with high-volume production

  • Reduced risk of missing separate sealing components

For automated EV battery production, pre-installed sealing elements can also simplify feeding and installation processes.

5. Selecting the Right Rivet Nut Material

Material selection is critical for EV battery enclosure applications.

The most common options include:

Carbon Steel Blind Rivet Nuts

Carbon steel provides high mechanical strength and is widely used for industrial fastening applications.

Advantages include:

  • High strength

  • Good torque resistance

  • Cost efficiency

  • Wide availability

Protective surface treatments may be required depending on the environmental conditions.

Aluminum Blind Rivet Nuts

Aluminum blind rivet nuts are an attractive option for lightweight assemblies.

Advantages include:

  • Low weight

  • Good corrosion resistance

  • Compatibility with aluminum structures

  • Reduced overall fastening weight

They can be particularly suitable for lightweight sheet metal and aluminum enclosure applications where the required mechanical performance can be achieved with aluminum.


Stainless Steel Blind Rivet Nuts

Stainless steel blind rivet nuts provide high corrosion resistance and are suitable for demanding environments.

They may be considered for applications involving:

  • High humidity

  • Water exposure

  • Corrosive environments

  • Outdoor equipment

  • Marine environments

  • Automotive applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance

The higher strength and corrosion resistance of stainless steel can make it attractive for demanding fastening applications, 

but material compatibility and galvanic corrosion should also be evaluated when used with aluminum components.

6. Consider Galvanic Corrosion in Aluminum Battery Housings

When an aluminum battery enclosure is combined with a dissimilar metal fastener, engineers should consider galvanic corrosion.

This is particularly important where the assembly may be exposed to moisture or conductive contaminants.

Material selection should therefore consider:

  • Parent material

  • Fastener material

  • Surface treatment

  • Environmental exposure

  • Electrical isolation

  • Moisture exposure

  • Required service life

Depending on the application, engineers may use compatible materials, coatings, isolation layers, or other corrosion-control measures.

For EV battery systems, the fastener should be evaluated as part of the complete material and corrosion-control strategy.

7. Slotted Rivet Nuts for Thin and Soft Materials

Some battery components use thin aluminum, plastics, composite materials, or hollow sections where conventional rivet nut deformation may not provide the required load distribution.

A slotted blind rivet nut can provide a larger blind-side bearing area during installation.

The slotted shank deforms into multiple sections behind the workpiece, distributing the clamping load over a larger area.

This configuration can be considered for:

  • Thin aluminum panels

  • Plastic battery components

  • Composite materials

  • Hollow sections

  • Lightweight equipment

  • Thin sheet metal assemblies

Potential advantages

  • Larger bearing area

  • Improved load distribution

  • Reduced local stress concentration

  • Higher pull-out resistance in suitable materials

  • Better suitability for soft or thin substrates

Actual joint performance should be confirmed through application-specific testing.

8. Pull-Out Resistance and Torque Resistance

For EV battery housing applications, two important mechanical characteristics are pull-out resistance and rotation resistance.

Pull-Out Resistance

Pull-out resistance describes the ability of the installed rivet nut to resist being pulled through the parent material.

It depends on factors such as:

  • Parent material

  • Material thickness

  • Hole diameter

  • Rivet nut geometry

  • Grip range

  • Blind-side deformation

  • Installation force

Torque Resistance

Torque resistance describes the ability of the installed rivet nut to resist rotation when the mating screw is tightened.

Hexagonal bodies and other anti-rotation designs can improve resistance to turning.

Engineers should define the required torque and pull-out performance according to the actual joint design rather than selecting a fastener based only on nominal thread size.

9. Rivet Nut Installation for High-Volume EV Production

EV battery manufacturing increasingly relies on controlled and automated assembly processes.

Blind rivet nuts can be installed using:

  • Manual tools

  • Pneumatic tools

  • Hydraulic tools

  • Battery-powered installation tools

  • Automated installation systems

For high-volume manufacturing, installation parameters should be controlled to ensure consistent blind-side deformation.

Typical process considerations include:

  • Mandrel engagement

  • Installation stroke

  • Installation force

  • Tool torque

  • Fastener orientation

  • Hole tolerance

  • Feed system compatibility

  • Inspection requirements

For automated production, the rivet nut design should also be evaluated for feeding, orientation, blow-feed, and installation compatibility.

10. EV Battery Housing Applications

Blind rivet nuts can be used in a range of EV battery and electrical assemblies.

Battery Pack Housing

Used to create threaded mounting points in aluminum enclosure panels and covers.

Battery Module Frames

Used for brackets, covers, cable management, and auxiliary component mounting.

Cooling System Components

Used where lightweight panels require threaded attachment points for cooling-related components.

Battery Cover Plates

Sealed rivet nuts can be considered where fastening points are located within an environmental sealing boundary.

Electrical Components

Rivet nuts can provide mounting points for:

  • Wiring harness brackets

  • Busbar-related components

  • Sensors

  • Control modules

  • Cable management systems

  • Protective covers

The final fastener specification should always be based on the component drawing and required performance.

Blind Rivet Nut Solutions for Other Industrial Applications

Although EV battery housings are a major application, the same engineering principles apply to many industries.

Automotive Fastening Solutions

For lightweight body components, brackets, interior assemblies, electrical components, and sheet metal structures.

Rail Transit Fastening Solutions

For aluminum panels, equipment housings, interior components, electrical cabinets, and mounting brackets.

Sheet Metal Fastening Solutions

For thin-gauge metal panels where direct tapping or welding is impractical.

Electrical Enclosure Fastening Solutions

For control cabinets, switchgear, electronic housings, and power distribution equipment.

HVAC and Refrigeration Fastening Solutions

For thin sheet metal housings, equipment covers, brackets, and access panels.

Industrial Machinery Fastening Solutions

For machine guards, access covers, control panels, equipment housings, and modular components.

Marine and Shipbuilding Fastening Solutions

For suitable non-critical sheet metal and equipment mounting applications where corrosion resistance and one-sided installation are required.

Blind Rivet Nut Selection Checklist for Engineers and Procurement Teams

Before placing an OEM order, confirm the following specifications:

ParameterInformation to Confirm
ThreadM4, M5, M6, M8, M10, M12 or other
Parent materialAluminum, steel, plastic, composite, etc.
Sheet thicknessActual material thickness
Grip rangeRequired minimum and maximum thickness
Body typeRound, hexagonal, knurled, slotted, etc.
Head styleFlat, reduced, countersunk, etc.
End typeOpen-end or closed-end
MaterialCarbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.
Surface treatmentAccording to corrosion requirements
SealingStandard or integrated sealing option
InstallationManual, pneumatic, hydraulic, battery-powered, automated
EnvironmentWater, humidity, chemicals, temperature, vibration
TestingPull-out, torque, sealing, corrosion, or other requirements
Annual volumeRequired production quantity
PackagingBulk, tray, bag, automated feeding, or custom packaging

Providing this information allows the supplier to recommend the most appropriate blind rivet nut configuration for the application.

OEM Blind Rivet Nut Manufacturing for EV and Automotive Applications

Juxin Fasteners supplies OEM blind rivet nuts and customized fastening solutions for international manufacturers.

Our engineering team can review customer drawings and application requirements covering:

  • Thread specifications

  • Material

  • Dimensions

  • Grip range

  • Body geometry

  • Head configuration

  • Sealing requirements

  • Surface treatment

  • Installation method

  • Packaging requirements

  • Quality inspection requirements

For automotive and EV programs, fastener selection can be evaluated together with the customer's battery housing design, parent material, production process, and environmental requirements.

This helps engineering and procurement teams move from a generic rivet nut specification to a production-ready fastening solution.

Why Choose Juxin Fasteners for EV Battery Fastening Solutions?

Juxin Fasteners provides industrial fastening solutions for manufacturers requiring reliable threaded connections in lightweight and enclosed assemblies.

Application Engineering

We focus on the complete joint design rather than selecting a rivet nut by thread size alone.

OEM Customization

Custom materials, dimensions, body designs, sealing configurations, coatings, and packaging can be developed according to customer requirements.

EV and Automotive Applications

Our fastening solutions can support EV battery housings, battery modules, automotive components, electrical systems, and lightweight sheet metal assemblies.

Quality Control

Inspection requirements can include dimensional inspection, thread inspection, visual inspection, installation testing, pull-out testing, torque testing, and other application-specific requirements.

Global B2B Supply

Juxin Fasteners works with international OEM manufacturers, engineering teams, purchasing departments, and industrial distributors.

Request an OEM Blind Rivet Nut Recommendation

Selecting a blind rivet nut for an EV battery housing requires the correct balance of mechanical performance, material compatibility, corrosion resistance, sealing, installation process, and production requirements.

If you are developing an EV battery enclosure, battery module, aluminum housing, electrical enclosure, or lightweight sheet metal assembly, send Juxin Fasteners the following information:

  • Product drawing or specification

  • Thread size

  • Parent material

  • Sheet thickness

  • Hole diameter

  • Required grip range

  • Sealing requirement

  • Installation method

  • Required quantity

  • Application environment

Our engineering team can review the application and recommend a suitable blind rivet nut, sealed rivet nut, aluminum rivet nut, stainless steel rivet nut, or customized OEM fastening solution.

Juxin Fasteners
OEM Industrial Fastening Solutions
Email: info@juxinfasteners.com


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