Difference Between Welding and Riveting

Published: 7 Dec 2025

In this article, we will discuss the Difference Between Welding and Riveting. Welding melts metal to make a strong joint, while riveting joins parts with metal pins called rivets. Both methods help connect metal pieces, but they work in very different ways. Let’s understand them in simple words.

Dimensions	Welding	Riveting
Working Method	Welding joins two metal parts by heating them until they melt and fuse. The metals mix and form one solid piece. The joint looks smooth and clean.	Riveting uses a metal pin called a rivet to join two sheets. The rivet goes inside a drilled hole. Then both ends of the rivet are pressed to lock it in place. The metal does not melt in this process.
Strength of Joint	Welded joints are very strong. They can handle heavy loads and pressure without breaking.	Riveted joints are strong too, but they are not as strong as welded joints. They work well for medium loads.
Weight	Welding does not add extra weight. The metal becomes one piece.	Riveting adds extra weight because the rivets stay on the surface.
Appearance	Welded joints look neat and smooth. They look better in finished products.	Riveted joints show the rivet heads. They look a bit bulky and uneven.
Cost	Welding is cheaper for large projects. It needs fewer materials.	Riveting costs more because you need rivets and drilling tools.
Load Support	Welding does not need holes, so the metal stays strong.	Riveting needs drilled holes, which can reduce strength slightly.
Leak Prevention	Welds are airtight and watertight.	Riveted joints may have tiny gaps, so they are not fully leak-proof.
Working Speed	Welding needs setup, cleaning, and finishing.	Riveting is quick and easy, especially with simple tools.
Skill Requirement	Requires skilled operators and the proper equipment. Mistakes can weaken the joints.	Easy to perform. Less technical skills are needed, making it suitable for fieldwork and prototyping.
Vibration Resistance	Welded joints may be prone to cracking under continuous vibration if not properly designed.	Riveted joints are excellent under vibration, making them ideal for aircraft, bridges, and machinery.
Applications	Welding is used in cars, ships, pipelines, machines, and construction. It works for thin sheets, rods, plates, and pipes.	Riveting is used in bridges, boilers, pressure vessels, and aircraft. Today, it is used less because welding is faster and stronger.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in this article, we covered the Difference Between Welding and Riveting in detail. I hope you find this helpful.