afgeniet

Afgeniet is a Dutch term that translates to "unriveted" or "disassembled by removing rivets" in English. It refers to the process of taking apart a structure, machine, or object that has been assembled using rivets. Rivets are mechanical fasteners that permanently join two or more materials by passing a bolt through drilled holes and then deforming the ends of the bolt to create a head on each side. Unriveting, therefore, involves the removal of these rivets, typically through drilling or cutting them out, to allow for separation of the joined components.

This process is often undertaken for reasons such as repair, maintenance, recycling, or deconstruction. For instance, if a section of a metal structure needs to be repaired or replaced, the rivets holding it in place would be afgeniet. Similarly, in the aerospace industry, aircraft components are frequently riveted together, and maintenance procedures might require rivets to be removed and replaced. Recycling also often involves disassembling large structures that were originally riveted, allowing for the separation and reuse of different materials.

The act of afgenieting requires specific tools and techniques to ensure the surrounding materials are not unnecessarily damaged. The method of rivet removal can vary depending on the type of rivet and the materials being joined. In some cases, the rivet head is drilled off, and then the remaining shank is pushed or driven out. In other situations, the rivet may be cut or ground away. The term implies a deliberate action of dismantling rather than accidental breakage.