Which step is NOT part of the riveting process?

The riveting process involves several key steps that are critical to forming a strong connection between materials. The correct answer indicates a step that does not commonly belong to the standard riveting procedure, which is heating the rivet.

In most riveting applications, especially in structural and mechanical engineering, rivets are usually cold-worked rather than heated. This means that the rivets are typically inserted into pre-drilled holes in their normal state. Once the rivet is positioned in the hole, it is deformed—commonly by hammering or using a rivet gun—to create a tight seal that holds the two pieces of material together.

Drilling the hole is a fundamental part of the process, as it creates the necessary opening for the rivet. Placing the rivet in the hole and completing the riveted joint by setting the rivet are also essential steps that ensure the integrity and strength of the joint. Thus, heating the rivet is not a standard part of the riveting process for most applications, making it the correct choice in this question.