What can I clinch?
Typical materials which can be clinched include:
- Low carbon and micro-alloyed steels
- Zinc-coated, organic coated and pre-painted steels
- Stainless steels
- Lightweight materials, such as ductile aluminium alloys
Dissimilar material combinations can also be clinched, for example steel to aluminium.
|
|
Standard |
Special |
|
Material of sheets |
Aluminium
Copper
Mild steel
Stainless steel |
Up to Grade 304
(Tensile strenght 500 MPa) |
|
Total thickness of sheets (T) |
1 to 6 mm |
10 mm Steel
18 mm Copper |
|
Cycle time |
0.4 to 1.2 sec |
- |
|
Diameter of die (D) |
3 to 8 mm |
1 to 10 mm |
|
Shear strenght |
1 to 8 KN |
- |
|
Joining Force (F) |
25 to 75 KN |
100 kN (single tool)
300kN (multiple tooling) |
As the joint is made by local plastic deformation of the sheets, it is essential that the materials have sufficient ductility to avoid cracking. Harder materials, such as stainless steels, are normally clinched with semi-piercing tooling.
The automotive industry, for example, is driven by weight-reduction, and manufacturers are moving towards thinner, stronger materials. This may affect the materials ductility and reduce its suitability for clinching. Therefore further optimization of the process cycle and developments in punch and die design can be realized.