TALAT Lecture 4102
Clinching 13 pages, 14 figures Basic Level prepared by Lothar Budde, Universität-Gesamthochschule Paderborn
Objectives: − to describe the detailed processes of single-step and multiple-step clinching − to show the differences of the various clinching methods concerning the amount of shearing − to illustrate the major differences in mechanical properties of clinch joints compared with resistance spot welds
Prerequisites: − General mechanical engineering background − TALAT Lecture 4101
Date of Issue: 1994 EAA - European Aluminium Association
4102 Clinching
Table of Contents
4102 Clinching .............................................................................................................2 4102.01 Definitions and Classifications................................................................. 3 • Definition of the Term Clinching With or Without Local Incision ....................3 • Trade Names for Clinching Methods...................................................................3 • Selected Standard Tool Combinations for Clinching ..........................................4 • Criteria for Classifying Clinching Processes .......................................................5 4102.02 The Clinching Process .............................................................................. 6 • Process Steps in Single-Step Clinching with Local Incision ...............................6 • Process Steps During Two-Step or Multi-step Clinching with Local Incision...7 • Geometry of a Clinched Joint Formed by Clinching With or Without Local Incision.....................................................................................................................8 • A Comparison of the Properties of Clinched Joints and Spot Welded Joints.....9 • Process Steps of a Single-Step Clinching Process without Local Incision (Die with Movable Parts).................................................................................................9 • Process Steps of a Single-step Clinched Joint without Local Incision (Die without Movable Parts)..........................................................................................10 • Formation of a Flat Clinch Element without Local Incision..............................11 • Comparison of Clinch Elements with Varying Local Incisions and Formed Parts 12 • Holding and Stripping Systems for Clinching ...................................................12 4102.03 Literature/References ............................................................................. 13 4102.04 List of Figures............................................................................................ 14
TALAT 4102
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4102.01 Definitions and Classifications • • • •
•
Definition of the term clinching with or without local incision Trade names for clinching methods Selected standard tool combination for clinching Criteria for classifying clinching processes
Definition of the Term Clinching With or Without Local Incision
Compared to the state of development of conventional fastening methods, the clinching technology for joining shaped sheet components and sections is still new, although the first patent for this process was granted as early as 1897. Clinching is a direct joining of materials using the forming technology. A flattening or material flow (impact extrusion) creates a quasi form locked joint (Figure 4102.01.01). With Local Incision
Clinching
Without Local Incision
is a direct forming technology for joining materials in the form of sheet, tube and profiles using a single or multi-step fabricating process with a common displacement combined with local incision or plastic deformation and folowed by cold compression, so that a quasi form locking joint is produced by flattening or flow pressing.
Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
•
Definition of the Term Clinching with or without Local Incision
4102.01.01
Trade Names for Clinching Methods
Within the scope of the general definition for clinching, each company is free to choose an own name, which generally reflects the tool design used for the fastening process. As a result, the individual process variations used in the metal processing industry are better known under their trade names (Figure 4102.01.02).
TALAT 4102
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Selected Standard Tool Combinations for Clinching
A selection of standard tools for clinching based on local incision and/or forming processes illustrates the high state of the art for these mechanical fastening methods (Figure 4102.01.03). The joint strengths that can be attained depend, among others, on tool design so that the tools for the individual clinching processes are being constantly developed and improved.
(Single or Multi-Step) Clinching With Local Incision
Without Local Incision - "TOX" - System - "O-" and "R-DRUCKFÜGE" - System - "TOG-L-LOC" - System - "RIVET" - System - "R-SPOT-CLINCH" - System - ............................... - ............................... - ...............................
- "CLINCH" - System - "S-" and "H-DRUCKFÜGE" - System - "LANCE-N-LOC" - System - "STITCH" - System - "T-SPOT-CLINCHING" - System - "PUNKTFÜGE" - System - ................................ - ................................
Source: DIN 8593, Part 5
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Trade Names for Clinching Methods
Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
TALAT 4102
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4102.01.02
Clinch-Process
DRUCKFÜGE-Process Punch
Cutting Punch
RIVET-Process
TOX-Process
Forming Punch
Forming Punch
O-Rings Compressing Punch
Cutting Laminae
Wedging Punch
Anvil
Spreading Die
Cutting Die
Form Die
Form Die
Source: Budde alu
Selected Standard Tool Combination for Clinching
4102.01.03
Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
•
Criteria for Classifying Clinching Processes
Based on the DIN standard 8593, part 5, it is possible to characterise clinching either according to the kinematics of the tool components (single or multi-step clinching) or the shape of the joint itself (clinching with or without local incision, see also Figure 4102.01.04).
Classifying the Clinching Process
According to the Kinematics of the Tool Parts In Single and Multi-Step Clinching
According to the Joining Element Form In Clinching with and without Local Incision
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Criteria for Classifying Clinching Processes
Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
TALAT 4102
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4102.01.04
4102.02The Clinching Process • • • • • • • • • •
•
Process steps in single-step clinching with local incision Process steps during two-step or multi-step clinching with local incision Geometry of a clinched joint formed by clinching with or without local incision A comparison of the properties of clinched joints and spot welded joints Process steps of a single-step clinching process without local incision (die with movable parts) Process steps of a single-step clinched joint without local incision (die without movable parts) Formation of a flat clinch element without local incision Process steps of a multi-step clinched joint without local incision Comparison of clinch elements with varying local incisions and formed parts Holding and stripping systems for clinching
Process Steps in Single-Step Clinching with Local Incision
Clinching with local incision creates an undetachable (permanent) joint under the combined action of shear and penetration processes, in which the penetration and incision limit the joint region, and a cold compression process, in which the sheet material pushed out of the sheet plane is compressed and flattened in such a manner that a quasi form locked joint is created. The single-step clinching process derives its name from the fact that the joint is created during an uninterrupted stroke of a single tool component (Figure 4102.02.01).
TALAT 4102
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Punch
Joined parts
Die
Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
•
Process Steps in Single-Step Clinching with Local Incision
4102.02.01
Process Steps During Two-Step or Multi-step Clinching with Local Incision
The clinch joining element of a two-step or multi-step clinch process with local incision is created under the action of successive motions of the tool components . Although the multi-step clinching process works, unlike the single-step clinching process, with a single tool combination for the corresponding joint geometry, this process, because of its more complicated alignment technique, has not been very successful till now (Figure 4102.02.02).
TALAT 4102
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Cutting Die Compressing Punch Parts to be joined Cutting Punch
Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
•
Process Steps during Two-Step or Multi-Step clinching with Local Incision
4102.02.02
Geometry of a Clinched Joint Formed by Clinching With or Without Local Incision
In recent years, a large number of fastening elements, based on the principles of the clinched joint element, have been developed. Characteristic for all these recent developments is an increase in the joint strength resulting from the enlarged shear area as well as from the reduction of the locally incised part which is replaced by a corresponding increase in the plastically formed part (see Figure 4102.02.03). increasing th
decreasing th
e sheared a rea
e sheared ar
ea
Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
TALAT 4102
Geometry of a Clinched Joint Formed by Clinching with or without Local Incision
8
4102.02.03
•
A Comparison of the Properties of Clinched Joints and Spot Welded Joints
Results of experiments with single-element clinch fastenings with various locally incised and formed parts as well as various shear areas demonstrate that under quasi static and dynamic impact loadings, these joints do not attain the strength of a single spot welded joint (see Figure 4102.02.04). This result is also valid for clinch joints with enlarged clinched elements. On the other hand, in the case of dynamic loading, the strength of clinched joints is superior to that of spot welded joints, especially if the local incision is reduced in favour of the formed part, thereby reducing the notch action.
with 2 CL Local Incision 3
AlMg5Mn s = 1.25 mm
%
Fracture Strength
180 160
V=10 mm/ min
80 40 1
2
0
3
4
Local Incision
%
%
180
180
160
120
4 CL without
CL with Reduced Local Incision
160
120
Fracture Work
SW
Reapted Cycle Force
1
V = 5.3 m/s
120
80
R=0.0 f=80Hz
40 1
2
0
3
4
80 40 1
2
3
4
0
Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
•
A Comparison of the Properties of Clinched Joints and Spot Welded Joints
4102.02.04
Process Steps of a Single-Step Clinching Process without Local Incision (Die with Movable Parts)
In the clinching process without local incision, a combined penetration and clinch operation (whereby the fastened region is limited by the penetration) is followed by a cold compression process (whereby the displaced volume of material is flattened by compression) leading to a quasi form locked joint formed by material flow (impact extrusion) (see Figure 4102.02.05). The displaced material of the clinch joint, relevant for the fastening strength, is formed by the varying flow characteristics of the material on the die and punch sides.
TALAT 4102
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Parts to be joined
Die with Movable Parts Rubber Ring
Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
•
Process Steps of a Single-Step Clinching Process without Local Incision (Die with Movable Parts)
4102.02.05
Process Steps of a Single-step Clinched Joint without Local Incision (Die without Movable Parts)
Tool systems with and without moving parts have been designed for the single-step clinching process without local incision . During the single-step clinching process with movable die parts, the different flow characteristics of the material of the parts to be joint is caused by a yielding of the sheets. On the other hand, in the single-step clinching process without movable parts, a grooved ring in the die forces the displaced material of the sheets to flow differently (Figure 4102.02.06). The advantage of the die without moving parts lies in the absence of wear of the components. The disadvantage is that oiled aluminium sheets can lead to the formation of a "hydrostatic cushion" in the closed die, leading eventually to the destruction of the die.
Punch Joined Parts
Die without Moveable Parts
Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
TALAT 4102
Process Steps of a Single-Step Clinched Joint Without Local Incision (Die Without Moveable Parts)
10
4102.02.06
•
Formation of a Flat Clinch Element without Local Incision
New variations of the clinching process which overcome the process limitations of the single-step and multi-step clinching process with and without local incision, are being developed constantly. The basic principle, however, remains unchanged. Thus, it is possible to flatten the typical edged form of the clinch element without local incision in a second operation, so that this side can be used for the visible surface (Figure 4102.02.07). Starting Condition
Intermediate Stage
Round Form
End Condition Flat Form
Fixing Punch Joined Parts
Counter Punch
Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
Formation of a Flat Clinch Element without Local Incision
4102.02.07
Similar to clinching with local incision, it is possible, in a two-step or multi-step process, to produce a clinch element without local incision (Figure 4102.02.08). The two-step or multi-step process for clinching uses about 20 % less energy than that required for single-step clinching, due to the fact that the penetration and compression (flattening) steps of the former occur in consecutive steps.
Displacing Punch Parts to be joined
Displacing Die
Compressing Punch Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
TALAT 4102
Process Steps of A Multi-Step Clinched Joint without Local Incision
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4102.02.08
•
Comparison of Clinch Elements with Varying Local Incisions and Formed Parts
As illustrated in the comparison of clinch elements with varying local incisions and formed parts, reducing the local incision part in favour of the formed part is coupled with a reduction of notch effect - i.e. primarily an improved behaviour of the joint under dynamic loading - as well as reduced chip production. At the same time, however, this leads to the need for tools able to meet the added requirements.
Clinching Tool
Tool Control
Chip Joining Production Element
Infuence of Local Joining Part Incision Surface
Formed Part
Geometric Notch Effect
Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
Comparison of Clinch Elements with Varying Local Incisions and Formed Parts
4102.02.09
This means that reducing the incision part amounts to an increased effort in aligning punch and die (Figure 4102.02.09). In order to align clinching tools accurately for joints without local incision, special clamps with double-C frames have been developed, making the use of clinching robots possible.
•
Holding and Stripping Systems for Clinching
A faultless holding system, a prerequisite for producing high quality clinching, must clamp the aligned parts, so that the material flow during the clinching process does not cause a movement of the position of joining groups relative to each other. Appropriate holding systems can be used to clamp the joining parts as well as strip the finished part from the dies.
TALAT 4102
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Just as in the case of clinching, holding systems must also be adapted for use in punch riveting (Figure 4102.02.10).
Single-Step Clinching with Local Incision
Single-Step Clinching without Local Incision
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Holding and Stripping Systems for Clinching
4102.02.10
Training in Aluminium Application Technologies
4102.03Literature/References 1. Budde, L. Untersuchungen zur Kombination quasi-formschlüssiger stoffschlüssiger Verbindungsverfahren. Dissertation Uni-GH-Paderborn, 1989
und
2. Liebig, H.P. Nieten und Durchsetzfügen. Blech Rohre Profile 39 (1992) 3, 220-221 3. Boldt, M. Mechanisches Verhalten von Durchsetzfügeund Punktschweißverbindungen bei quasistatischer und dynamischer Beanspruchung. Dissertation Uni-GH-Paderborn, 1992 4. Steimmel, F. Einfluß der Blechoberflächen auf das Festigkeitsverhalten. Bänder Bleche Rohre 31 (1990) 11, 33-36 5. Schmid, G. Methoden der Qualitätssicherung beim Durchsetzfügen. Bänder Bleche Rohre 32 (1991) 61-64 6. Schröder, D. Neue Verbindungstechniken für Aluminiumwerkstoffe. Bänder Bleche Rohre 32 (1991) 5, 83-87 7. Beyer, R. Kostengünstig und technisch interessant - Druckfügen. Industrie-Anzeiger 110 (1988) Nr. 16, 26-29 8. Reuter, H. Erfahrungen mit dem Durchsetzfügen in der Automobilindustrie. Tagungsband “Umformtechnisches Fügen von Blech“, Chemnitz 1990 9. Bober, J. und Liebig, H.P. Prozeßanalyse beim Druckfügen. Bänder Bleche Rohre 31 (1990) 10, 143-146
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4102.04 List of Figures
Figure No.
Figure Title (Overhead)
4102.01.01 4102.01.02 4102.01.03 4102.01.04
Definition of the Term Clinching with or without Local Incision Trade Names for Clinching Methods Selected Standard Tool Combination for Clinching Criteria for Classifying Clinching Processes
4102.02.01 4102.02.02 4102.02.03
Process Steps in Single-Step Clinching with Local Incision Process Steps during Two-Step or Multi-Step Clinching with Local Incision Geometry of a Clinched Joint Formed by Clinching with or without Local Incision A Comparison of the Properties of Clinched Joints and Spot Welded Joints Process Steps of a Single-Step Clinching Process without Local Incision (Die with Movable Parts) Process Steps of a Single-Step Clinched Joint without Local Incision (Die without Movable Parts) Formation of a Flat Clinch Element without Local Incision Process Steps of a Multi-Step Clinched Joint without Local Incision Comparison of Clinch Elements with Varying Local Incisions and Formed Parts Holding and Stripping Systems for Clinching
4102.02.04 4102.02.05 4102.02.06 4102.02.07 4102.02.08 4102.02.09 4102.02.10
TALAT 4102
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