Joining by forming—A review on joint mechanisms, applications and future trends

Clinching is a method for mechanically joining sheet metal of different thickness and properties in which the two plates to be joined undergo plastic deformation. The clinching process is established by connection or joining using simple tools: a punch and a die. This method has different characteristics compared to thermal joining methods, such as spot welding, including low purchase and operating costs, little preparatory work, safe and environmentally friendly, interesting mechanical properties, reproducibility, and durability. In this article, a brief review of traditional joining methods for dissimilar materials and the clinching process are illustrated in greater detail. In addition, the article looks to guide researchers for future work by identifying weaknesses of the current processes as well as potential for valuable contributions in the field of clinching.

Clinching process for joining dissimilar materials: state of the art

https://tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14686996.2017.1320930

Clinching for sheet materials

Mechanical properties of extensible die clinched joints in titanium sheet materials

With an increasing application of clinching in different industrial fields, the demand for knowledge of static and dynamic characteristics of clinching is increased. In the present work, the extensible die clinching process was numerically investigated using finite element method. To validate the computational simulation of the extensible die clinching process, experimental tests on extensible die clinched specimens have been carried out. Good agreement is achieved between the predictions and the experimental results. Monotonic tensile tests were carried out to measure the ultimate tensile strengths of the extensible die clinching joints and clinching-bonded hybrid joints. Deformation and failure of the extensible die clinched joints under monotonic tensile loading were studied. The normal hypothesis tests were performed to examine the rationality of the test data. This work was also aimed at evaluating experimentally and comparing the strength and energy absorption of the extensible die clinched joints and clinching-bonded hybrid joints.

F. Riedel

Papers

Overview on the state of development and the application potential of dieless mechanical joining processes