Selecting the tooling is the first step involved when studying a new clinching application.
It will determine the pressing force and the size of the clinching force unit and work head. This choice will depend on:
- Sheet metal thickness and material: each tooling has its own range of thickness per material type.
- Accessibility and space allowed for the tooling: the thicker the material, the larger the tooling required.
- Strength requirement: there is a direct relation between the size of the tooling and the joint strength. Priority can be given to obtaining either the highest strength, or minimizing the cost of equipment by selecting a smaller tooling.
- Punch location: whenever possible, the punch should always be on thicker layer, which will provide a higher joint strength.
- Number and variability of sheet layers: a rectangular tooling should be selected if a low ductility material is used or if more than 2 layers, unequal thicknesses or variable total thickness are involved in the same application.
Compatibility of tooling with the machine
The SPOT CLINCH® work heads are designed to accommodate the various standard tooling.
A corresponding force unit with appropriate setting force exists for each die diameter. This makes it quite simple to select the clinching machine.
Irrespective of the die diameter or width, a suitable work head is available in the portable or in the modular range.
