Clinching of thick sheets in a framework structure
Abstract
Clinching is today an established joining technology especially in the automotive industry. Because of its economic advantages in comparison with joining by forming technologies using additional joining pieces (rivets for example) and the benefit of high fatigue strength in comparison with spot welding clinching should not be constricted to thin sheet applications. Using finite element analysis tools for Clinching thick sheet can be engineered in consideration of limiting aspects and required process characteristics. The high achieveable streghts of thick sheet clinched points leed to the possibility to substitute conventionell welded connections by clinching. By manufacturing a segment of a framework structure for an escalator the benefits of clinching thick sheets (easy process automation, high joining speed, very low deformation level, economisation of preparatory and subsequent work) could be demonstrated.
