Selecting the right hole size and sheet thickness is crucial for the optimal performance and reliability of self-clinching fasteners. This guide will provide you with the necessary specifications and recommendations to ensure proper installation and secure fitting in your sheet metal applications.

To select the correct hole size for the installation of the clinch stud based on its thread size, refer to the following table:

Thread Size Minimum Recommended Sheet Thickness (mm) Hole Size (mm) (+0.08 -0.0) Minimum Distance to Edge of Sheet (mm)
M3 1.0 3.0 5.6
M4 1.0 4.0 7.2
M5 1.0 5.0 7.2
M6 1.6 6.0 7.9
M8 2.4 8.0 9.0

Here's how you use the table:

  • Thread Size: Identify the thread size of your clinch stud (e.g., M3, M4, M5, M6, M8).
  • Minimum Recommended Sheet Thickness: Ensure the sheet metal is at least this thick.
  • Hole Size: Punch a hole of this diameter in the sheet metal, with a tolerance of +0.08 mm to -0.0 mm.
  • Minimum Distance to Edge of Sheet: Maintain at least this distance from the edge of the sheet metal to the center of the punched hole.

For example, if you have an M5 clinch stud, the appropriate hole size would be 5.0 mm, and the minimum sheet thickness should be 1.0 mm. The hole should be at least 7.2 mm away from the edge of the sheet.

Self-clinching fasteners provide strong, load-bearing male or female threads in thin steel and aluminum panels, ensuring a reliable and robust connection. The installation process is straightforward and clean.

To install a self-clinching fastener, follow these steps:

  1. Prepare the Hole: Punch the correct hole size into the sheet metal according to the specifications for the fastener size.
  2. Locate the Fastener: Position the fastener into the pre-prepared hole.
  3. Apply Squeezing Force: Use a parallel squeezing force to embed the fastener into the panel.

Self-clinching fasteners function through a unique clinch feature. When pressed into the hole, the parent material cold-flows into this feature, effectively locking the fastener in place and providing excellent torque-out and push-out performance.

Important Considerations

  • Squeezing Force: A parallel squeezing force must be applied correctly for proper installation.
  • Dwell Time: The length of time the force is applied is crucial. Sufficient time must be allowed for the cold-flow clinching process to take place (this is often referred to as the dwell time when installing on a hydraulic press).

A self-clinching stud is designed to become a permanent part of the component or device onto which it’s installed. Installation usually occurs during the initial fabrication stage or final assembly of the metal chassis. The stud is secured to the sheet metal panel by applying a parallel squeezing force.

Benefits and Applications

  • Dimensional Accuracy: For the best performance, all holes in the sheet metal should be punched.
  • Cost and Time Efficiency: Self-clinching studs reduce costs and assembly time by eliminating the need for loose hardware and additional installation processes.
  • Robust Performance: These externally threaded fasteners are built to withstand high levels of torque, heavy weights, and constant, repeated pull by the attached components.

Self-clinching studs are versatile and durable, making them ideal for various applications where strong, permanent fastening is required.

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