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

In the course of ongoing development of mechanical joining technologies, different technologies were developed in the last years, where often the necessary die as contrary die was substituted by a flat anvil. Using the example of dieless clinching, the full potential of such process alternatives is visible. If the tools, as the punch or the blank-holder are modified and the necessary die is substituted by a flat anvil, then several advantages for the process alternative – the dieless clinching – emerges. For example, it is possible to produce a one-sided flat connection, which is not producible with any other joining technology. Additionally it is possible to enlarge the application potential of mechanical joining technologies as for example semi-finished parts made of magnesium can be partially heated and directly joined without an increase in process time or a reduction in the process stability. The tool's costs, the necessary tolerances and the tool wear are significantly reduced. The publication includes an overview over the state of the development and the application potential with practical examples of different process alternatives.