The clinching joints strength analysis in the aspects of changes in the forming technology and load conditions

•Geometrical and process parameters are considered.•The joint strength is influenced by the size of joint lock.•The tools geometry influence on mechanical performance of staked joints is clarified.•A new type of ClinchRivet joint was shear tested.

This paper presents the strength analysis of joining by clinching for various values of parameter X of the bottom thickness. The maximum joint strength was obtained by performing lap joints, H-shaped samples and T-shaped samples strength test.For the specified value X of the bottom thickness, a test bar of clinching joints was also subjected to complex stress state until destruction. Thus, the impact of joint load direction on the maximum load capacity was determined. The effect of radial clearance between the die and the punch on the forming process, shearing and tearing was also obtained.Moreover, the paper contains an example of new sheet metal joining technology using rivets (ClinchRivet). The complex load tests results of the rivet joints were compared with those obtained for clinching.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide