Sheet Metal Joining Systems

Description: Sheet metal joining systems are capable of joining plain, coated and dissimilar metals. Two or more layers of metals are reliably joined using this process. Typical sheet metal thickness range from 0.2 to 3 mm. Joints are formed by drawing the metals into a circular cup and then expanding the diameter to form a 360° radial lock below the bottom sheet. The basic tooling consists of punch with spring-loaded stripper and die with spring-loaded expanding die blades. The punch and die sets are available in various sizes to cater to various combinations of metal thickness. The basic tooling can be fitted for use on an existing press. The entire operation of joining takes place in a single motion or press stroke. This process offers many advantages over conventional methods of sheet metal joining. It does not need any surface preparation as required for spot welding and also does away with heat and sparks so typical of welding. The operation is clean and distortion-free. The joints formed are strong, fatigue-resistant and leak proof and can also be checked non-destructively, using simple gauges. This process reduces cost per joint because it does not need additional fasteners like rivets and screws.