Investigation of the impact of a rotationally superimposed punch stroke on the binding mechanisms of a clinched joint

This paper examines the impact of a rotationally superimposed punch stroke on the binding mechanisms of clinched joints of aluminum sheets. As part of the development of a method for ensuring the versatility of clinching, an additional rotational movement of the punch was introduced as a control variable to influence friction in the mechanical joining process. The effect of rotational superimposition on the force-displacement curve of the clinching processes was investigated using four test variants with different kinematics. The primary objective was to evaluate the binding mechanisms that maintain the integrity of the clinched joint. To evaluate the force closure of the resulting joint, two testing methods were employed throughout the course of the research, non-destructive resistance measurement using four-wire sensing method and destructive torsion testing. A crucial factor influencing the efficacy of the process is surface cleanliness, as contaminants between joining partners can impede the effectiveness of the clinched joint. Therefore, all specimens were meticulously cleaned prior to experimentation. This method exhibits promising potential in creating clinched joints that align with the demands of flexible manufacturing environments.