Experimental investigation of the cause and effect relationships between the joint and the component during clinching

The combination of the mechanical properties of a clinched joint and of the material surrounding the joint determine the resulting properties of the component and joint. The cause and effect relationships between the joint and the joint environment offers the possibility of a specific modification through an adaptation in the design process. In order to identify these cause and effect relationships and resulting interactions experimentally, numerous of experiments are required. In this publication, a concept for the automated manufacturing of head tensile test and shear tensile test specimens – from cutting to clinching – by using a punch laser machine is presented. Based on a full-factorial experimental design, the parameters change of the properties of the joint environment by beading and change of the punch displacement are addressed. The influence on the properties of the clinched specimen is evaluated based on the variables Stiffness, force at the beginning of yielding and maximum force at head tensile loading and shear tensile loading. In addition, the geometric quality parameters of neck thickness, interlock and bottom thickness are evaluated. The relationships can be used to apply uniform loads to joints in joined structures to counteract oversizing.