The material world of self-clinching fasteners--The fastener and host material must be compatible

摘要

Self-clinching fasteners provide permanent and reusable load-bearing threads in thin metal sheets. Historically, fabricators have specified self-clinching fasteners for thin sheet metal that would be difficult or impossible to join by other methods. Upon installation they become integral parts of an assembly, will not loosen or fall out—not even when the mating thread is removed—and never have to be restrained from rotation with a tool. For successful installation and optimal reliability in service, however, the fastener material must be compatible with the host metal sheet in all respects. For example, stainless into stainless can become problematic if the fastener is not hard enough, and stainless into aluminum poses the potential for galvanic corrosion.