Numerical Analysis of the Scalability of Roller Clinching Processes

Abstract

Roller clinching combines the advantages of translational clinching with a continuous feed of the parts to be joined. Challenging tasks are the non-perpendicular impact and retraction of the tools leading to anisotropic joint properties. These effects are strongly influenced by scaling the setup. Reducing the size of roller clinching machines increases the impact angle of the tools on the sheets. This paper focuses on the kinematic description of the tool movement as well as the joint formation depending on different setup sizes. Process limits for different setups are investigated.