Abstract: Two components are held in at least partially overlapping relation to each other between a hold-down device and an essentially flat lower tool and then are joined together by pressing an auxiliary joining element into one of the components a sufficient distance to plastically deform the components in a manner that positively joins the two components together. A tool with an optional wobbling movement and/or an optional variable force is used to press the auxiliary joining element into the first component. The magnitude of force applied by the hold-down device affects the direction of plastic flow of the material of the components in relation to the flat lower tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for joining at least two components, which overlap at least in part, in a mechanical joining process without prepunching and with the aid of a deformable auxiliary joining element, and to the auxiliary joining element itself; said auxiliary joining element is pressed into the components to be joined by an upper tool that is displaced against an essentially flat lower tool at least with an axial advancing movement, and these components are joined to one another under plastic deformation of said components as well as of said auxiliary joining element.