Abstract: An improved method and joint structure are provided for assembling a self-clinching fastener to sheet material, particularly thin sheet metal, in which an aperture and a peripheral flange are formed in the sheet metal; thereafter the shank portion of the fastener is inserted into the flange followed by clinching the fastener to the flange to secure the assembly. The sheet metal aperture and peripheral flange can be fabricated in a single work station in which the fabricating tooling punches the sheet metal aperture and extrudes or shapes the peripheral flange between a pair of forming dies. Assembly of the fastener joint with the flanged metal is performed in a second work station in which the fastener shank is inserted into the flange and then the head portion of the fastener is driven into the flange material to begin the clinching step.

Abstract: An improved joint structure and tooling apparatus are provided for assembling a self-clinching fastener to sheet material, particularly sheet metal. The fastener includes head and shank portions with an intermediate locking groove formed in the shank. The fastener shank projects through the aperture and the head is at least partially embedded within the peripheral material surrounding the sheet metal aperture. A portion of the peripheral sheet metal is disposed within the groove to form a mechanical interlock for securement of the joint assembly. The shank has an outwardly flared end portion which is staked so that it has an exposed surface coplanar or flush with the exposed, opposite surface of the sheet material relative to the embedded fastener head, which provides a smooth continuous undersurface of the joint.

Abstract: An improved method and joint structure are provided for assembling a self-clinching fastener to sheet material, particularly thin sheet metal, in which an aperture and a peripheral flange are formed in the sheet metal; thereafter the shank portion of the fastener is inserted into the flange followed by clinching the fastener to the flange to secure the assembly. The sheet metal aperture and peripheral flange can be fabricated in a single work station in which the fabricating tooling punches the sheet metal aperture and extrudes or shapes the peripheral flange between a pair of forming dies. Assembly of the fastener joint with the flanged metal is performed in a second work station in which the fastener shank is inserted into the flange and then the head portion of the fastener is driven into the flange material to begin the clinching step.