Abstract: Joining method, in particular for connecting at least two workpieces, in which during a joining operation the profile (F) of a force exerted by a joining tool is recorded and compared with a reference force profile (FR) in order to be able to check the quality of the joined connection produced, the difference (?) between the force profile (F) and the reference force profile (FR) being formed, and at least one segment (A; B) of the difference profile (?F) thereby determined being mapped numerically onto a quality value (QW).

Abstract: A method for monitoring a mechanical joining process performed by a joining tool including a frame, a punch that is displaceable on the frame along a joining axis, a die that is mounted on the frame, and a hold-down device, which is mounted in an axially displaceable manner on the punch and biased in a joining direction; and the monitoring method comprises the steps of: starting the joining process; measuring the punch force exerted by the punch; acquiring the relative travel of the punch in relation to the hold-down device; and plotting a joining curve of punch force versus the relative travel.