Mechanical Clinching Process with Preforming of Lower Sheet for Joining Aluminium and Ultra-High Strength Steel Sheets

Abstract

The material flow in the mechanical clinching process with preforming of the lower sheet was improved to increase joint strength for joining an aluminium sheet and an ultra-high strength steel sheet. In this process, the material flow to the radius direction in the final compression increases due to the increased upper sheet material in the cavity of the preformed lower sheet, and then the interlock increases. Finally, the joint strength increases because of the increased interlock.