Product category:
Fasteners, threaded and non-threaded
News Release from: PennEngineering | Subject: SpotFast
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 02 October 2006
Steel fasteners bring sheets together
smoothly
Self-clinching fasteners permanently join two metal sheets to create a flush-attachment connection without protrusions on either side.
New PEM SpotFast self-clinching fasteners permanently join two metal sheets to create a flush-attachment connection without protrusions on either side They can ideally serve as replacements for rivets or welding and their rotational capability extends application potential by enabling a single fastener to act as a hardened pivot point
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 16 Aug 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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These RoHS-compliant steel fasteners install smooth with the top sheet and flush, subflush, or blind with the bottom sheet.
They can attach two metal sheets too thin to weld; fasten sheets of unequal thicknesses; or join dissimilar metals unable to be welded.
Unlike rivets that "bulb" during installation, the ultimately flush profile of SpotFast fasteners allows for unobtrusive attachment requiring minimal space.
A smooth surface is retained for finishing and fasteners can be concealed easily with paints or powder coatings.
When used as a pivot point, the top sheet is effectively captivated between the head of the fastener and the lower (nonrotating) sheet.
The top sheet then is able to rotate freely.
Standard parts can be installed in aluminium or steel sheets as thin as 0.8mm with hardness of 80 or less on the Rockwell B scale.
Permanent installation using punch and anvil is achieved simply by placing the fastener through properly sized punched or drilled mounting holes in the two aligned sheets and applying proper squeezing force.
Squeezing the fastener into place causes a cold-flow of panel material into the fastener's two separate clinch profiles and the fastener becomes an integral part of the assembly.
SpotFast fasteners are available in various head diameters and sizes.
CAD drawings (in most formats) are available free for download.
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