Studs chosen for BMW Mini construction

Profil UK's M8 x 25mm steel EBF studs are being uesd to retain rear light clusters on BMW Mini Clubman models.

The use of pierce fastening technology from Profil UK continues to increase on the BMW Mini with the selection of the company's M8 x 25mm steel EBF studs to retain rear light clusters on recently-released Mini Clubman models.

Bringing the total number of Profil nuts and studs employed on Mini variants to more than 150, the latest application involves the installation of four off studs in both the left and right hand rear light bowls as part of their manufacturing process.

The deep drawn pressings are produced from 1.5mm Zintec material, with the studs installed using purpose-designed dies at the final station of the press' transfer tooling.

"This not only represents setting rates at least an order of magnitude greater than traditional riveted or welded fasteners, but every component is guaranteed to carry the required four studs".

"As a result, the energy, safety and environmental issues associated with welded fasteners are eliminated at a stroke", says Profil UK's Sales Manager Adrian Ellis.

"Furthermore, the consistency and integrity of pierce fastening methods are inherently greater than for equivalent welded fixings, which are prone to variations in the base material, surface contamination and operator skill levels - not to mention degrading or marking of finished surfaces and the risk of weld spatter adhering to threads".

The dependability of Profil's assembly method is highlighted by the company's other Mini applications, which range from simple brackets on items such as the vehicle's fusebox and foot rests, through to 'safety-critical' areas including the steering column, bumper and sub-frame mountings.

Examples can be found in both 'dry' and 'wet' areas of the vehicle, including 10 off M6 EBF type studs installed on the fuel tank reinforcing rings, as well as various M6 and M8 RND types nuts used on reinforcers in areas such as the bonnet hinge, door mirrors and handbrake.

In addition, M8 RND nuts are employed on the steering column mounting bracket, with a further six off M8 studs used to secure the vehicle's front bumper assembly.

Profil fasteners are also specified for the dashboard cross-beam mounting, while the heaviest duty variants are reserved for the vehicle's sub-frame anchorage points.

These M12 nuts, which are mounted in the floor pan, incorporate large reinforcing flanges in order to provide the required static and dynamic load carrying capabilities.

"The principle of using Profil clinch and pierce nuts is well established at BMW and other automotive OEMs", Ellis continues.

"The number of applications on the Mini continues to grow, underlining the cost and quality benefits of using Profil fastening technology to provide high strength threads in any sheet metal component".

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