Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Short answers to the questions we hear most often from process engineers and purchasing teams. If yours is not here, send an enquiry — we reply within one business day.
How does clinching work?
It is cold joining of sheet metal: a punch presses both sheets into a die, forming a round point with a mechanical interlock. No welding, rivets or additional fasteners.
What thicknesses and materials can be joined?
Typically: steel up to 4.0 mm total stack thickness, aluminium up to 4.0 mm, stainless steel up to 3.0 mm (at strengths up to 600 N/mm²). The exact range depends on the tool — values are given in each product's technical data table.
Does clinching damage galvanised coatings?
No. The process involves no heat or sparks, and the material is formed rather than cut, so zinc or paint coatings remain continuous at the joint.
How strong is it compared to spot welding?
The static strength of a clinch point is usually lower than that of a spot weld, but its fatigue strength is comparable or higher — there is no heat-affected zone. Point quality is consistent and easy to verify: measuring the geometry is enough. The strength of a specific joint is best verified on samples of the actual material.
Can dissimilar materials be joined, e.g. aluminium to steel?
Yes — that is one of the main advantages. The joint is formed by deformation without heat, so different metals and coated sheets can be combined.
Is compressed air required?
Manual tools work without any supply. Pneumatic and pneumohydraulic tools and presses need a compressed air line — typically up to 7.0 bar; consumption is listed in the technical data.
Is the joint leak-tight?
The material at the point is not cut, so a round clinch point remains closed and is generally leak-tight. Leak-tightness against a specific medium and pressure is best confirmed by testing joints made of the actual material.
How do I get a tool recommendation and a price?
Send an enquiry through the form and state the material, total stack thickness and production volume. We reply within one business day.