Ultrasonic Assisted Clinching of Aluminium Alloy Sheets

Ultrasonic assisted clinching applies ultrasonic energy to the punch during the process. Prior studies detected a forming force reduction [1]. Current research activity focusses on the possibility to use the positive effects of ultrasonic softening mechanisms in clinching processes to join high-strength steel and aluminium. An ultrasonic unit with a power of 1 kW was installed into a c-shaped clinching bow to overlay a vibration with a frequency of 20 kHz onto the clinching process. This Paper describes the integration of the ultrasonic unit in the clinching process and presents current research results focusing on concept verification.