Investigation of mechanical properties of thin sheet plate the joined with Clinching methods

Clinching is a joining method in which sheet metal parts are deformed locally without the use of any additional elements. This method gives very good results, especially in combination of different materials. Clinching Method eliminates technical and economic shortcomings of conventional joining methods.In this research, mechanical properties of thin sheet metals which are joined together with Clinching Method are investigated. Aim of this study is to examine exchange according to the materials and thickness of strength of joints which made with Clinching Method. Galvanized steel (St1314) which is used especially in automotive industry and aluminum (Al5754) sheets were selected for Clinching joints. Tensile and peeling tests were carried out according to TS EN ISO 14273 and TS EN ISO 14270 respectively. Results showed that when the thickness of sheet decreases, the strength of join also decreases. Concerning steel sheet-aluminum sheet connections; in condition which aluminum sheets are below gives us better results than the aluminum sheets are on upper condition. The values obtained from the sheets of which with similar thickness and material properties are better than the others. Cracks observed at the joins of ultra thin sheets with thicker sheets from itself.