Tips for Specifying Stainless Clinch Fasteners for Stainless Steel Assemblies
The following considerations can help point the way toward application success.
Self-clinching fasteners—providing reusable load-bearing threads to accept mating hardware—offer ideal solutions for attachment applications in appliances where metal sheets may be too thin to be tapped or where extruded or stamped threads would be impractical. Upon their permanent installation (usually during the fabrication process), self-clinching fasteners become integral parts of an assembly, will not loosen or fall out (even when the mating thread is removed), never have to be restrained from rotation with a tool, and never have to be handled again.
The fasteners additionally allow for repeated component removal and re-attachment as necessary (unlike welds or adhesives) and can significantly reduce loose hardware count by eliminating washers, lock washers, and/or nuts. Fewer parts enable lighter designs, quicker assembly, lower production costs, and optimized levels of appliance reliability.