TOX® Clinching

Riveting without rivet

Die TOX® Clinch-Technologie ist ein Fügeprozess nach DIN 8593 der Fertigungstechnik
Der Clinchprozess im Schliffbild von TOX® Pressotechnik

Clinching - the emission-free joining process

Clinching, clinch joining or "toxing" is an excellent method for permanently joining sheet metal. It is based on efficient cold forming and requires no additional joining elements such as screws or rivets.

A punch and a die with a fixed or movable die are used for clinching. The technology offers a robust alternative to welding by using precise pressure to create permanently stable connections without negatively affecting the material properties. This makes clinching particularly suitable for joining sheets of different material thicknesses and types.

The high process reliability and cost-effectiveness make clinching a favoured choice in many industrial applications, as it eliminates the need for additional fasteners while ensuring a strong and durable joint.

Sheet metal connection by clinching

Clinching is an important joining process in production technology in accordance with DIN 8593. It enables the joining of sheets of different thicknesses and materials, also in combination with adhesives or intermediate layers. Particularly valued in the sheet metal processing industry, clinching is suitable for individual sheet thicknesses from 0.1 millimetres up to a total sheet thickness of 20 millimetres and a tensile strength of up to 800 N/mm². Clinching offers a cost-effective, reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to welding, bolting and riveting.

Versatile and flexible application options

Secure connection
Infinite material combinations
Excellent electrical conductivity

Advantages of TOX® Clinching technology

Economical and environmentally friendly
  • Low energy consumption

  • Sheet metal is joined without additional material

  • Long service life of tools

  • No heat input, therefore no welding spatter

Versatile, user-orientated and reliable
  • High dynamic and static joint strength

  • No damage to coatings and surfaces

  • Can also be used with intermediate layers such as adhesive or paper

  • Suitable for many material combinations, both of the same and different types

Clinching in practice

Products for the home appliances industry by TOX Pressotechnik

Clinching stainless steel

Stainless steel presents a particular challenge for forming technology. Due to its high flow stress, higher forming forces are required.

Dissimilar materials and multi-layer connections

Clinching is also suitable for hybrid and composite materials or multi-layer connections. Technology expert Dr Marcus Matzke explains how this works in the video.

The "greener" point

Clinching beats welding: a comparison of the CO2 footprint of clinching and spot welding

Verzinkte Bleche zuverlässig clinchen

Reliable clinching of galvanized sheets

Thanks to TOX®: A customer from the electrical industry clinches galvanised sheets in a process-safe manner.

Is clinching suitable for your application?

Do you need to securely join sheet metal without welding or additional elements? The clinching process offers an efficient solution: the joining process enables stable connections up to a total sheet thickness of 20 millimetres and guarantees a high joint strength. This allows metals and sheet metal to be joined reliably with high strength - with minimum effort and maximum load-bearing capacity. We would be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice and work with you to develop customised solutions for your individual joining process.


And why not welding?

And why not welding?

In comparison, clinching proves to be an advantageous alternative to welding.

Studies by the University of Paderborn emphasise the advantages of TOX® technology, such as the impressive durability of the TOX® Round Joint and the high electrical conductivity. In addition, the investment and operating costs are significantly lower. This joining process offers ecological advantages and is more sustainable compared to traditional joining methods.

Clinching is an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for joining metal without welding.

Customised clinching for your application

The classic - TOX® Round Joint
The classic - TOX® Round Joint
The classic - TOX® Round Joint
Ideal all-rounder for a wide range of applications.

Advantages:

  • High static and dynamic strength

  • Surface remains intact

  • No cutting - no corrosion

  • Simple tool geometries

The small one - TOX® MICROpoint
The small one - TOX® MICROpoint
The small one - TOX® MICROpoint
Particularly suitable for the smallest components in electrical engineering, electronics and micromechanics.

Advantages:

  • Diameter of only 2 mm

  • Joins steel, copper and/or aluminium sheets

  • Possible sheet thicknesses: 0.1 to 1.2 mm

  • Surface remains intact

The strong one - TOX® TWINpoint
The strong one - TOX® TWINpoint
The strong one - TOX® TWINpoint
Ideal in case of low flange widths, as the design of the dies is very compact.

Advantages:

  • Double dot ensures significantly increased joint strength

  • Joint strength is almost doubled

  • Connection secured against twisting

  • Surface remains intact

  • For sheet metal strengths from 0.2 mm to 10 mm

The flat one - TOX® Flat Point
The flat one - TOX® Flat Point
The flat one - TOX® Flat Point
Ideal if clinch points need to be flat. In a second work step, the elevation created is pressed flat.

Advantages:

  • Creates a flat surface

  • Strength values comparable to TOX® Round Joint or TOX® SKB Joint

  • Surface remains intact

The sophisticated one - TOX® Vario-Point
The sophisticated one - TOX® Vario-Point
The sophisticated one - TOX® Vario-Point
Ideal for lightweight and other hybrid constructions.

Advantages:

  • Joins sheet metals with large differences in thickness

  • Joins sheet metals with non-metallic materials

  • Joins ductile and non-ductile materials

  • Joint absorbs radial and axial forces

  • Low joining forces

  • Sheet surface remains intact

The special one - TOX® SKB
The special one - TOX® SKB
The special one - TOX® SKB
Ideal for additional use of adhesives between the sheet layers.

Advantages:

  • Special clinching die with fixed and movable segments

  • Exactly symmetrical point moulding

  • Flat point elevation

  • surface remains intact

Feasibility check? No problem!

Feasibility check? No problem!

Would you like to know whether the clinching process also works for your sheet metal and materials? Do you need information on accessibility, space requirements and the forces acting on the component? Answers to these questions can be found in a free feasibility check - in our technology laboratory.

Components and systems for clinching

Clinching and eClinching in comparison

The difference in electrical conductivity between classic clinching and eClinching should not be underestimated.

Both processes are ideal for electrical assemblies. However, TOX® eClinching fulfils the demanding requirements of the electrical industry perfectly and combines mechanical stability with electrical conductivity. These properties make it an ideal solution for the specific challenges in this area.

Downloads

Brochures and data sheets

Brochure: TOX® Clinch Technology

Your advantages: Cost-effective and efficient

Data Sheet 80.02: TOX® Spray System SP

Spray systems for clinching applications

Data Sheet 80.07: Clinching Tools and Accessories

Tool sets, strippers for punches and dies

Data Sheet 80.09: Measuring equipment

Analogue and digital measuring gauges

Data Sheet 80.18: Installation and design guidelines

Basics of TOX® Clinch technology