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.

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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.

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The "greener" point

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

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Reliable clinching of galvanized sheets

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

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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.

Technology lab

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.

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Customised clinching for your application

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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Components and systems for clinching

TOX^® ElectricDrive

Modular electromechanical servo drive systems with press forces of up to 1000 kN.

TOX^® Powerpackage

The TOX^® Powerpackage is an energy-saving pneumatic cylinder with an integrated, closed hydraulic system and automatic force intensifier.

Clinching System

A wide range of joining tasks can be completed extremely quickly and without additives or auxiliary materials.

Special machines

Due to the unique modular design, almost any configuration is possible, from standard press to customised special machines, in order to meet customer requirements.

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.

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