Pierce-nut fastener offers consistent earthing

A self-piercing nut offers high strength location and consistent electrical earthing of components in sheet metal assemblies, in panels up to 2mm thick.

Profil UK is introducing a self-piercing nut that offers high strength location and consistent electrical earthing of components in sheet metal assemblies.

Profil's RSR nut can be used in panels up to 2.00 mm thick.

In a report to manufacturing talk, Profil said that the RSR nut offers part cost and installation speed advantages over competitive products such as riveted studs, threaded pegs, captive nuts or welded anchors.

The RSR nut is an ideal choice for vehicle assembly, electrical equipment and domestic appliance applications, said Profil.

The company added that the RSR nut is equally effective in steel, aluminium, plated, or sandwich steel panels.

A skirted profile ensures watertight sealing and maximum metal-to-metal contact, for assured electrical performance and high torque resistance.

Electrical conductivity is further enhanced by the RSR nut's large, flat area of contact and the attachment of terminations using self-tapping bolts or screws.

The product's cross-section also accommodates purpose-designed slip-on plastic cages with four terminal locations.

In addition, the fastener's body ensures a 7mm stand off from the base panel.

This feature, said Profil to manufacturingtalk.com, eliminates the risk of unwanted electrical contact or damage to the finished surface.

Produced in mild steel, with a corrosion resistant trivalent zinc passivated finish, RSR nuts are suitable for automated insertion at up to 100 units/min , said to be at least an order of magnitude faster than riveted or welded alternatives.

Profil UK's sales manager, Adrian Ellis, told manufacturingtalk.com: "The new fasteners complement the capabilities of our established two-piece earthing studs by giving customers the choice of a nut or stud configuration for the provision of high performance component or sub-assembly earthing points in their products".

He added: "They are already under evaluation with several leading automotive manufacturers and proving equally successful on both steel and aluminium bodied vehicles".

* About Profil UK - based in Coalville, Leicestershire, Profil UK draws on more than 30 years experience in the development and application of pierce fastening technology.

The company offers a comprehensive range of fastener styles and installation equipment all backed by ISO TS 16959 certification and is a principal supplier to customers throughout the automotive, domestic appliance and sheet metal fabrication sectors.

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