Pierce fastening beats riveting and welding
A
Profil UK product story
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team
Mar 20, 2008
Pierce fastening technology is being used to install four studs in both the left and right hand rear light bowls of the BMW Mini car at a faster rate than possible with riveting or welded fasteners.
BMW has selected Profil UK's pierce fastening technology to place M8 x 25 mm steel EBF studs to retain rear light clusters on recently-announced Mini Clubman models.
It brings the total number of Profil nuts and studs employed on Mini variants to more than 150.
The latest application involves the installation of four studs in both the left and right hand rear light bowls.
The deep drawn pressings are produced from 1.5mm thick Zintec material, with the studs installed using purpose-designed dies at the final station of the press' transfer tooling.
Profil UK's sales manager Adrian Ellis, said: "This not only represents setting rates at least an order of magnitude greater than traditional riveted or welded fasteners, but every component is guaranteed to carry the required four studs.
As a result, the energy, safety, and environmental issues associated with welded fasteners are eliminated at a stroke".
He added: "Furthermore, the consistency and integrity of pierce fastening methods are inherently greater than for equivalent welded fixings, which are prone to variations in the base material, surface contamination and operator skill levels - not to mention degrading or marking of finished surfaces and the risk of weld spatter adhering to threads".
The dependability of Profil's assembly method is highlighted by the company's other Mini applications.
Applications range from simple brackets on items such as the vehicle's fusebox and foot rests, through to 'safety-critical' areas including the steering column, bumper and sub-frame mountings.
Examples can be found in the 'dry' and 'wet' areas of the vehicle, including the use of 10 M6 EBF type studs installed on the fuel tank reinforcing rings.
There are also various M6 and M8 RND types nuts used on reinforcers in areas such as the bonnet hinge, door mirrors and handbrake.
In addition, M8 RND nuts are employed on the steering column mounting bracket, with a further six M8 studs used to secure the vehicle's front bumper assembly.
Profil fasteners are also specified for the dashboard cross-beam mounting, while the heaviest duty variants are reserved for the vehicle's sub-frame anchorage points.
These M12 nuts, which are mounted in the floor pan, incorporate large reinforcing flanges in order to provide the required static and dynamic load carrying capabilities.
Ellis told manufacturingtalk: "The principle of using Profil clinch and pierce nuts is well established at BMW and other leading automotive OEMs.
The number of applications on the Mini continues to grow, underlining the cost and quality benefits of using Profil fastening technology to provide high strength threads in any sheet metal component".
* 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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Contact Profil UK
Tel +44 1530 276515
Other Profil UK stories
-
Profil launches RSD series anchor nuts
Profil UK will be showcasing its RSD series of self-piercing nuts for sheet-metal applications at the Fastening and Assembly Solutions Exhibition on 29 October. -
Profil to show REN nut at Fastening Solutions Show
Profil UK will showcase its latest pierce and rivet-fastening systems - including threaded nuts and studs for use in 1500MPa high strength steel - at this year's Fastening Solutions Show. -
Profil UK adds Ren nut to fastening product range
The Ren nut is the latest addition to Profil UK's range of high-strength pierce-and- clinch fastening products. -
Profil to showcase pierce fastening technology
Profil will showcase its latest pierce fastening technology at the Northern Manufacturing Show, Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield, 1-2 October. -
Audi to use high strength rivet nuts in vehicles
Profil RSN and RND high strength rivet nuts will be used by Audi in a safety-critical bonnet latch mounting application on its latest generation A4 and A5 vehicles.
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