In order to let also customers and industries using a lower degree automation share the benefits offered by these mechanical fastening techniques on an economical basis Arnold & Shinjo has developed the C-shape punching unit.

This solution for the separate workplace permits to process the PIAS^® piercing nuts and several types of clinch studs.
The modular design allows the installation of the processing tools for placing the fastening elements from above as well as from below.

There are various optional variants available for feeding the fastening elements:

• Feeding the fastening elements by hand
• Feeding the fastening elements by means of refillable magazines
• Feeding the fastening elements by means of vibratory spiral conveyor

The elements are clinched by a pneumatic-hydraulic cylinder. This affords quick strokes with a minimum of air consumption.

This tool was designed for processing two different component parts. Part 1 with 2 clinch studs M6 x 20 can be worked from one side of the column frame. After rotating the tool part 2 can be produced. The clinch heads are adapted in an optimal manner to the respective pre-punched holes.

How would you insert a piercing nut into a square tube 50x50 mm in one single operation?
In conjunction with the trend to "multi-material design" and to composites in the automotive industry there is an increasing demand for mechanical joining methods.
In case of tube-shaped components in particular, fastening of threaded inserts is requiring a multi-stage process. So far, this was technically not possible with piercing nuts.
This challenge has now been met by means of an absolutely new technology using a slender, flexible arm. The nut with thread size M5 to M12 is joined to the tube from inside by a form-fitting connection without a pre-punched hole. The component part can be attached on the outside.