Die-less clinching process and joint strength of AA7075 aluminum joints

AA7075 aluminum alloy sheets in different temper conditions (O, W and T6) were joined by die-less clinching. The material flow behavior, neck thickness and interlock characteristics during clinching were investigated by metallographic observations of clinched, cut and mounted samples. Blank holders of different shapes and dimensions were used to control the material flow. The effects of blank holder geometric parameters as well as forming …