Self-Clinching Studs For Thin Sheets - Series TCH, TCHS
Captive Self clinching TCH and TCHS Series of studs for very thin sheets offer an excellent solution that provide strong reusable threads in panels as thin as .020” thick. They provide a cosmetically appealing mount where the head of the fastener sits slightly above the panel into which it is installed. After installation the self clinching stud is captivated in the panel and offers excellent push out and torque out values. When installing the mating fastener no tool is required to prevent the self clinching stud from rotating in the panel, since the fastener has become an integral part of the assembly. The fasteners provide a low cost of installation and are easily installed using a press that supplies the squeezing force required to properly seat the fastener. The proper hole size and minimum sheet thickness needed for proper installation is clearly indicated in our Dimensions & Specifications section of our catalog.
Installation of Self Clinching Studs for Very Thin Panels
Requirements for the successful installation of self clinching studs: When installing steel, or stainless steel studs in steel or aluminum panels the fasteners must be harder than the metal into which the fastener will be installed. For example a steel stud can be installed into panels with a maximum hardness of HRB 80. The stainless steel studs can go into steel or aluminum panels with a maximum hardness of HRB 70 or less. This information is readily available within our website and on our catalog.
The proper hole size is necessary to insure the optimum push out and torque out performance values when installing flush head self clinching fasteners. For example when installing a Captive Fastener TCH632-12 (6-32 x ¾” ) steel zinc plated flush head stud in a steel panel the hole size in the mating panel should be .137” +.003” -.000”. The suggested insertion force required is 2,500 lbs. The suggested insertion force for each fastener is available on our web site under the Installation & Performance Data section and the proper hole sizes required are also available within our website and on our catalog.
Performance Values for Thin Sheet Studs:
The push out and torques out values are listed in our catalog under the heading Installation and Performance Data. For example if the TCH632-12 self clinching stud is properly installed into a steel panel the push out value will be approximately 105 lbs. and the torque out value will be approximately 15.8 inch lbs. These self clinching studs provide a low cost of installation coupled with excellent performance values and appealing cosmetic appearance.
The studs are available in both inch and metric threads and are RoHS and REACH compliant . The TCH series are made with heat treated carbon steel and are generally available in zinc clear to ASTM B633. The TCHS series are made with 300 series stainless steel and are passivated to ASTM A967. If 2D or 3D prints are required they can be downloaded from our catalog.