New clinching technology is designed to optimize electrical connections in a targeted manner

Laser-assisted clinching for adjusting electrical connection properties by modifying contact conditions—triboclinching

The clinching joining process currently exhibits limited adaptability in its electrical connection properties. This limitation complicates its use in components requiring electrification as part of CO₂-neutral production. Adaptable electrical conductivity values of connections are of particular importance for applications related to the energy transition. In the SFB/TRR285 project, correlations between bonding mechanisms and the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of clinched joints were investigated. The results showed that the contact conditions between the joining partners significantly influence the joint quality. By modifying the tribological system in a targeted manner—for example, by cleaning the joining parts—the electrical conductivity was significantly improved. These findings open up new possibilities for the targeted adjustment of joint quality. However, a process-integrated method for influencing the contact conditions during joining is currently lacking for industrial implementation. In collaboration with TOX® PRESSOTECHNIK, a laser-assisted low-temperature clinching process is therefore being developed to enable control of electrical conductivity in a targeted manner. The evaluation of joining properties and the development of supporting software are being carried out in collaboration with Tiwa Quest and are intended to advance the industrialization of the research results.

Further information on ongoing projects can be found here