Influence of tool geometry on reaction forces and strength of an inseparable joint produced on a prototype stand with the use of jaws

The present article describes a new and innovative method of producing an inseparable joint with the use of expansion jaws. The effect of jaw tool geometry on the reaction forces and ultimate strength of an inseparable joint formed on a prototype stand was analyzed. The results are also compared of joints produced by jaws with single movement method and with complex movement method. The tool responds with bending and pressing one part into the other, which results in their permanent connection. In the tests, differentiation was introduced with regard to the height of the applied force to the collar of the connection pipe. A novelty is also a solution based on a complex, parameterized trajectory of the stamp movement consisting of horizontal and vertical displacements. This paper presents the tests of the joints formed at the stand. The new approach described in this article has resulted in a joint strength increase of approximately 30% using the innovative complex jaw movement of the biaxial clinching process. A joint tensile strength close to 1000 N was achieved.