Previously, the OEM was using a weld nut on a side impact beam in extremely hard material: 1,500 MPa steel. Welding created a large heat-affected zone, changed part geometry, compromised the strength of the beam and damaged the part with cold welds and weld splatter.
The Profil RND rivet nut is mechanically attached over a pre-pierced hole. In this process, the nut’s lower collar is placed against a die button, and pressed by a die from the other (threaded) side, the nut’s lower collar deforms around the lower edge of the pierced sheet, clinching it.
The rivet nut is said to be suited to high dynamic and static axial loads, and can be used for sheet metal up to 3.5mm thick.
The system was found to deliver the required part performance and reliability, which wasn’t achievable with weld fasteners, and in addition eliminated welding and welding damage.
