scope:

Application

This procedure defines the clinching acceptance test for clinch schedule development for aluminum and low carbon steel sheet. All such sheet material must pass minimum performance testing. Consult the appropriate Engineering Material Specification for material exceptions. Testing confirms that the correct punch and die combination were used to satisfactorily join given gauges of sheet metal together. Cross sections of the clinch joint must be evaluated to ensure a robust joint. After the correct tooling has been identified, lap shear and coach peel samples are fabricated. Initial testing requires a sample size of 30 each for the strength tests. Samples are pulled on a tensile test machine.