Numerical investigation of tool parameter influence on the interlock forming during flat clinching process

Tool parameters play a vital role in the mechanical interlock formation during the flat clinching process, to understand the influence of tool parameters on the interlock formation, the finite element software DEFORM-2D was used to build the numerical model of the flat clinching process, and the numerical model was verified by the experiment. The influences of the punch radius, punch fillet radius, and blank holder radius on the interlock formation of the clinched joint were investigated using the numerical model. Then, the relationship between the punch radius and blank holder radius was studied. The results showed that the interlock gradually increases with the increase of the blank holder radius, after that, the interlock begins to decrease. To maximize the interlock, the punch radius and the blank holder radius should be increased simultaneously. It can be concluded that the blank holder radius and the punch radius should keep in a linear relationship when designing the geometric dimensions of the flat clinch tools, which can promote the application of flat clinching process in car body manufacturing.