Screwed connections with low wall thicknesses - time-consuming and expensive?
When working with thin-walled materials, you often find yourself confronted with the problem that it is only possible to make 1-2 threads in them. Generally speaking, this number of threads is not sufficient for supporting a load. In the past, the solution to this problem was to use rivet, weld or clinch nuts. Every practitioner is however well aware of the drawbacks of these traditional joining techniques. Installation is not only time-consuming, but it is also necessary to put up with disadvantages in terms of the quality and reliability of the joint. During installation, rivet nuts can become skewed, can start to turn at the same time or become loose when tightening - extra work and waste being the outcome.
Thermal friction drilling - the time and cost-saving alternative!
The simple solution to this problem is provided by thermal friction drilling - entirely without the use of additional materials! A combination of drilling and forming, using these 'Fdrills' not only produces a precision hole without cutting, but also the displaced material is used at the same time for producing a rim hole. It is possible to make up to three times as many threads in this local thickening of the material thickness. This leads to a highly stable screwed connection, capable of satisfying even the most exacting of quality requirements.