IEN: What are the major concerns facing the assembly sector? How can they be addressed?
McKenna: Manufacturers will continue to strive for production economies in their ongoing quest to achieve bottom-line benefits. In the area of fastening, self-clinching technology in general, and self-clinching fasteners in particular, fit inherently into the equation. Every self-clinching fastener is developed with a simple idea in mind: less is better.
These types of fasteners (nuts, studs, standoffs, and access hardware in dozens of types and thousands of variations) provide strong, permanent threads in metal sheets too thin to tap and can serve as reliable alternatives to extruded or stamped threads. They are valued for their low installed cost, inherent design benefits, and in-use performance.
Installed during the fabrication process, self-clinching fasteners typically save time and money during production, because they usually require fewer parts and fewer assembly operations than some other types of fastening hardware. The result: less total assembly time and streamlined manufacturing.
IEN: What innovations are in store?
McKenna: In the equipment to install fasteners, innovations have lately been driven, in part, by a need to increase productivity and to eliminate as many assembly operations as possible. A newly introduced example is our PEMSERTER® Die-Feeding System, which can install self-clinching nuts, studs, and standoffs in workpieces during the stamping process.
Working in tandem with a stamping press (and properly tooled die) to feed and install fasteners, this portable system eliminates secondary operations typically required for fastener insertions. Users can realize increased productivity, quality, and savings and gain a competitive edge as the system provides a capability to perform two operations (stamping and fastener-installation) simultaneously in the die.
The PEMSERTER Die-Feeding System is virtually "plug and play" by utilizing multi-pin twist lock connectors to interface with the die and stamping press. (Only a standard 110V receptacle and shop air are required for operation.) In recognition of an industry need for flexibility, the system can be configured for multiple or single insertions, generally matching the rate of the stamping press.
Operators are guided by a touchscreen (for setup and operation) and an online library of fault/help screens. Standard, removable tooling can handle complex workpieces and offers considerable adaptability capable of reaching into areas generally considered inaccessible. Customized tooling can be engineered to meet particular application needs.
The Die-Feeding System consists of die tooling, fastener-feeding system, and die-sensing system. Customers are fully supported from die design through installation and in-house training for this system, which is typical of the equipment solutions whose goal is to streamline production.