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SPRING 2023

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Distributor's Link Magazine Spring 2023 / Vol 46 No 2

52 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

52 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK PENN ENGINEERING 5190 Old Easton Road, Danboro, PA 18916 TEL 1-800-237-4736 FAX 215-766-0143 EMAIL info@pemnet.com WEB www.pemnet.com SELF CLINCHING vs WELD FASTENERS: WHICH IS BEST? by Michael J. Rossi, Marketing Services Supervisor As one of the most common materials used in project design, it’s essential that the right fastening solutions are applied for sheet metal fabrication. But which methods are most effective? In this article, we’ll take a look at two common metal fastening options – welding and self clinching fastening. We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can make a more informed decision on the best joining method for your application. Welding Application Welding is historically one of the most common sheet metal fastening methods. Welding is a fabrication process that joins two or more parts by fusing them through heat or pressure. The two most common types of fasteners used in welding applications are tack weld and spot weld fasteners. Tack welding uses low heat and a concise arc to temporarily affix two pieces of metal together. This method typically uses a pre-final weld that holds all the components in place. This allows engineers to test the assembly before committing to the final weld, ensuring high quality and precision in the final product. Advantages Of Tack Welding ¤ Can test your design before committing to a permanent weld ¤ Process is quick, easy, and cheap to carry out ¤ Allows for quick disassembly if required ¤ Quickly sets and maintains the joint gap ¤ The joint can be held together in tight spaces ¤ Prevents distortion during welding ¤ Can be used with most materials ¤ Can provide a reliable alternative to work clamps for holding parts together Disadvantages Of Tack Welding ¤ It’s temporary and produces weak bonds ¤ Joint quality can be impaired if tack welding isn’t done correctly ¤ It exacerbates the build-up of oxides ¤ Parts will need to be cleaned afterward ¤ When tack welding some materials, such as hard and brittle steel, specialist knowledge and skill is required, as it can leave spots vulnerable to cracking ¤ Some materials don’t handle the rapid, localized heating and cooling of tack welding very well ¤ It’s not easy to carry out on large parts or areas near the edge of parts Tack Welding vs Spot Welding There are several key differences between tack welding and spot welding, namely: ¤ Tack welding forms a temporary pre-weld, whereas spot welding is a method used to fuse two metals together permanently ¤ Tack welding uses filler material when joining metal pieces, whereas spot welding is carried out through a combination of electrical current and pressure being applied to the metals being fused ¤ Tack welding can be used on a range of metals, each with varying thicknesses, while spot welding is ideally suited for joining thin metal materials TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 124

UC Components, Inc. announces a corporate donation of ,000 to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley to help build a hunger-free community during their “season of good will” donation drive. This new ,000 donation will provide up to 20,000 nutritious meals for local families. UC Components, Inc. is committed to doing its part for the communities they work in and around and from which they draw their employees. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley was chosen as one of several local and national institutions for this year’s UC Components, Inc. Corporate Giving Initiative due to their direct contributions to the greater Silicon Valley area and their vital food insecurity work. They currently serve an average of 450,000 people every month. UC Components, Inc. is a pioneer and innovator in vented screw manufacturing and has been the world leader in high vacuum hardware since 1974. Today, UC is one of the leading manufacturers of fastener and seal products for clean-critical environments of the 21st century, with a focus on plated, coated, polished, cleaned, and vented screws for High and Ultra High Vacuum equipment. For more information about UC Components Inc, contact them by Tel: 408-782-1929, Email: sales@uccomponents. com or visit them online at www.uccomponents.com. THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 53

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