Press

The answer to the miniaturisation of pieceparts in mechatronics, electro-technics, electronics, and microsystem technics is: TOX-MICROpoint metal joining technology!

With the brand-new TOX-MICROpoint metal joining technology, introduced to the professional public on occasion of the EUROBLECH 2008 in Hannover, the specialist for system solutions in the field of metal joining: TOX PRESSOTECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG, D-88250 Weingarten, sets a further highlight to joining of metal sheets by clinching. Based on the TOX-Round Joint technology already applied all over the world, the variants like TOX-TWINpoint, TOX-Vario Joint, TOX-Flat Joint and TOX-ClinchRivet have been created for most different applications in all fields of sheet metal working.

A completely new challenge is, however, the production and subassembly-mounting of miniature sheet parts for mechatronics, electro-technics, electronics, and microsystem technics. Because up to now there did not exist neither a technical nor an economical alternative to thermal joining technologies like soldering, spot-, projection-, resistance-welding, cool-soldering etc. Due to the development of the TOX-MICROpoint metal joining technology, it is now possible to join small sheet parts for microsystem technics e.g. contact elements, springs, functional components or similar units made of relatively thin sheets by a safe and rational method.

The TOX-MICROpoint makes it possible to join pieceparts of steel, copper and aluminium with single sheet thicknesses from 0.1 mm to a total sheet thickness of 1.2 mm. No matter whether the pieceparts are tin-plated, silvered or coated with conductive grease. Nevertheless, the result will be an absolute mechanically reliable and electrically safe-conducting joining of components. Due to the die’s small outside diameter of 4 mm, the TOX-MICROpoint-joinings can also be applied for even narrow flange widths < 5.0 mm. Due to the fact that this is a mere cold- working technique, no heat input is applied. Depending on the requirements and the materials to be joined, retention forces > 50 N per TOX-MICROpoint can be achieved.

In addition, the electric conductivity is guaranteed as in the joint the electrical conducting layer is not destroyed. The contact resistance of the TOX-joint is mostly lower in comparison to a welding point. This is why the TOX-MICROpoint joinings are best suitable for electric, electronic and mechatronic pieceparts like contact tabs, switch contacts, rockers or the like. The hermetic closeness of the TOX-MICROpoint joining has to be emphasized as further important advantage because hardly any surfaces are vulnerable to corrosive attacks. corrosion. This again is of great importance for many outdoor applications e.g. lamellae of roller shutters, window shutters made of sheet metal where last not least also visual aspects are taken into consideration.

The positive aspects of technical nature are still topped by real advantages with regard to production techniques and economy. So, for example, the mechanic pre- and after-treatments which are imperative for conventional thermal joining procedures, like cleansing, dressing and recoating, are no longer necessary. With welding, the pieceparts often get distorted and need as prevention costly clamping and fixing equipments. For welding and soldering in general relatively high running energy and maintenance costs arise, but besides this in addition, the expensive welding tips have to be reworked regularily after a few thousand weld cycles.

For the TOX-MICROpoint tool life numbers of more than 100 000 cycles have been achieved in numerous lab and field tests. In addition the TOX-MICROpoint joinings allow also quick cycles and after all, a partly or full automation of the whole clinching process.

October 2008 (PM1008-1)