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ARNOLD UMFORMTECHNIK
Intelligently joined
In light of the anticipated increased use of lightweight materials and high-strength steels in automobile production, Hetal-Werke has resolved to devote attention to new joining concepts as the ATP® TriPress components from Arnold Umformtechnik that reduces assembly times by 75%.
As a renowned and recognised supplier of application-specific fittings and articulated assemblies for seat adjustment (Figure 3) for the automobile industry, Hetal-Werke is faced with the challenge of sustainably reducing the complexity costs of joining technology without thereby sacrificing quality.
Cost savings can be achieved from the process
The individual cost drivers over the entire value chain, from design to production, have been analysed and identified systematically. As Hetal-Werke Sales Manager Reinhard Gruber described the challenge, “Manufacturers are intentionally integrating us earlier and earlier in the process”. “Accordingly, flexible companies in the SME segment, such as Hetal-Werke, are further increasing their support expertise.”
Studies have shown that costs can be reduced by up to 80% by choosing the right joining technology. As part of a new project, Gruber’s team is currently looking for an economical but nevertheless high-quality alternative to weld-on studs for joining components. The company expects that materials for which conventional welding technology is not suitable may be used as early as the next generation of vehicles. At the same time, the requirements for strip-out prevention and vibration resistance in joints are becoming more stringent.
Pressing instead of welding
Arnold’s ATP® TriPress family consists of triangular rapid-assembly components that can be pressed into plastics and light metals (Figure 2). Pressing allows components to be joined quickly and economically. The number of production operations is dramatically reduced, cycle times are shortened, and joint quality is improved at the same time. In the experience of Detlev Schwarzer, Key Account Manager at Arnold Umformtechnik, assembly times can be reduced by up to 75% with ATP® technology. Additionally, pre-galvanised surfaces can also be joined (Figure 1), which is not possible with weld-on fasteners.
The structure of the trilobular ATP® studs combines several product benefits. Circumferential grooves on the triangular shank provide high pull-out strength, which leads to higher quality while preventing noise generation at the joint location.
The triangular shank and the longitudinal knurling provide high strip-out resistance. This makes the joint permanent and independent of clamping force. The high stripping torque results from the triangular structure of the stud, which is integrated in the middle of the stud to ensure a secure fit at three points in the preformed hole to prevent rotation. At the same time, the specific shape of the studs minimises the pressing force. The studs can be fitted using conventional, economical tools such as hydraulic or pneumatic presses. Travel-based pressing is also possible.
Cost savings can be achieved from the process
The individual cost drivers over the entire value chain, from design to production, have been analysed and identified systematically. As Hetal-Werke Sales Manager Reinhard Gruber described the challenge, “Manufacturers are intentionally integrating us earlier and earlier in the process”. “Accordingly, flexible companies in the SME segment, such as Hetal-Werke, are further increasing their support expertise.”
Studies have shown that costs can be reduced by up to 80% by choosing the right joining technology. As part of a new project, Gruber’s team is currently looking for an economical but nevertheless high-quality alternative to weld-on studs for joining components. The company expects that materials for which conventional welding technology is not suitable may be used as early as the next generation of vehicles. At the same time, the requirements for strip-out prevention and vibration resistance in joints are becoming more stringent.
Pressing instead of welding
Arnold’s ATP® TriPress family consists of triangular rapid-assembly components that can be pressed into plastics and light metals (Figure 2). Pressing allows components to be joined quickly and economically. The number of production operations is dramatically reduced, cycle times are shortened, and joint quality is improved at the same time. In the experience of Detlev Schwarzer, Key Account Manager at Arnold Umformtechnik, assembly times can be reduced by up to 75% with ATP® technology. Additionally, pre-galvanised surfaces can also be joined (Figure 1), which is not possible with weld-on fasteners.
The structure of the trilobular ATP® studs combines several product benefits. Circumferential grooves on the triangular shank provide high pull-out strength, which leads to higher quality while preventing noise generation at the joint location.
The triangular shank and the longitudinal knurling provide high strip-out resistance. This makes the joint permanent and independent of clamping force. The high stripping torque results from the triangular structure of the stud, which is integrated in the middle of the stud to ensure a secure fit at three points in the preformed hole to prevent rotation. At the same time, the specific shape of the studs minimises the pressing force. The studs can be fitted using conventional, economical tools such as hydraulic or pneumatic presses. Travel-based pressing is also possible.
