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 ‘thermdrills' 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.
Geometry and suitable material qualities
Thermdrills can be used for in a wide range of diameters and wall thicknesses. The strengths of thermal friction drilling really come into their own when working with closed hollow profiles, such as tubes. Thanks to the non-cutting process, no shavings can ingress into the hole. There is no need for time-consuming cleaning processes. When working with circular tubes, the thermdrill technique offers a decisive advantage. The material that is displaced upwards automatically forms a collar, which in turn compensates for the curvature of the tube and also provides an ideal flat surface for nozzles, valves, etc