Self Clinching Studs Technical Datasheet
Product Overview
Self clinching studs are permanent threaded fasteners designed to provide durable male threads in thin sheet metal assemblies. Installed by applying a squeezing force into a properly sized hole, the fastener cold-forms the surrounding sheet material, creating a high-strength mechanical interlock without welding, tapping, or additional hardware.
Self clinching studs are widely used in electrical enclosures, control panels, telecommunications equipment, data centers, automotive assemblies, medical devices, industrial machinery, and electronic cabinets where strong, reusable threaded projections are required in thin metal sheets. They offer excellent push-out and torque resistance while maintaining a flush appearance on one side of the sheet.
ITEM CODE: 5015
Standards
Primary Standard: PEM® Type FH, FHS, FH4 equivalent
Dimensions
| Size | M2.5 x 0.45 | M3 x 0.5 | M3.5 x 0.6 | M4 x 0.7 | M5 x 0.8 | M6 x 1 | M8 x 1.25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min Sheet Thickness | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.6 | 2.4 |
| Hole Size in Sheet +0.08 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| H ±0.04 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 8.2 | 9.6 |
| S Max | 1.95 | 2.1 | 2.25 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 3 | 3.7 |
| Max Hole in Attached Parts | 3.1 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.6 | 8.6 |
| Dist Hole to Edge | 5.4 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 7.2 | 7.2 | 7.9 | 9.6 |
all dimensions in mm
Download Datasheets
Self Clinching Stud – FH – Steel Zn
Self Clinching Stud – FHS – Stainless Steel
Material Characteristics and Recommended Applications
| Material | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel (Case Hardened, Zinc Plated) | High strength, economical, excellent clinching performance in mild steel sheets | Electrical panels, switchgear, industrial enclosures, machinery |
| Stainless Steel 300 Series | Good corrosion resistance, non-magnetic, suitable for stainless steel and corrosive environments | Telecom cabinets, food processing equipment, medical devices, outdoor enclosures |
| Stainless Steel 400 Series | Heat treatable, high hardness, magnetic, specifically designed for installation in stainless steel sheets | Stainless steel enclosures, data centers, telecom equipment, industrial sheet metal fabrication |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Self Clinching Stud |
| Installation Method | Press Fit / Self Clinching |
| Thread Type | Metric / UNC / UNF |
| Thread Sizes | M2–M10 (depending on series) |
| Material Options | Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel |
| Sheet Material | Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum |
| Sheet Hardness | Fastener must be harder than sheet material |
| Installation Equipment | Arbor Press, Hydraulic Press, Pneumatic Press |
| Retention Method | Cold Flow Mechanical Interlock |
| Surface Finish (Steel) | Zinc Plated, Clear Passivated |
| Surface Finish (SS) | Natural Passivated |
| RoHS Compliance | Available |
| REACH Compliance | Available |
Applications
- Electrical control panels
- Sheet metal enclosures
- Telecom cabinets
- Data center racks
- Server cabinets
- Medical equipment
- Industrial machinery
- HVAC equipment
- Automotive components
- Battery enclosures
- Railway equipment
- Aerospace assemblies
- Renewable energy equipment
- Consumer electronics
Advantages
- Provides strong permanent male threads in thin sheet metal.
- Eliminates welding, tapping, and secondary operations.
- Flush installation on one side of the panel.
- Excellent push-out and torque-out resistance.
- Fast and economical installation.
- Suitable for automated production.
- Allows repeated assembly and disassembly.
- No heat distortion unlike welded studs.
- Available in metric and imperial thread sizes.
- Compatible with steel, stainless steel, and aluminum sheets.
Related Products
- Self Clinching Studs
- Self Clinching Standoffs
- Self Clinching Nuts
- Self Clinching Blind Fasteners
- Captive Panel Screws
- Nut Inserts
- Weld Studs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are self clinching studs?
Self clinching studs are press-fit fasteners that permanently install male threads into thin sheet metal by mechanically displacing the parent material around the fastener during installation.
How are self clinching studs installed?
They are installed by pressing the stud into a properly sized hole using an arbor press, hydraulic press, or pneumatic installation equipment. Hammer installation is not recommended.
Can self clinching studs be installed in stainless steel sheets?
Yes, provided the sheet material hardness is lower than the hardness of the self clinching stud. Special series are available for stainless steel applications.
Are self clinching studs stronger than welded studs?
Self clinching studs offer excellent mechanical retention without heat distortion. However, the selection between welded and clinching studs depends on sheet thickness, material, load requirements, and application conditions.
What is the minimum sheet thickness required?
The minimum sheet thickness depends on the stud series and thread size. Typical installations begin from sheet thicknesses of approximately 0.8 mm and above.
Are self clinching nuts stronger than rivet nuts?
For thin sheet metal applications, self clinching nuts generally provide higher torque resistance and require access to only one side during installation.
Can self clinching studs be removed after installation?
No. Self clinching studs are designed as permanent fasteners. Removal generally damages the sheet material and requires replacement of the fastener.
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The technical information, specifications, dimensions, mechanical properties, drawings, and performance data provided on this website are intended for general reference and engineering guidance only. Values shown are representative of products manufactured under normal production conditions and may vary depending on material grade, manufacturing tolerances, installation method, application, and operating environment.
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