Abstract
Various materials are used in car body production. Numerous issues arise not only in their formation but also in joining. It is not always possible to use conventional joining methods such as resistance spot welding, therefore clinching and self-piercing riveting methods seem to be possible alternatives. The paper evaluates the properties of joints made by clinching and self-piercing riveting methods. The following materials utilized in automotive industry in car body production were used in the joining process: microalloyed steel H220PD (thickness of 0.8 mm), extra deep-drawing grade steel DC06 (0.7 mm) and drawing grade steel DX51D+Z (0.9 mm). In order to evaluate the properties of the clinched joints, the following tests were performed: tensile test – to determine the carrying capacities and the force-elongation diagrams; microhardness test – to determine the changes in the development of microhardnesses mainly in the critical areas of the joint; and a metallographical analysis observing the joints’ structures. Clinching and self-piercing riveting proved to be suitable methods for joining the tested materials.