What is clinching? The clinching process is a method of joining sheet metal or extrusions by localised cold-forming the materials. The result is an interlocking friction between two or more layers of material formed by a punch into a special die. Coated and painted sheet metals can also be joined together with no damage to the surface finish. With the aid of a punch/die combination an extremely strong snap-fastener type joint is produced. In the RIVCLINCH® joining process the materials to be joined are first forced into the die by the punch. As soon as the bottom-most material is sitting on the anvil it starts to flow laterally. This causes the movable die sections to be pushed outwards and allows the flowing of the material to form the button. The punch then travels back. This local deformation of the material forms an interlocking joint.	The advantages of RIVCLINCH® joining at a glance Joints can be checked without damage No consumable items Low energy use No thermal load on joining zone No damages to surface finishes on workpiece Interim layers of film or adhesive can be incorporated in most cases No pre/post treatment required, e.g. no pre-cleaning or subsequent removal of spray deposits from around the joint Very good joint reproducibility Environmentally friendly workplace, no fumes or noise Minimum maintenance costs