Forming tool simplifies fastening of sheet metal pieces

January 10, 2013

Mate's new Hybrid Threadform forming tool for punch presses provides a method for fastening two pieces of sheet metal together without tapping or secondary operations.

Designed for use when the material thickness is greater than the screw pitch, the tool thins the material in the center of the form, creating a threadform helix so that the material fits between the pitch of the screw head in one operation.

At the heart of the tool is an upper and lower insert machined with a profile that matches the thread helix of the screw thread. It eliminates tapping debris and the need for special fasteners.

Available in all tooling styles and station sizes, the tooling is made from high-speed tool steel.