METAL FORMING PROCESS, APPARATUS THEREFOR AND PRODUCT THEREOF

摘要

In a method of forming an integral fastener such as a rivet on a sheet metal component (15) such as part of a clutch plate assembly, the metal sheet is placed between a pair of dies (1, 2) the die (1) having a cavity (3) and the die (2) carrying a plunger (4) co-operating with clearance with the cavity and biased by a spring (7). The die (2) has an annular working face (14) surrounding the plunger (4). As the dies are brought together the plunger first applies a bias force to the portion of the sheet in register with the cavity (3) and then the face (14) acts to compress an annular zone of the sheet surrounding the cavity. The combined effect of the bias force and the compression then causes material to yield in the annular zone and to be displaced from that zone to flow into the die cavity to form a hollow fastener in the clearance between the cavity and the plunger.