This proposal suggests a new clinching technology, that will require significantly decreased joining forces (<50% compared to conventional systems) to form a round clinch joint. Additionally the strength of the joints will be greatly increased (>150%). This may even offer a chance to apply clinching technology in crash-relevant parts. The new approach is cased on a planetary radial motion of the punch that is superimposed on the conventional linear motion perpendicular tithe plane of the metal sheets to be joined. Thus the contact spot between sheet and punch is moving along a closed curve causing a partial cold forming process along the curve. This process enforces a radial material flow that forms the interlock of the clinch joint The proposal has two goals:
1. Identifying the influence of relevant parameters on the process and getting an optimised, stable process;
2. achieving a radial clinching system concept and building a prototype system