A method of joining substrates includes positioning the substrates on a die and pressing a self-piercing rivet until it penetrates into the bottom substrate and deforms the bottom substrate into a relief of the die defined by at least: a raised central portion, an outer portion disposed about a central axis of the die, a side surface disposed about the central axis, and an annular channel disposed about the central axis and disposed, in a radial direction, between the raised central portion and the outer portion. The side surface connects the outer portion to the top surface. The annular channel is recessed axially from the raised central portion and at least a part of the outer portion that is adjacent to the annular channel. The annular channel is radially inward of a toe of the self-piercing rivet after the deforming the bottom substrate into the relief.

A method of joining substrates includes positioning the substrates on a die and pressing a self-piercing rivet until it penetrates into the bottom substrate and deforms the bottom substrate into a relief of the die defined by at least: a raised central portion, an outer portion disposed about a central axis of the die, a side surface disposed about the central axis, and an annular channel disposed about the central axis and disposed, in a radial direction, between the raised central portion and the outer portion. The side surface connects the outer portion to the top surface. The annular channel is recessed axially from the raised central portion and at least a part of the outer portion that is adjacent to the annular channel. The annular channel is radially inward of a toe of the self-piercing rivet after the deforming the bottom substrate into the relief.

The invention relates to a method for connecting at least two elements by a connecting element. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first element, a second element and the connecting element; placing the connecting element on a surface of the first element; in a first time period, rotating the connecting element at a first rotational speed and exerting a first axial force on the connecting element in the direction of the surface of the first element; and in a second time period, rotating the connecting element at a second rotational speed and exerting a second axial force on the connecting element in the direction of the surface of the first element.

The invention relates to a method for connecting at least two elements by a connecting element. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first element, a second element and the connecting element; placing the connecting element on a surface of the first element; in a first time period, rotating the connecting element at a first rotational speed and exerting a first axial force on the connecting element in the direction of the surface of the first element; and in a second time period, rotating the connecting element at a second rotational speed and exerting a second axial force on the connecting element in the direction of the surface of the first element.

The invention relates to a method for connecting at least two elements by a connecting element. A first element, a second element and the connecting element are provided. The connecting element is placed on a surface of the first element. In a first time period, the connecting element is rotated at a first rotational speed and a first axial force is exerted on the connecting element in the direction of the surface of the first element. In a second time period, the connecting element is rotated at a second rotational speed and a second axial force is exerted on the connecting element in the direction of the surface of the first element.