A method of bonding a connector to a first object includes providing the first object and the connector, the connector extending between a proximal end and a distal end and has a connector body that forms a distally facing punching edge. At least one of the connector and of the first object includes a thermoplastic material in a solid state. The method further includes driving the connector into the first object and coupling mechanical vibration into the connector until the connector extends through a portion of the first object from a proximal side to a distal side thereof and material of the first object is punched out by the connector body, and until at least a flow portion of the thermoplastic material becomes flowable and flows relative to the first object and the connector body while the connector body remains solid. Thereafter, the thermoplastic material is allowed to re-solidify.

A method of bonding a connector to a first object includes providing the first object and the connector, the connector extending between a proximal end and a distal end and has a connector body that forms a distally facing punching edge. At least one of the connector and of the first object includes a thermoplastic material in a solid state. The method further includes driving the connector into the first object and coupling mechanical vibration into the connector until the connector extends through a portion of the first object from a proximal side to a distal side thereof and material of the first object is punched out by the connector body, and until at least a flow portion of the thermoplastic material becomes flowable and flows relative to the first object and the connector body while the connector body remains solid. Thereafter, the thermoplastic material is allowed to re-solidify.

An upset protrusion joining gun for joining two parts together by forging a protrusion of one part that extends through an opening in the other part to form a boss that extends over a portion of the other part surrounding the opening.

An upset protrusion joining gun for joining two parts together by forging a protrusion of one part that extends through an opening in the other part to form a boss that extends over a portion of the other part surrounding the opening.

A material forming the self-piercing rivet having an elongation of at least about 10%, and the material forming the self-piercing rivet having a hardness of at least about any of 260 HV (Vickers scale), and the material forming the self-piercing rivet being selected from the group consisting of: an age or precipitation hardening steel alloy, a high alloy steel, a stainless steel, and a super-alloy steel. The material forming the self-piercing rivet enables the self-piercing rivet to be set into advanced high-strength metal components, at least one of which is at 400 degrees C. or higher, without cracking

A material forming the self-piercing rivet having an elongation of at least about 10%, and the material forming the self-piercing rivet having a hardness of at least about any of 260 HV (Vickers scale), and the material forming the self-piercing rivet being selected from the group consisting of: an age or precipitation hardening steel alloy, a high alloy steel, a stainless steel, and a super-alloy steel. The material forming the self-piercing rivet enables the self-piercing rivet to be set into advanced high-strength metal components, at least one of which is at 400 degrees C. or higher, without cracking

Provided is a mechanical joining apparatus enabling stable riveting when joining metal sheets even when the sheets are large in deformation resistance, the apparatus comprising a punch and die, blank holder and power device, wherein the punch and die are arranged facing each other, the holder is configured by an electrode material able to push against and electrically heat the sheets by one end of the holder, the punch is comprised of a material able to drive in a rivet, the die is comprised of an electrode material able to support and electrically heat the sheets, and the power device is configured to start supply of current through the holder and die so as to raise the temperature of the sheets at the same time as the start of driving in of the rivet and to continue to supply current until the end of driving in of the rivet.

Provided is a mechanical joining apparatus enabling stable riveting when joining metal sheets even when the sheets are large in deformation resistance, the apparatus comprising a punch and die, blank holder and power device, wherein the punch and die are arranged facing each other, the holder is configured by an electrode material able to push against and electrically heat the sheets by one end of the holder, the punch is comprised of a material able to drive in a rivet, the die is comprised of an electrode material able to support and electrically heat the sheets, and the power device is configured to start supply of current through the holder and die so as to raise the temperature of the sheets at the same time as the start of driving in of the rivet and to continue to supply current until the end of driving in of the rivet.

A process for joining fiber composite materials using self-piercing rivets. The process includes contacting first and second panels. The second panel is a fiber composite material. The process further includes elevating a temperature of only a fastening portion of the second panel. The process also includes placing the first and second panels on a die and joining the first and second panels with one or more rivets while the fastening portion is at an elevated temperature.

A process for joining fiber composite materials using self-piercing rivets. The process includes contacting first and second panels. The second panel is a fiber composite material. The process further includes elevating a temperature of only a fastening portion of the second panel. The process also includes placing the first and second panels on a die and joining the first and second panels with one or more rivets while the fastening portion is at an elevated temperature.