A self-piercing riveting (SPR) system includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The top sheet is layered above the bottom sheet and are disposed between a die and a blank holder. The SPR system further includes a barrier disposed between the bottom sheet and the die, wherein the barrier is configured to reduce stress concentrations during formation of a joint between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. The barrier may has a thickness between 0.8 mm and 1.0 mm and is made from a cold formed or a dual phase steel alloy.

A blind rivet nut-setting tool for setting a rivet nut including a housing having an anvil, a pull stud for engaging the rivet nut, and an output shaft defining a drive axis. The tool includes a motor defining a motor axis. The motor is configured to transfer torque to the output shaft to rotate the pull stud about the drive axis. The tool includes a clutch mechanism that is disposed between the motor and the output shaft. The clutch mechanism is moveable between an engaged state, in which a reaction torque exerted on the pull stud is below a predefined torque threshold, and a disengaged state, in which a reaction torque exerted on the pull stud is equal to or above a predefined torque threshold. The tool includes a pull mechanism that is driven by the motor and capable of translating the pull stud along the drive axis.

A blind rivet nut-setting tool for setting a rivet nut including a housing having an anvil, a pull stud for engaging the rivet nut, and an output shaft defining a drive axis. The tool includes a motor defining a motor axis. The motor is configured to transfer torque to the output shaft to rotate the pull stud about the drive axis. The tool includes a clutch mechanism that is disposed between the motor and the output shaft. The clutch mechanism is moveable between an engaged state, in which a reaction torque exerted on the pull stud is below a predefined torque threshold, and a disengaged state, in which a reaction torque exerted on the pull stud is equal to or above a predefined torque threshold. The tool includes a pull mechanism that is driven by the motor and capable of translating the pull stud along the drive axis.

A different-material fastener fastens together a first member and a second member formed from a material different from a material of the first member. The different-material fastener includes a rivet and a stud. The rivet includes a shank configured to be pressed into the first member, and a first head disposed at one end of the shank. The first head has a diameter larger than a diameter of the shank. The stud includes a shaft protruding from a center of an upper surface of the first head, and a second head that is disposed at an end of the shaft. The second head has a diameter larger than a diameter of the shaft and smaller than the diameter of the first head.

A different-material fastener fastens together a first member and a second member formed from a material different from a material of the first member. The different-material fastener includes a rivet and a stud. The rivet includes a shank configured to be pressed into the first member, and a first head disposed at one end of the shank. The first head has a diameter larger than a diameter of the shank. The stud includes a shaft protruding from a center of an upper surface of the first head, and a second head that is disposed at an end of the shaft. The second head has a diameter larger than a diameter of the shaft and smaller than the diameter of the first head.

A fastener, installing tool, system, and method all contemplate integrated magnetic and/or vacuum traps positioned so as to capture particulates and debris created during the installation and use of the fastener. These elements are integrated into the installing system so as to eliminate the need for additional clamps.

Fastening collar installation apparatus and methods of installing a fastener system are provided. The fastening collar installation apparatus comprises an anvil, a sleeve, and a lever. The sleeve comprises a first section comprising a first sleeve end and a second sleeve end, a sleeve cavity, and a slot. The first sleeve end is intermediate the anvil and the second sleeve end. The slot extends a first distance from the first sleeve end. The lever is slidably received by the slot of the sleeve and configured to move between a first lever position in the slot and a second lever position in the slot. The lever comprises a second distance from a first lever end to a second lever end. The second distance is less than the first distance.

The magnetic base assembly includes an electromagnet assembly with a top surface open magnetic pole. A shunt plate is magnetically held to the top of the electromagnet. A canting or tilting of the shunt plate results when accidental side or pulling away contact is made between a riveting processing tool and an extending portion of the aircraft part being riveted as the tool is moved from one riveting location to another. The canting or pull off of the tool prevents damage. The operator can observe the tool canting and stop the tool movement or a micro switch or proximity switch senses the canting or tilting automatically so that the tool can be stopped before damage occurs. The magnetic field can be dynamically controlled to provide adequate pulldown force for the riveting function but a breakaway force less than the amount which would cause damage.

The magnetic base assembly includes an electromagnet assembly with a top surface open magnetic pole. A shunt plate is magnetically held to the top of the electromagnet. A canting or tilting of the shunt plate results when accidental side or pulling away contact is made between a riveting processing tool and an extending portion of the aircraft part being riveted as the tool is moved from one riveting location to another. The canting or pull off of the tool prevents damage. The operator can observe the tool canting and stop the tool movement or a micro switch or proximity switch senses the canting or tilting automatically so that the tool can be stopped before damage occurs. The magnetic field can be dynamically controlled to provide adequate pulldown force for the riveting function but a breakaway force less than the amount which would cause damage.

A setting unit and a method for setting a connecting element on a work piece. The setting unit has a hold-down clamp. A punch is displaceably mounted in the hold-down clamp, is drivable in a feed direction by way of a plunger and has a front punch head, and a punch sleeve which surrounds the punch head. The punch sleeve is movable together with the punch in the feed direction to a first stroke position. The punch head is movable relative to the punch sleeve to a second stroke position such that it is possible to carry out both a hole punching operation and a setting operation by way of the one punch in connection with the punch sleeve.