Electrically assisted flow drill screwdriving processes (EAFDS) and devices are described. The methods can augment traditional FDS and allow for softening of metals of a stack-up, which can enable FDS joining of thicker and stronger materials such as boron steel. EAFDS methods can reduce cycle time and can be used to join thicker cross-sections with reduced installation torque. Also disclosed are fixtures for attachment to existing devices that can provide for the electrical augmentation of existing FDS processes.

A process for manufacturing an exhaust system, especially for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, includes providing an exhaust gas-guiding component (26) with a wall (38) made of a metallic material and providing a sensor-mounting connector (22), to be fixed at the wall. The sensor-mounting connector includes a sensor-mounting area (28) to be positioned outside the exhaust gas-guiding component, and a connection area (34), which is to be positioned such that the connection area meshes with the wall. The connection area is pressed against an outer surface (40) of the wall of the exhaust gas-guiding component in a fastening area (39) of the wall, and at the same time rotated about a longitudinal axis (A) of the connector to penetrate into the material forming the wall and a connection in substance is established between the metallic material of the wall and the metallic material of the sensor-mounting connector.

A fastening device for reducing the time required for insertion that includes an elongated shank portion extending longitudinally between a first and a second shank end; and a head portion arranged at the second shank end, wherein the head portion includes a drive arrangement configured and arranged for receiving a rotary driving force to drive the fastening device into at least one workpiece. The elongated shank portion includes a plurality of intertwined helical ridges (plural thread starts). Preferably, the tip portion is configured and arranged to create a hole and threads by softening the material of a workpiece. Additionally, a method for creating an assembly by attaching a first workpiece to a second workpiece via the use of such a fastening device.

A method is provided for producing a steel component assembly, wherein a steel component having a predetermined breaking point is provided and the predetermined breaking point of the steel component is punched through by way of a press-fit element in order to form an opening. Subsequently, the press-fit element is pressed into the opening of the steel component, and, at least in overlap with the press-fit element, a component is adhesively bonded to the steel component by an adhesive applied over an area. A friction-drilling hole is melted through the press-fit element, the steel component and the component by way of a friction-drilling element.

The invention relates to a separation unit for a feed apparatus for joining elements, in particular screws, in particular flow-drilling screws, comprising a joining element receiver for receiving a joining element having a head and a shaft, a slider displaceable relative to the joining element receiver, and a rotational element about which the joining element received in the joining element receiver is rotatable on a displacement of the slider.

A railing support post with threaded holes or receivers for receiving threaded hardware, such as might be used for tensioned cable railing. A decorative sleeve or post cover may be used to at least partially enclose the railing support post. The railing support post may be manufactured, for example, by providing an elongated member of a prescribed length, drilling a plurality of holes spaced along the length of the elongated member, and tapping the plurality of holes to form a plurality of threaded receivers. The threaded receivers are configured to receive rail fittings or other fittings.

A railing support post with threaded holes or receivers for receiving threaded hardware, such as might be used for tensioned cable railing. A decorative sleeve or post cover may be used to at least partially enclose the railing support post. The railing support post may be manufactured, for example, by providing an elongated member of a prescribed length, drilling a plurality of holes spaced along the length of the elongated member, and tapping the plurality of holes to form a plurality of threaded receivers. The threaded receivers are configured to receive rail fittings or other fittings.

A railing support post with threaded holes or receivers for receiving threaded hardware, such as might be used for tensioned cable railing. A decorative sleeve or post cover may be used to at least partially enclose the railing support post. The railing support post may be manufactured, for example, by providing an elongated member of a prescribed length, drilling a plurality of holes spaced along the length of the elongated member, and tapping the plurality of holes to form a plurality of threaded receivers. The threaded receivers are configured to receive rail fittings or other fittings.

A fastening device for reducing the time required for insertion that includes an elongated shank portion extending longitudinally between a first and a second shank end; and a head portion arranged at the second shank end, wherein the head portion includes a drive arrangement configured and arranged for receiving a rotary driving force to drive the fastening device into at least one workpiece. The elongated shank portion includes a plurality of intertwined helical ridges (plural thread starts). Preferably, the tip portion is configured and arranged to create a hole and threads by softening the material of a workpiece. Additionally, a method for creating an assembly by attaching a first workpiece to a second workpiece via the use of such a fastening device.

A method is provided for manufacturing a catalytic converter housing arrangement with at least one sensor carrier for an exhaust system of a vehicle. The method includes the steps of: a) providing at least one sensor carrier sheet metal blank (42); b) forming at least one sensor mounting opening (48) in the sensor carrier sheet metal blank (42) by flow drilling such that a length (L) of the opening is greater than a thickness (D) of the material of the sensor carrier sheet metal blank (42) before step b) is carried out; and c) preparing an internal thread in the at least one sensor mounting opening (48) for providing a sensor carrier.