Self clinching standoffs for very thin sheets provide a solution where design engineers need to space panels and components in metal enclosures that are as thin as .025” / .63mm thick. The standoffs are available in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum depending on the needs of the engineer. The standoffs are available in both blind thread, where the design calls for the standoff to be installed in the exterior of the enclosure, and a smooth outer appearance is required and are also available in a through hole design. The self clinching standoffs for very thin panels provide a low cost of installation and provide a strong reusable thread in sheets as thin as .025” /.63mm thick. For the self clinching standoffs to be installed properly, the fasteners must be sufficiently harder than the panels into which they will be installed. The CFT steel non heat treated standoffs can be installed into steel or aluminum panels with a maximum hardness of HRB 60. The CFTS series of stainless steel standoffs can be installed into steel or aluminum panels with a maximum hardness of HRB 70 or less. The CFTA series of aluminum standoffs can be installed into panels with a maximum hardness of HRB 50 or less.
Installation of Sheet Metal Standoffs
The Self Clinching Standoffs for Very Thin Sheets are to be installed into ductile material which allows for the metal into which the fastener is installed to flow into the clinch profile of the standoff, and provide a permanent reusable thread in the assembly. Each self clinching thin head standoff is installed into the proper size hole in the mating panel and is then pressed into place using a squeezing force. The recommended hole sizes and suggested installation force is available in our catalog. The standoff eliminates the possibility of loose hardware in the assembly which is a very important feature for design engineers particularly in electronic enclosures and cabinetry. When properly installed the self clinching standoffs provide excellent push out and torque out values that meet or exceed the industry standards. The performance values are readily available on our web site in the Installation & Performance section of our catalog. We also have an installation video here. The standoffs design allows the fastener to retain its dimensional integrity during the clinch process. The clinch fasteners, unlike a swage fastener or rivet, do not deform around the panel but the material in the panel flows around the clinch profile of the fastener. The fasteners for the very thin panels are available in inch and metric threads and they are are REACH and RoHS compliant. If 2D or 3D prints are required they can be downloaded from our website.
