Description / Abstract: This standard addresses mechanical clinch joining of steel to steel, steel to aluminum and aluminum to aluminum.

Note: Nothing in this standard supercedes applicable laws and regulations.

Note: In the event of conflict between the English and domestic language, the English language shall take precedence.

Purpose. This standard provides the acceptance criteria and repair procedure for circular mechanical clinches in automotive products for which GM is responsible for establishing or approving the product design.

Applicability. The criteria established in this specification become mandatory when referenced on a weld or assembly drawing. Deviation from any criteria provided in this specification must be identified on a weld design document or other product engineering design document.

Usage. Clinches are considered satisfactory when they meet the expected design service loads and satisfy functional performance requirements. The evaluation criteria contained in this document have been established as a basis for the manufacturing acceptance of clinched products and are the same for all clinches regardless of service load. Furthermore, clinches identified as discrepant often retain a percentage of their mechanical properties and may contribute to the integrity of the clinched product. Application of this specification for other uses, such as post-crash clinch quality assessment, may lead to erroneous results or conclusions.

Clarification. For clarification of this specification or editorial comments, email the GM Global Weld Council at weld.council@gm.com.

Proposed changes to this standard must be presented to the GM Weld Council. To suggest a change to this standard, reference the "Procedure for Weld Standard Changes" on the Weld Council's webpage.