Profil has seen sales rocket since it launched its new MHN nut. Here the firm explains the benefits of its latest offering for automotive manufacturers.
Developed in the first instance to meet automotive industry demands for stronger, smaller and quicker-to-install mounting nuts on body and chassis applications, the new MHN self-pierce clinch nut range from Profil UK is claimed to deliver exceptional strength for its size.
MHN Round series clinch nuts are designed to deliver outstanding performance in material thicknesses from as little 0.7mm right up to 3.5mm, and because they are self-pierce products, the fasteners can be used in high-speed fully automated assembly processes just as easily as they can be inserted in manual feed applications for smaller batch runs if required.
An interesting feature of the MHN round series self-pierce clinch nuts is that they can be specified with either a threaded centre in various sizes for bolting straight in to, or alternatively with a plain centre (ie a non-threaded hole) capable of accepting self-tapping threaded fasteners instead. Both versions use the same installation process, thus providing OEMs with significant flexibility on production lines.
Unlike many alternative fastening and fixing options, Profil MHN nuts can be used in close proximity to folds in the host materials when post-insertion forming is required. Typically, in standard MHN sizes and dependent upon the normal considerations based on the shape of the formed section, material type and thickness, the MHN nut can be utilised just one nut width away from a 90º fold. This feature alone is said to have helped Profil see record sales figures following the launch of the new nut thanks to the design and production engineering advantages offered.
In addition to usage with commonly specified steels, Profil state that the MHN range can also be used in HSLA, stainless steels, and aluminium. The MHN nut self-pierce installation process is straightforward using standard Profil tooling, and the company offers comprehensive application advice covering both design engineering and production tooling with the new product.
Profil UK Key Account Manager Glenn Williams says: “Our fasteners are used worldwide by most of the major premium-brand vehicle manufacturers, and from our West Midlands base in Birmingham our application engineers are also kept busy with designs that consumers won’t be able purchase on showroom floors for some years yet! We expect the new advantages offered by the MHN self-pierce nut to be quickly embraced by UK manufacturers.”