Bollhoff Attexor SA

®
RIVCLINCH 0404 IP

User manual

Original edition in english

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Edition date: 2020-02

 Copyright and Trademarks
This is a non-contractual document issued for information purposes only.

Specifications and dimensions are indicative only and are subject to changes
without notice.

Information about technical performance, joint strength values and similar are
given purely as indications and can in no way be interpreted as a guarantee for
result in a specific application. Bollhoff Attexor SA disclaims all warranties either
express or implied, including but not limited to, implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose of applications and hardware.
In particular Bollhoff Attexor SA takes no responsibility of the performance of the
joints on finished products.

This document Copyright© 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA,

CH-1028 Préverenges, Switzerland. All rights reserved.

Machines and/or toolings from Bollhoff Attexor SA are protected by patents

and/or pending patents worldwide.

Bollhoff Attexor SA
ZI Le Trési 9A
CH-1028 Préverenges
Switzerland

Phone: +4121694 80 00
Fax: +4121694 80 01
E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 2

 Table of contents
COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARKS ...................................................................... 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................................................................ 3

WARRANTY ......................................................................................................... 5

WARNINGS .......................................................................................................... 6

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................... 10
RIVCLINCH® 0404 IP ...................................................................................... 10
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................... 11
SINGLE-STROKE CLINCHING, OPENING DIE ............................................................ 11
CLINCHING SYSTEM, END-OF-STROKE (OR END-STOP) CONTROL ............................. 12
SAFETY LOCKING, WIDE OPENING JAW ................................................................. 12
INSTALLATION, CONNECTIONS ...................................................................... 14
FIXING, SUSPENSION .......................................................................................... 14
CONNECTION ..................................................................................................... 15
START-UP .......................................................................................................... 17
SETTINGS FOR START-UP OF THE CLINCHING SYSTEM ............................................ 17
CARE AND MAINTENANCE .............................................................................. 20
DAILY MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................... 20
W EEKLY MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................... 20
EVERY 500'000 CYCLES ..................................................................................... 21
REPLACING WEAR PARTS .............................................................................. 23
REPLACING THE DIE-ANVIL SET ............................................................................ 23
DIE ST ASSEMBLY .............................................................................................. 23
REPLACING THE PUNCH-STRIPPER SET ................................................................. 24
TOOLING SELECTION AND JOINT OPTIMIZATION........................................ 25
SELECTING THE TOOLING TYPE ............................................................................ 25
CHOICE OF STRIPPER ......................................................................................... 26
ADJUSTING THE END STOP .................................................................................. 27
SETTING THE REFERENCE VALUE ......................................................................... 27
FINDING THE OPTIMUM SETTING ........................................................................... 28
QUALITY CONTROL ............................................................................................. 29
TABLE 1 ............................................................................................................ 31
TABLE 2 ............................................................................................................ 32
TABLE 3 ............................................................................................................ 33
TABLE 4 ............................................................................................................ 34
FIGURES ............................................................................................................ 35
FIG. 1. MAIN DIMENSIONS ................................................................................... 36

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 3

 FIG. 2. VARIOUS COMPONENTS AND FUNCTIONS.................................................. 39
FIG. 2B, INSTALLATION OF A HAND OPERATED TOOL ............................................. 40
REF. FIGS. 2. RIVCLINCH® 0404 IP .......................................................................... 41
FIG. 3. REMOVING THE DIE-ANVIL SET ................................................................ 42
FIG. 3A. RIGHT ORIENTATION OF THE RECESS ON THE DIE SET .............................. 42
FIG. 3B. REMOVING THE DIE-ANVIL SET FROM AN ELONGATOR .............................. 43
FIG. 4 A,B,C. REMOVING THE PUNCH-STRIPPER SET ............................................ 44
FIG. 5. ADJUSTING THE END-OF-STROKE, H AND ST VALUES ................................ 45

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 4

 Warranty
If your Bollhoff Attexor product needs repair
Contact the authorized distributor from which you bought the product or Bollhoff
Attexor for information on our closest representation. Up-to-date information can
also be obtained by E-mail at : [email protected]
Bollhoff Attexor’s warranty policy
If your Bollhoff Attexor product becomes defective within the warranty period, 12
months from purchase or 2,000 service hours, whichever limit is attained first,
due to faulty material or workmanship, we will either replace defective parts or, at
our discretion, replace the unit free-of-charge with the exception of freight
charges, provided that:

 The product is returned to us or one of our authorized distributors

together with proof of purchase.
 The product has been used according to approved operating modes
described in manuals and other accompanying documentation.
 The product has not been used for rental purposes.
 The product has been serviced according to the instructions in
manuals and other accompanying documentation.
 No repairs have been attempted by anyone other than our own or our
authorized distributors service staff.

The following are not covered:

 Wear parts, including but not limited to tool kits, punches, dies, folders,
anvils
 Intervention on customer’s site or outside of our workshop
 Failures resulting from sudden impact or obvious abuse

Note, the use of other than original spare parts or accessories approved by
Bollhoff Attexor may damage or reduce the performance of your product and
may render the warranty void.

Bollhoff Attexor’s after sales service

Bollhoff Attexor offers world-wide after sales service through our authorized
distributors whose skills are constantly upgraded so as to make them genuine
partners for serving our customers.
It is our ambition to provide first-class service, fast repairs and extensive parts
availability, in addition to competent advice related to our products.
Contact your authorized distributor’s customer support manager for any
questions you may have.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 5

 Warnings
The user should take all necessary precautions and safety measures required by
law or by customs in its operating environment, such as protection devices,
warning signs, etc. It is indispensable to have read and understood this manual
and to inform all potential operators about the safety aspects and hazards. It is
vitally important that the person responsible for safety approves the intended
working modes. This manual also gives valuable information for the optimum use
of the machine.

Installation
 Check that the machine has been installed by a competent person,
according to the instructions of installation of this manual.
 Check that hanging components, booster, balancer, suspension, are
properly secured.
 Check that the suspension cable is always vertical and remains vertical for
all clinching spots.
 Check that the work head and the booster are properly fixed to their
support according to the installation instructions.
 Check that the fixation screws are present and fully tighten.

Connection
 Never connect the machine if it is not completely assembled, and fully in
its working position.
 Check the connectors, make sure that they fit to each other and free from
any dust or dirt.
 Never use air pressures above 6 bar.
 Check the conditions of all hoses and connectors. Do not use damaged
elements.

Standard safety means

 Always wear safety glasses and make sure that all people close to a
machine, as soon as it is connected to the pressure line, do the same.

 Always use protective gloves when operating the machine.

 Always use hearing protector when operating the machine (noise level up
to 80 dB).

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 6

  Always wear safety shoes when operating the machine

Specific safety means

 Check that all safety protections such as fences, sliding covers, dual hand
trigger as described in the approved installation documents are all
installed.

Transport
 Carry the equipment in the original or an adapted packaging to protect it
from shock
 Fix the package to avoid any displacement.

Machine operation
 Check that the sheet metal to be joined held against the non moving tool
side of the machine.

 Make sure that the tooling motion is always perpendicular to the sheet
metal of the work zone, at every spot of the assembly.

 Check that the tooling motion is always reaching the exact spot location
without risk of being deviated by some protruding element.

 The normal use of the machine is operator standing up around the

machine and away from the danger zone

 Never put fingers, hand or any other body’s part in the tooling area.

 Keep fingers away from the clinching system, i.e. punch and die area, as
long as the machine is connected to the compressed air line or when
residual pressure may remain in the circuit.

 Check that the work piece to be joined is never in contact with the
machine body (notably the C’frame, the fixed and the moving jaws) during
the process, other than the positioning fixture (if any), the tooling and the
stripper.

 Check that there is always sufficient room around the work piece for
preventing any risk of squeezing the operator’s fingers, hand or other
body’s part between the work piece and any other element.

 Make sure that the work piece is stably and correctly supported for
preventing any unexpected displacement during the operation.

 Never try to assemble sheet metal outside of the range of admissible

thicknesses and qualities as indicated in the table for tool selection
guidelines.

 Avoid hardened steel, spring steel as well as other brittle material qualities
as they may break in a violent manner.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 7

  Never make a second joint in the same location as a previous joint.

 Never make a joint if the punch and the die are not covering 100% the
sheet metal surface on both sides. In case of more than two sheet metal
layers, make sure that the internal layers are also covering 100% of the
joint area.

 In case a tool remains stuck in the sheet metal, never attempt to get it out
by tilting or rotating as the stripper may remain under load. Keep hands
away from the tools and the work piece, disconnect the equipment from
air line and any electricity connection, and make sure that no pressure
remains in the equipment. Refer to the manual.

 In case of using the machine without trigger protection, it can turn on

unexpectedly

 Hold the machine properly and be prepared to react to normal or

unexpected movements. Have both hands available. Maintain a stable
posture.

Tool change and selection

 Always disconnect the machine from the compressed air line and
make sure that no residual pressure remains in the circuit by pressing
the trigger/pedal before any disassembly or service intervention on the
machine.
 Never mount non-compatible punch-die units, or tools having different
eccentricities, or tools with incorrect lengths, or tools which have not
been expressively specified.
 Never put the machine under pressure without having made sure that
the tooling and the machine are set according to the prescribed setting
(see instructions, H value setting).
 Never operate the machine without the tool fixing pins, or without
tightening the tool fixing screws.

Machine integrity
 Never disassemble the hydraulic / pneumatic piston without appropriate
tooling as it is constantly loaded by a strong return spring.
 Never fill the oil reservoir beyond the maximum level.
 Never attempt to block the reservoir plug, as the latter must be free to
escape in case of over pressure.
 Check regularly the condition of the pneumatic and hydraulic hoses,
couplings, balancer cable, suspension hooks.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 8

  Never disassemble protection material against noise (exhaust valves
silencers) disconnect the equipment from air line and any electricity
connection, and make sure that no pressure remains in the equipment.
 If the machine has been deteriorated after a fall or misuse, security
functions may be compromised. Stop using the machine and return it for
repair to your distributor or directly to Bollhoff Attexor.
 Machines should be checked periodically to ensure that the ratings and
markings are legibly marked on the machine. Contact your distributor or
Bollhoff Attexor for replacement labels, if needed.

Note that any tampering with or modification of factory set limitations,

including but not limited to stroke length, tool kit opening, piston speed,
operating pressure, etc. will be made at the intervening person’s sole
responsibility and that any such action will discharge Bollhoff Attexor from
all product liability claims and make Bollhoff Attexor's warranty null and
void. Such an intervention also nullifies the CE-mark and Declaration of
Conformity for machines originally delivered with such documents.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 9

 Technical specifications

RIVCLINCH® 0404 IP

Total machine weight, including booster 4.5 to 5.7 kg 9.9-12.5 lb

Recommended air pressure 5 to 6 bar 72-87 psi
Max. authorized air pressure 6 bar 87 psi
Min. working air pressure 5 Bar 58 psi
Air consumption per joint, approx. 2.3 NL
Clinching force at 6 bar air pressure 35 kN
Cycle time 0.5-0.9 s
Maximum jaw opening, open jaw 34 mm 1.3”
(manual or automatic)
Work stroke, closed jaw 6.5 mm 0.26”
Max. sheet metal thickness,
mild steel, total 3.0 mm 0.156''
Max. sheet metal thickness,
Stainless steel, total 2.5 mm 0.1”
Recommended oil quality, air lubricator Tellus C10
(Air lubrication is not mandatory)
Oil mist viscosity 9 - 11 mm²/s
Oil mist quantity per 100 joints 1.5 drops
Power source 6 bar 87 psi
Working temperature for hydraulic +15 to +40 °C
system.
Noise level 94 dB

Ref. Fig. 1

Optional equipment:
Air preparation unit No 1, ½'', with filter, without lubricator.
Tool kits: various combinations of dies and punches of type SR503,
SR502, ST 432 and SP432. Other dimensions upon request.
Balancer

For further information, consult the spare parts list

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 10

 Functional description

Single-stroke clinching, opening die

The clinching method used by this RIVCLINCH® machine is based on a single-
stroke method, patented or patents pending world-wide by Bollhoff Attexor SA.

1. In the first part of the process, the punch will deform the overlapping
sheet material plastically inside a die cavity. The wall of the die,
typically split in two, three or four parts, remains closed.

2. When the lower material sheet reaches the anvil, i.e. the bottom of the
die cavity, the material will flow laterally and take a mushroom shape. In
this phase the die parts will be pushed outwards, sliding on a base.
After the punch has been pulled back and the die disengaged, the die
walls will close again, pulled together by a spring.

The result is a high-quality joint in terms of shape, strength and reproducibility.

A later section will explain how the cycle described above may be optimized.

Numbers in parenthesis () in the text refer to Figs. 2

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 11

 Clinching system, end-of-stroke (or end-stop)
control
Ref. Fig. 2

The force required for a clinching is furnished by a pneumatic actuator (C1),

integrated in the work head just behind the hand grip. As the force generated by
the piston would be much too small for a direct clinching operation, the force is
transmitted to a came mechanisms, which multiply it by a progressive factor,
reaching at the end of the stroke a ratio of approximately 10x, which means a
theoretical clinch force of 35 kN.

The came has been optimized so as to generate a force-displacement curve

fitting the upper limit of the sheet metal thickness and hardness that the machine
is able to join.

The trig and the duration of the cycle are controlled by the trigger (B1) which
activates the pneumatic valve on the back of the pneumatic actuator (C1).

The clinching process is governed by the end-of-stroke position of the piston,

which determines the final position of the punch and the joint parameter St. This
means that the squeezing of the clinch joint is stable, independent on the
pressure set on the regulator (E2), provided that the set pressure is superior to
the minimum required pressure for getting the joint done. The internal end stop
of the piston can be adjusted and serves not only as a protection of the tool kit in
case of activation without material, but mainly for setting the optimal joint
parameters in regard to the sheet metal to be joined and the selected tool kit.

Refer to chapter “Tooling selection and joint optimization” and to Fig. 5 for
instructions about adjusting the end stop.

Safety locking, wide opening jaw

Ref. Fig. 2

Many applications require of tool stroke which would be dangerous in case of

catching a finger or a hand. For preventing to a great extends such a danger, the
moving jaw is equipped with a mechanisms, which mechanically locks the came
motion as soon as tooling gap reaches 8.0mm or more.

Above this value, the jaw is actuated by two ways depending the version:

Manual machine: the jaw is only actuated manually by the operator, using the
handgrip, thus preventing any high force to be applied by the moving jaw, to the
tool or to any object inserted in-between punch and die.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 12

 Automatic machine: an approach stroke which runs at a force sufficiently low for
being harmless, by mean of a small pneumatic actuator (B4 or A60) installed in
the side of the jaw.

Once the punch-die distance is gap is below 8mm, the clinching trigger (B1) is
able actuate the pneumatic actuator producing the work stroke at high force for
the clinching operation. In addition to the safety aspect, this system facilitates the
positioning of the tool at the clinch joint location prior to trigger the clinching
operation.

There is one trigger for each stroke: (B5) for the approach stroke and (B1) for the
work stroke.

However, the force between the jaw, when in working position below 8 mm can
reach the clinching force, which imply that the operator strictly follows the safety
warnings at the head of this document. In particular, one should never approach
neither hands or fingers, nor taking any action on the tooling without having
made sure, by actuating the trigger, that the machine is disconnected from the
air line and that the air hoses eventually still attached to the workhead are free
from any remaining pressure.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 13

 Installation, Connections

Fixing, suspension
Ref. Fig. 2, Fig. 8

The normal use of the machine is hand operated, suspended (by means of a
rotator (A10), and hooked to a balancer, both delivered as an option). The
following precautions must be observed:

 Verify that the suspension points of your installation are sufficiently

strong, and check that the eventual supporting structure is able to
carry the weight of all the attached equipments. Verify the total weight
of your equipment. Usually the total machine weight may be as high as
10 kg, including the machine and the balancer. Notice: Take into
account that the clinching operation may produce vibrations in the
installation.

 Check that all the suspended equipment (balancer) is secured by an

additional safety cable. Contact your distributor in case of any doubt.

 Balancer safety cable: refer to the manual delivered with the balancer.

 Suspend the work head by the ring (A10) or preferably by the rotator
delivered as option situated between the handle and the jaw to the
hook of the balancer, and observe the instruction manual of the
balancer unit.

 During all the above preparation, check that the air hose connected to
the handgrip (B2) is always free of tension bending, which may occur
in case of excessive rotation of the work head.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 14

 Connection
Verify that the air supply line has an inner diameter of at least 13 mm (1/2”) for
booster S16-20-40/60 and 19mm (3/4") for booster S80-120/60, (standard
coupling threads 1/2" and 3/4" gas) and that the flow rate is sufficient. A weak
flow rate will prolong the cycle time. Under normal operating condition with about
20 clinches per minute, a compressed air line and a compressor capable of
supplying at least 120 l/min. at atmospheric pressure, is necessary.

Connect to an air preparation unit (E2), including filter, pressure regulator and
manometer. Such units are available as options

N.B. The air preparation unit is mandatory, and must be installed prior to connect
the machine.

Check that all connectors and air tubes upstream of the filter are clean and free
from dust, water, rust and other alien particles.

Oiling the compressed air is not mandatory, but can be used for increased life of
the work head / booster air seals and air cylinder. When a lubricator is installed,
it is vitally important to avoid any excess of oil. Too much oil may cause
malfunctioning in the valves and the pneumatic control units, and may be risk for
the health in case of inappropriate ventilation. Close the oil adjustment. After
starting the machine, set progressively the oil flow to a maximum of 1.5 drops per
100 joints, equivalent to 2-3 drops per m³ of air. It is necessary to comply with
the existing regulations related the risk of oil pollution, which prevail to the any of
the above non indications

The flexible hose (E4) of the machine should be fitted with a rapid coupling (E5)
without check valve in the coupling (E5), so that the disconnection of the
coupling assures a complete and immediate bleeding of any air pressure in the
booster flexible hose. As an alternative the valve (E1) must be fitted with a
bleeding valve, allowing the booster to be fully depressurized. This is
indispensable for maintenance or disassembly operation, which must be made
exclusively once the booster is full depressurized. In addition, the quick coupling
serves as a swivel allowing the machine to be rotated without limitation.

Never use an air pressure above 6.0 bar.

Verify that the clinching head is free to move and fully unobstructed. Make sure
that nobody comes close with their hands before connecting the air supply hose
(E1).

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 15

 Set the pressure to between 5 and 6 bar at the exit of the air preparation unit
(E2). This value should be at least equal to the clinching pressure, see below,
and under no circumstances above 6 bar (87 psi).

As a rule, the working pressure should be adjusted 0.5 bar above the minimum
required pressure for obtaining the correct joint, to be determined by testing.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 16

 Start-up

Settings for start-up of the clinching system

Check if your machine has been pre-set in the factory for your particular
application. (See complement to user’s manual, if any)

In case the machine has not been adjusted from the factory, (or the setting has
been lost), remove the tooling (die and punch, see chapter "Replacing wear
parts") and check the reference value H as per the next chapter, “Tooling
selection and joint optimization, setting the reference value”. H must be from
factory set at H=29.0 mm. If not, refer to next chapter for re-setting the H value.

Select the tool corresponding to the sheet metal to be tested from the tables
from chapter, “Tooling selection and joint optimization.

Warning: the start-up should not be done if the H value or the tool kit is not set
according to the above instruction. In such a case, proceed with chapter "Tooling
selection and joint optimization".

Take a sample composed of two flat sheets, hold it against the die side and keep
hands off the clinching zone. Make sure that the sample is held flat against the
die and perpendicularly to the punch axis.

Press the trigger without releasing it until the total cycle has been completed.
Wait until the pressure reached the selected pressure by watching the
manometer on the regulator (E2). Then release the trigger. Wait until the punch
retracted before removing the test piece.

If the pressure rises very slowly making the cycle too long, > 1 s, the air supply
lines and connectors should be checked.

Check the joint. Measure the “St” value. If needed to be modified, proceed
according to the next chapter “Tooling selection and joint optimization” and re-do
the test until the correct value of “St” is obtained.

Test the strength of the joint using a pair of jaws (never attempt to separate
clinched sheet metal with naked hands).

In order to avoid excessive tool wear, the following precautions should be

respected:

 Do not remove the sheets from the die, pulling laterally as that may
damage the moving parts

 Do not attempt clinching on surfaces that are not flat or where

clinching has already been made

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 17

  Do not tilt the sheets when the punch has penetrated. Should the
sheets get stuck, depressurize the machine. Then liberate the sheet by
pulling in the axial direction of the punch.

 Do not tilt the work head for disengaging the tooling. Always make
sure that the die blades are never forced

 Never try to assemble sheets of other material or thickness than

recommended in the tables from chapter, “Tooling selection and joint
optimization

Read carefully the WARNINGS at the beginning of the manual, prior to any
operation or testing.

Manual machine:
The procedure to make a clinching point is the following:

 Put together sheets of metal.

 Approach the machine in order to have flanges between the punch and
the die.

 Put the fixed tool in contact with the flange.

 Be careful that the tooling is perpendicular with the sheet & that there is
nothing between layers, particularly operator's fingers.

 Push the handle (A7) of the self locking jaw until the jaw is locked.

 Press the clinching trigger (B1) without releasing until the total cycle has
been completed.

 When the cycle is finished, release the trigger.

 You can slide to the next point without opening the self locking jaw.

 Pull the handle (A7) of the self locking jaw in order to open completely
jaws.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 18

 Automatic machine:
The procedure to make a clinching point is the following:

 Put together sheets of metal.

 Approach the machine in order to have flanges between the punch and
the die.

 Put the fixed tool in contact with the flange.

 Be careful that the tooling is perpendicular with the sheet & that there is
nothing between layers, particularly operator's fingers.

 Press the trigger to do the pre-stroke (B5).

 Press the clinching trigger (B1) without releasing until the total cycle has
been completed.

Automatic machine with pedal:

The procedure to make a clinching point is the following:

 Put together sheets of metal.

 Approach the machine in order to have flanges between the punch and
the die.

 Put the fixed tool in contact with the flange.

 Be careful that the tooling is perpendicular with the sheet & that there is
nothing between layers, particularly operator's fingers.

 Press the left pedal to do the pre-stroke (B6).

 Press the right pedal to clinch (B7) without releasing until the total cycle
has been completed.

 When the cycle is finished, release the trigger.

 You can slide to the next point without opening the self locking jaw.

 Press the pre-stroke pedal again (B6) in order to open completely the
machine.

When there are several clinching points on the same flange, be careful that there
is enough distance between points in order not to touch other points during the
clinching cycle.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 19

 Care and Maintenance

Daily maintenance

 Check the air filter(E2). Bleed and clean regularly the water separator.

 Clean punch (A3), die and anvil (A5) with compressed air.

 Check the tooling: the die blades must be hold in contact to the anvil
by the spring. The punch top must be free from cracks or chipping.

 Re-oil the tooling after cleaning.

Always use protective glasses when cleaning with compressed air.

Weekly maintenance
This intervention should be made weekly or every 50 service hours, in case of
multi-shift operation.

Ref. Fig. 2

 Clean and oil the punch head, without removing the punch.

 Clean the die-anvil (A5) with compressed air and re-oil.

 Check that there are no leaks in the air connections. A leak in the logic
circuitry may disturb the correct working of the machine.

 Ensure that no mobile part rubs against pneumatic or hydraulic tubes

and that the latter are well in place.

 Grease the jaw axis, using a pressure greaser, at grease nipple (A24)

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 20

  Clean the air silencers with compressed air. Always disassemble the
both silencers and clean it from the inside not the outside. Check the
pictures below

Always use protective glasses when cleaning with compressed air.

Every 500'000 cycles

The cleaning and re-greasing of the needle bearings is recommended every
500’000 cycles.
For more informations ask the technical note Nb 080714.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 21

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 22
 Replacing wear parts

Replacing the die-anvil set

Ref. Fig. 3

 Release the pressure from the system by disconnecting the inlet air
hose (E1) and by activating the clinching action to make sure that the
pressure has fallen.

 Open completely the moving jaw.

 Remove the pin (A17) using the pin remover (A22) and a small
hammer.

 Pull out the anvil (A5). N.B. if the punch is still in place, it may be
necessary to remove the stripper first, as described on the section
"replacing the punch-stripper set".

 A new die and anvil is installed by following the above steps in the
reverse order, observing the right orientation of the recess on the die
set in case of a rectangular tooling is used.

 Make sure that the anvil and the moving parts are clean and free from
dirt and that the new die has exactly the parameters required for the
intended task.

 Install a new die, press it down fully to put it in place

 Re-install the pin (A17) by placing it on the special recess on the tip of
the pin remover (A22). Push it with a small hammer without forcing,
until the pin is fully in place.

Do not force the die or push it sideways during the disassembly

Control the tightening torque of the elongator (M4 screw = 2.9Nm)

Die ST assembly

Ref. Fig. 3a

In case of replacing the die blades, check the orientation of the blades
according to Fig. 3a. A wrong positioning (upside down) may significantly
affect the point quality and the lifetime of the die.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 23

 Replacing the punch-stripper set
Ref. Fig. 4

 Release the pressure from the system by disconnecting the inlet air
hose (E1) and by activating the clinching action to make sure that the
pressure has fallen

 Remove the locking pin (A17) of the punch

 Pull out the punch (A3) axially, refraining from lateral forcing

 Install a new punch, press it down fully in place

 Re-install the pin (A17) by placing it on the special recess on the tip of
the pin remover (A22). Push it with a small hammer without forcing,
until the pin is fully in place.

 Re-install the stripper, noting the following:

 The round punch stripper needs a separate back plate,

 The rectangular punch stripper must not be installed with a
back plate
 The rectangular punch stripper must be oriented properly,
with the flat side outward.

Do not force the punch or push it sideways during the disassembly.

Control the tightening torque of the elongator (M4 screw = 2.9Nm)

Always check upon reassembly that punch and die types correspond exactly to
the tool kit selected for the application.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 24

 Tooling selection and joint
optimization

Joint type SR Joint type ST

Selecting the tooling type

Two types of tooling are currently available, round, nominal diameter
5 mm, SR502 and SR 503, and rectangular, nominal die width 4.3 mm, ST
432. Other special executions are available on request to your Distributor

The choice is governed by several parameters, in particular:

 Material
The type SR is well suited for mild steel, while ST should be
preferred for high strength steel as well as austenitic stainless steel.

 Joint strength
The type SR offers higher strength for a total material thickness up
to 2 mm, while ST gives stronger joints in thicker material.

 Surface coating
The type SR leaves a galvanic coating or good quality paint without
damage. On the other hand, thick intermediate layers, powder, plastic foil
or a PVC coating, change the strength of the joint. The type ST is much

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 25

 less sensitive to coatings and fits therefore applications with thick layers
like plastic film, rubber or filter material.

 Leak proof requirements

A correctly made joint using an SR tool is 100% leak proof. The type ST
may be leak proof due to the metallic contact. To achieve this, it is
generally enough to select a Jm value which is equal to or smaller than
the material thickness on the die side.
A leak proof ST tooling is available on request, notables for the cases of
3 layers, such as with ventilation clinching. Ask your distributor for more
detail.

 Geometry
For the tool dimensions, ref. tables from chapter “Tooling selection and
joint optimization". The type ST 432 is intended for operating close to an
edge. On the other hand, the type SR 503 is more compact laterally
which offers an advantage when working in a corner.

 Multi-layer
With mild steel, such as St14, a tool type SR might be capable of joining
three layers. Tests are indispensable. However it is preferable to use the
type ST, which handles multiple layers in most materials that lend
themselves to clinching.

 Uneven thickness
Generally speaking the type SR may handle a thickness ratio of down to
1:2 between the punch side and the die side thickness. Tests are
necessary. However, the type ST should be preferred, especially if the
difference is greater, but always subject to verification through testing. It
should be remembered that the thicker material on the punch side is
always to be preferred and that punch and die may be inverted to meet
this recommendation.

 Corrosion requirements
The type SR preserves the galvanic protection, as does, to some extent,
the type ST.

Choice of stripper
The stripper is vitally important. It has three functions:
 To keep the sheets flat
 To participate in the clinching process. Removing the stripper may alter
the joint strength radically
 To extract the punch at the end of the clinching process

 Normal working conditions.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 26

 Use the standard stripper, delivered with the tool kit. Monitor how it
wears and change as required
 Thin or soft sheets.
For a total thickness below 1.0 mm it may be necessary to reduce the
height of the stripper by careful grinding so as to obtain a flat surface
around the joint
 Thick sheets or high strength steel qualities.
Special, reinforced or rectangular strippers may be required to maintain a
flat surface or to facilitate the extraction of the punch in case of high
friction

The tables from chapter “Tooling selection and joint optimization" only give
indicative values that facilitate the first choice of parameters. Tests on
samples are necessary and so are tests on the real products. The following
chapter deals with criteria for judging the quality of the joints produced. It
may be necessary to carry out tests with other tools or opting for other St
values than those indicated in the tables.

Adjusting the end stop

Ref. Fig. 5

An adjustable end stop (A8) is integrated in the mobile jaw. It fills several
functions

 To avoid full force contact between punch and anvil

 To ensure reproducibility in the final position of the tool (end-of-stroke

control) instead of relying on a pressure controlled process

 To facilitate the setting of the machine parameters in such a way that

the optimum joint parameters may be found for each application

Setting the reference value

Ref. Fig. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d

For most current material qualities, the factory setting is appropriate and
requires no adjustment when standard tooling, selected from the tables
from chapter, “Tooling selection and joint optimization", are used. It may
be that the machine has been optimized in the factory for your sheet
material and thickness. In this case check your configuration sheet for the
optimum H value to be used. The reference value is also a mean of
checking the machine. Check the reference value set for your particular
unit on the specification sheet attached to this document.

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 27

 Procedure for checking the H value: (See fig 5c)

 Make sure that the machine is disconnected from the air supply line
and activate the trigger to make sure that no pressure remains in
the system
 Remove the die (A5) and the punch using the pin remover (A22)
 Reconnect the air pressure and press the trigger
 Measure the distance H between the jaws (while keeping the
trigger pressed), using a caliber

Procedure for adjusting the H value: (See fig 5a to 5d)

 Make sure that the machine is disconnected from the air supply line
and activate the trigger to make sure that no pressure remains in
the system
 Close manually the mobile jaw (A1)
 Unscrew the screw (A9) which retains the eccentric.
 Turn the wheel (A8) to the desired value
 To increase the H value, turn clockwise.
 Re-tight the screw (A9)

It should be observed that this H value is valid when the work head works
without sheet material. When material to be clinched is present, the
elasticity of the machine will result in a higher residual bottom thickness,
the St value, on the joint than the theoretical one

Finding the optimum setting

The adjustment of the H value may be sufficient for producing an
acceptable joint, with a St value close to the value given in table from
chapter, “Tooling selection and joint optimization".

In case the required St value is not obtained, the end stop must be
adjusted, and a final adjustment will be made by testing on a sample and
measuring the St value, ref. to Fig .5a, 5b

 Install the selected tool kit

 Set the drive pressure to 6 bar

 lnsert material to be clinched and make a joint, while checking that

the air pressure is well stabilized at 6 bar before releasing the
trigger

 Measure the St value using a pivoting caliper gauge or other

appropriate device

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 28

  Adjust, if necessary the end stop (A8) as described in the above
section “Setting the reference value” until the desired St value is
produced on the joint

 To get a greater St value, turn clockwise

 To reduce the St value, turn anti-clockwise

 Repeat the process until the desired St value is obtained

The tables from chapter, “Tooling selection and joint optimization" only
give indicative values that facilitate the first choice of parameters. Tests
on samples are necessary and so are tests on the real products. It may be
necessary to carry out tests with other tools or opting for other St values
than those indicated in the tables.

Quality control
Ref. Tables from chapter, “Tooling selection and joint
optimization"

It is common practice for production control to check the St value at

regular interval during the production process. This is a simple, non-
destructive quality control operation and a deviating St value will signal
malfunction of the machine or the tool kit, changes in the sheet material,
non-appropriate handling by the operator or shortcomings in the air
supply.

Alternatively or as a complement to St value, the diameter D1 of the button

(or W 1 for a rectangular point) can be a good quality control value, despite
it is less accurate than St. in case of using this measurement (D 1 or W 1) it
is necessary to determine the reference value specific to the application
and note it down in this manual.

Samples can be produced at regular intervals, make a cut on the joint and
check by a microscope that the button locking and neck are unchanged
compared to the reference sample

The tooling (punch and die) must be checked at regular intervals. Criteria
for tool changes are:

 Visible cracks or chipped zone on the punch tip, on the die parts, on
the anvil

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 29

  Punch diameter loss exceeding 0.1mm

 Die spring damaged (can be replaced)

 Die cage damaged or deformed in such a way that the die blades do
not move properly

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 30

 Table 1
General guidelines for SR 502-503 tooling selection and St
parameter choice for mild steel* as a function of total thickness

These value are indicative and must be checked with a test on customer sample.
These articles number are only for tools of 15[mm] high . But other standard tools exist, with other
dimension.

Clinching
Total St
Die Punch force
thickness Value
max.
Tooling Dp
type [mm] Jm Article N° [mm] Code Article N° [mm] [kN]
1.0 0.35
1.2 3 924 2706 011 (fig.2) 0.4
SR 503 07
1.4 0.7 3 92498 98700 (fig.3) 4.7 07 3 92498 31130 (fig.1) 0.45
SR 502 07
1.6 3 92498 97037 (fig.4) 0.5
1.8 0.55
2.0 3 924 2706 012 (fig.2) 0.6 30
SR 503 10
2.2 1.0 3 92498 98701 (fig.3) 4.2 07 3 92498 31110 (fig.1) 0.7
SR 502 10
2.4 3 92498 97171 (fig.4) 0.8
2.6 3 924 2706 013 (fig.2) 0.8
SR 503 12
2.8 1.2 3 924 2705 112 (fig.3) 4.2 07 3 92498 31110 (fig.1) 0.9
SR 502 12
3.0 3 924 2705 120 (fig.4) 1.0

* and ferritic stainless steel, and copper

For copper joining, the end stop adjusting is different of mild steel adjusting

Fig.1: Punch SR Fig.2: Die SR 503 Fig.3: Die SR 502 Fig.4: DieSR
502
candelabra Without cage

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 31

 Table 2

General guidelines for SR502-503 tool selection and St

parameter choice for aluminium* as a function of total thickness

Total Clinching
St
thicknes Die Punch force
Value
s max.
Tooling Dp
type [mm] Jm Article N° [mm] Code Article N° [mm] [kN]
1.0 0.4
3 924 2706 011 (fig.2)
SR 503 07 17 3 924 2736 103**
1.2 0.7 3 92498 98700 (fig.3) 4.7 0.45
SR 502 07 07 (fig.1)
3 92498 97037 (fig.4)
1.4 0.5
1.6 0.5
1.8 0.6
3 924 2706 012 (fig.2) 30
SR 503 10 2.0 17 3 924 2736 105 ** 0.65
1.0 3 92498 98701 (fig.3) 4.5
SR 502 10 2.2 07 (fig.1) 0.7
3 92498 97171 (fig.4)
2.4 0.8
2.6 0.8
2.8 3 924 2706 013 (fig.2) 0.9
SR 503 12 17 3 924 2736 107 **
1.2 3 924 2705 112 (fig.3) 4.2
SR 502 12 3.0 07 (fig.1) 1.0
3 924 2705 120 (fig.4)

* Parameters can change depending ductility

** With Z2 coating

Fig.1 : Punch SR Fig.2 : Die SR 503 Fig.3 : Die SR 502 Fig.4 :DieSR 502
candelabra Without cage

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 32

 Table 3

General guidelines for ST 432 tooling selection and St parameter

choice for mild steel* as a function of total thickness

Clinching
Total St
Die Punch force
thickness Value
max.
Tooling Wp x Tp
type [mm] Jm Article N° [mm] Code Article N° [mm] [kN]
1.0 3 92498 97189 0.5
(fig.7)
ST 432 07 0.7
1.2 3 92498 97128 0.6
(fig.8)
3 92498 31195
1.4 3 92498 97186 0.7
(fig.5 for elastomer
(fig.7)
ST 432 11 1.6 1.1 stripper) 0.8
3 92498 97170
1.8 (fig.8) 4.0x4.5 0.9
03 35
2.0 3 92498 97150 4.0x4.0 1.0
3 924 2749 107
(fig.7)
ST 432 14 2.2 1.4 (fig.6 for 1.1
3 92498 97129
2.5 mechanical 1.2
(fig.8)
stripper)
3 92498 97187
(fig.7)
ST 432 17 3.0 1.7 1.5
3 92498 97133
(fig.8)
* and ferritic stainless steel, and copper
For copper joining, the end stop adjusting is different of mild steel adjusting

Fig.5: Punch ST 40x45 Fig.6: Punch ST 40x45

for elastomer for mechanical stripper

Fig.7 : Die ST 432 candelabra Fig.8: Die ST 432 without cage

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 33

 Table 4
General guidelines for ST 432 tooling selection and St parameter
choice for stainless steel as a function of total thickness

Total Clinching
Die Punch St Value
thickness force max.
Tooling Wp x Tp
type [mm] Jm Article N° [mm] Code Article N° [mm] [kN]
ST 432 1.0 3 92498 97189 (fig.7) 0.8
0.7
07 1.25 3 924 2719 199 (fig.8) 3 924 2749 105 (fig.9 0.9
ST 432 1.4 3 924 2719 107 (fig.7) for elastomer stripper) 1.0
1.1
11 1.5 3 924 2719 198 (fig.8) 1.1
4.0x3.0 * 03 35
ST 432 1.75 3 924 2719 108 (fig.7) 1.3
1.4 3 924 2749 116 1.5
14 2.0 3 924 2719 183(fig.8)
(fig.10 for mechanical
St 432 2.25 3 924 2719 106 (fig.7) stripper) 1.6
1.7
17 2.5 3 924 2719 182 (fig.8) 1.7

* special coating Z1

Fig.9: Punch ST 40x30 Fig.7 : Die ST 432

for elastomer candelabra

Fig.10: Punch ST 40x30 Fig.8: Die ST 432

for mechanical stripper without cage

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 34

 Figures

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 35

 Fig. 1. Main dimensions
RC 0404 IP V3

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 36

 RC 0404 IP V2

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 37

 RC 0404 IP V0

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 38

 Fig. 2. Various components and functions

D1

A24

A1
B2
A3, A4
D2

A5

A2

A52

B5
A47

B1

B2
A51
Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 39
 Fig. 2b, Installation of a hand operated tool

D5

D4
D6

E2 E1

D1

B5

D2
B1 E4

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 40

 Ref. Figs. 2. RIVCLINCH® 0404 IP

A. Workhead
A1 Moving jaw
A2 Fixed jaw
A3 Punch
A4 Stripper
A5 Die with anvil (could be inverted with punch)
A7 Handgrip, manual closing
A8 End stop wheel
A9 Looking screw
A17 Fixing pin
A22 Pin remover
A23 Stripper back-up washer
A24 Greasing nipples
A40 Die spring
A42 Die blade set
A43 Die balde screw
A44 Die holder (elongator and protection)
A45 Anvil
A46 Die tail with semi-round notch
A47 Punch holder (elongator)
A48 Die cage
A51 Air cylinder for pneumatic closing (option)
A52 Handgrip for pneumatic closing (option)
B. Handle
B1 Trigger
B2 Pneumatic connection
B5 Trigger for pneumatic closing (option)

D. Suspension
D1 Suspension ring
D2 Rotating suspension (rotator)
D4 Balancer
D5 Pivoting frame
D6 Linear moving frame
E. Supply
E1 Inlet air hose with valve with fast purging
E2 Pressure regulator and filter / water separator
E4 Air feeding hose for the booster

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 41

 Fig. 3. Removing the die-anvil set

A48 A17 A22

A5

A44

Fig. 3a. Right orientation of the recess on the die

set

A42

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 42

 Fig. 3b. Removing the die-anvil set from an
elongator

A5

A43

A17

A46
A40

A42

A44
A22

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 43

 Fig. 4 a,b,c. Removing the punch-stripper set

A17 A22

Fig. 4a

A4 A23

A3
Fig. 4b

A22 A17

Fig. 4c

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 44

 Fig. 5. Adjusting the end-of-stroke, H and St
values

H, St

- +
A8

A9
Fig.5a Fig.5b

Fig.5c
b

Fig.5d St

Copyright © 2020 by Bollhoff Attexor SA Page 45