Self-clinching fasteners in sheet metal parts
We insert self-clinching nuts, studs, standoffs and similar elements so the part is ready for final assembly.
Nuts · Studs · Standoffs
What are self-clinching fasteners?
A self-clinching fastener is an element — a nut, a stud, a standoff — anchored into the sheet by deforming the material itself, with no welding or adhesive. The part leaves the plant with the fixing point already built in.
It solves the classic thin-sheet problem: there is not enough material for a reliable thread. Instead of welding a nut on — with the distortion and rework that brings — an element designed for the job is pressed in, and the part stays flat.
It is an operation planned from the start, because the seat has to be cut to the exact size of the fastener during cutting or punching.
Materials and thicknesses for self-clinching fasteners
Metals and sheet thicknesses we work with as standard. If your industrial project needs a material that is not in the table, say so in your enquiry and our engineering office will confirm whether we can handle it.
This service works with the same materials and thicknesses as the rest of the plant. The full table is on the Sheet metal laser cutting page.
CAD file formats accepted for quoting
- DXF
- DWG
- STEP / STP
- STL
- IGS / IGES
- PNG
- JPG
With DXF, DWG or STEP we work straight from your file geometry: no need to redraw the part, and the quote comes back sooner.
We do more than check the drawing: we advise you on nesting (how the sheet is used) so you get the lowest possible price per part before anything is cut.
How our engineering office works
If you would rather not fill in the form, send the drawing straight to cata@catagermans.com.
Confidential handling. Your drawings are only used to prepare the technical assessment and are not shared with third parties. If you need a signed non-disclosure agreement, send it over.
Technical capabilities for self-clinching fasteners
| Elements | Self-clinching nuts, studs, standoffs and similar fasteners |
|---|---|
| Fixing method | Anchored by deforming the sheet, without welding |
| Preparation | Seat produced at laser cutting or punching |
Applications and types of custom metal parts
- Threaded fixing points in thin sheet.
- Enclosures and covers that are bolted together at assembly.
- Standoffs maintaining spacing between components.
- Parts that must stay flat and cannot take a welded nut.
Sectors we manufacture for
We manufacture for industrial companies across very different sectors. These are some of the most common ones, but not the only ones: if yours is not listed, tell us about the part and we will confirm whether we can make it.
- Automotive
- Food industry (stainless steel)
- Agricultural machinery
- Construction
- Steel structures
- Energy
- Street furniture
Why work with Catà Germans
- Every process under one roof
- Cutting, forming, machining, welding and finishing in the same plant. We handle the whole logistics side so you receive the parts palletised and protected at your own factory, anywhere in Catalonia and the surrounding area, on the agreed lead time.
- In-house engineering office
- We review the drawing before manufacturing and prepare production from CAD/CAM. If something does not add up, we ask you instead of interpreting it ourselves. And if what you have is a sketch or a question, we will help with that too: advice is part of the service.
- From drawing to finished product
- Some finishes, such as painting or zinc plating, are done with specialist workshops. We handle the coordination and deliver with our own fleet: a single order and a part ready to fit.
- Raw material in stock
- We keep sheet and tube permanently in stock, so many standard jobs can start without waiting for material.
- Over 65 years of the trade
- A family business founded in 1958, specialised in industrial subcontracting of metal parts. You deal directly with the people who make the part.
Frequently asked questions
When is this better than welding a nut on?
Mainly on thin sheet and on parts that must stay flat or have a visible face: pressing in adds no heat, so it neither distorts the part nor marks the other side.
Does it need to be shown on the drawing?
Ideally yes. The seat is produced during cutting or punching and has to match the fastener exactly. Tell us the intended reference or what the fixing point has to do and we will prepare it in engineering.
Which references do you use?
We work with the standard self-clinching fasteners available on the market. Describe the joint you need and we will confirm the right element with the quote.
Which file formats do you accept?
We accept PDF, DXF, DWG, STEP/STP, STL, IGS/IGES and also PNG or JPG images. If you do not have a final drawing yet, send us a dimensioned sketch and we will review it all the same.
Do you make one-off parts or only production runs?
We handle one-off parts and prototypes as well as small, medium and large batches and repeat production. You can specify this in the quote request.
How quickly do you reply to an enquiry?
We send the technical response as soon as possible once we have the drawing and the part details.
Do you offer painting, zinc plating or other surface finishes?
You can include them in the order. These finishes are carried out with specialist workshops we work with regularly, but we handle the coordination and the transport: you place a single order and receive the finished part.
Can I combine several processes in one part?
Yes — that is the normal way we work. A part can go through laser cutting, bending, welding and finishing inside the same plant, under a single order and a single point of contact.
Request information or a quote
Send us the drawing and the part details and we will come back with a technical answer as soon as possible.
Reply as soon as possible