THETA® i Technology

THETA® i denotes a thermo-mechanical joining technology for Mechanically Attached Fasteners (MAF) into Press Hardened Steels (PHS). This enables self-piercing, mechanically attached fasteners to be reliably installed into PHS with tensile strengths up to 2000 MPa+.

THETA® i delivers a robust joining solution for modern lightweight applications, particularly in the automotive industry.

PROCESS VIDEO

Value and Benefits

Thermo-mechanical joining of self-piercing MAF
Suitable for PHS with tensile strengths up to 2000 MPa+
Eliminates the need for laser-cut pre-holes for weld fasteners, significantly reducing laser cycle time and manufacturing cost
Excellent mechanical joint properties and high technical sealing integrity
Improves process robustness, repeatability, and line integration.
Supports high-volume automotive production environments.

Feature	MAF	Welding
Lowest fastener cost
Lowest total joining cost
No effect of surface coating (AlSi)on joint quality
No cold welds
Clamping force during assembly is always transmitted over the full area
No influence on the fastener by the joining process
Technically sealed joint (>> IPX7)
No influence on the fastener by the joining process
Non-destructive corrosion protection achievable (fastener coating)
Joining of reinforcements (patch) without pre-hole
Better visual appearance (no spatter, no burn marks, …)
No joining parameter adjustments needed in running series
Long joining tool life time (No AlSi deposits on electrodes, …)
Significantly improved cyclic load-bearing capacity