Abstract:Traditional manufacturing processes for bending and combining the upper and lower heat insulation plates for a car catalytic converter need two kinds of bending dies. This study was carried out to develop a single-action, two-step clinching system for clinching heat insulation plates. To design the operating mechanism for this clinching system, finite element analysis was used to estimate the bending load needed and to predict the bent shape of the heat insulation plate. Then a recovery and cushioning system was designed for the bending die. It is expected that this new process will improve the manufacturing quality of heat insulation plates and will reduce manufacturing cost. And a higher value-added technique for mold and pressing systems was introduced.

Key words: catalytic converter; heat insulation plate; clinching process; FEA