The VariMount fastening system allows the use of PEM self-clinching fasteners for attachment applications in composites, plastics, metal and any rigid material or panel, claims PennEngineering. The company says the system integrates a self-clinching nut, stud, or standoff pre-installed permanently into a steel or stainless steel base plate.
The base plate with multiple radial holes effectively becomes a mounting platform, which, it’s claimed can be bonded or mechanically attached to virtually any rigid material. Once mounted, the pre-installed PEM self-clinching fastener ultimately is positioned where designed to accept mating hardware.
The assembly can be mounted using a variety of methods, including mould-in, laminate with composite layers, adhesives, standard fasteners or rivets, or spot welding. When mounting the assembly with hardware, the radial holes are specifically sized to accept universally standard diameters of rivets, self-clinching fasteners, and loose hardware such as nuts, bolts, and screws.
