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SELF-CLINCHING FASTENERS FROM
S.W. ANDERSON

Hold tight through thin and very thin

PEM® self-clinching fasteners from PennEngineering have been recognized as the market leader in thin sheet fastening for over 75 years. A “go-to” fastening resource for virtually every industry – electronics, data/telecom, medical, automotive, marine, aerospace/avionics – PEM fasteners have enabled the development of ever thinner and lighter end-product designs.

How can PEM fasteners help you?

PEM self-clinching fasteners provide distinct design advantages.

  • Greater reliability and holding power than extruded/tapped or stamped threads, improving the quality and robustness of the connection
  • High pushout and torque-out resistance in thin sheet metal
  • Added strength for sub-assemblies, with fasteners becoming a permanent part of panels, chassis, brackets, etc.
  • High positional accuracy, with no special hole preparation required
  • Cleaner appearance with no swaged rim protrusion, as reverse side of metal sheet remains flush
  • Easier and quicker assembly; less parts on the manufacturing floor

PEM self-clinching fasteners reduce assembly time.

  • Fewer parts to handle, as washers, lock washers and loose nuts are not required in final assembly
  • Fewer assembly steps, which can cut the assembly time from a full minute to just 10 seconds per fastener, reducing assembly costs and increasing manufacturing throughput
  • Simplified and expedited component mounting and assembly operations, even in the field
  • Faster final assembly, as hardware installation is typically performed during fabrication instead of final production
  • No reworking/retapping necessary after application

PEM self-clinching fasteners reduce installed costs. The numbers below come from real cases of savings

  • Flexibility to secure a wider range of materials
  • Real reduction in installed cost versus other fastener designs:
    • Up to 27% less than loose fasteners
    • Up to 40% less than welded fasteners
    • Nearly half that of blind rivet nuts
    • How much can converting to PEM fasteners save you?
      Contact Us at sales@swaco.com for a free cost-savings analysis

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A cost-effective alternative to welding or riveting

PEM self-clinching fasteners are a proven, practical alternative to spot welding or riveting, resulting in labor savings and eliminating quality concerns from welding spatter. They accomplish this by offering a permanent, extremely stress-resistant attachment in sheet metal too thin to be tapped – down to 0.20mm / .008″.

Designed for installation into sheet metal panels made of ductile material softer than the fastener being used, choose PEM fasteners to:

  • attach two metal sheets too thin to weld
  • fasten sheets of unequal thicknesses
  • join dissimilar metals
  • attach ultra-thin metal sections
  • join metal sheets to PCB or plastic panels

PEM products are used almost everywhere

PEM self-clinching fasteners are a proven solution for myriad of industries and applications

  • Automotive - EV & Charging, Electronics, eMobility
  • Electronics - Consumer Goods, Datacom & Telecom, Servers
  • Specialty Manufacturing- Aerospace, Defense, Medical, Industrial & Commercial
  • Infrastructure - Sheet Metal and Metal Enclosures

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PEM Services Overview

Your competitive advantage starts here


With us, take the steps needed to ensure your fastener choices are exactly right

  • Application Review
  • Custom Design / Product Development
  • Engineering Drawings and 3D Models
  • Samples and Prototype Testing

Through our partners, we offer a multitude of testing services to ensure your fastened joint is robust

  • FEA Analysis
  • Mechanical Testing
  • Tensile & Compression Strength
  • Micro Hardness
  • Fastener Joint Cross-Sectioning
  • Corrosion & Plating Testing

Learn why something works (and where it's can be better)

  • Complete Product Disassembly
  • Assembly Structure Assessment
  • Identify Alternative Fastening Solutions
  • Alternative Fastener Replacement/Testing
  • Teardown Report
  • Identify Efficiencies/Implementation Plan

PEM self-clinching fasteners reduce installed costs. The numbers below come from real cases of savings

  • Free Training Sessions from SW and Supplier Experts
  • Live, Web-based, and Pre-recorded Training Options Available
  • Topics Include:
    • Up to 27% less than loose fasteners
    • Theory, Best Practices, Application Exploration
    • Intro to Self-Clinch Theory
    • Proper Fasteners for Stainless Steel Panels
    • Surface Mount Fastener Technology (SMT) vs. Broach

Contact Us Here for more information on PEM Services ▶


Source PEM Fasteners from S.W. Anderson – the perfect fit

We’re one of the nation’s top PEM fastener distributors, and we’ve been specifying, designing, and implementing them into customer applications for more than 60 years.

We offer a large in-stock inventory with shorter lead times, custom packaging options and, of course, superior service — like in-person visits to solve your application concerns and design challenges. As your trusted partner, you can always count on us for accurate, on-time delivery.

Browse Our Inventory Here or Contact Us for assistance ▶