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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

Learn more about PEM fasteners


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