The new PEM® VariMount™ fastening system (Type VM) from PennEngineering® utilizes proven self-clinching technology paired with a round steel or stainless steel base plate to offer a clean and ready-made assembly for mounting into any rigid material or panel, including composites, plastics, and metals. Multiple radial holes in the base plate and a generous footprint combine to promote effective mounting of the assembly, whether the method is mold-in or laminate with layers, adhesives, standard fasteners, or spot welding. Mounting can be performed either on the front or through the back of a panel.
Promoting both reliability and cosmetics, the VariMount assembly’s pre-installed PEM fastener – permanently clinched into the base plate – holds securely in place without the use of unsightly welds. In addition, the radial holes in the base plate for mounting the assembly are specifically sized to accept universally standard diameters of rivets, self-clinching fasteners, and loose hardware such as nuts, bolts, and screws.
A variety of PEM self-clinching fastener types for accepting mating hardware in the application can be specified for VariMount assemblies. Standard offerings available in a range of metric and unified thread sizes and lengths include steel and stainless steel nuts, steel blind nuts, steel standoffs, and steel and stainless steel threaded studs. Beyond these standard offerings, other PEM fastener types and sizes can also be supplied pre-installed into base plates to suit particular application requirements. Users also can purchase base plates separately.