The type of self-clinching nut shown here allows very close-to-edge mounting in a metal sheet, where restrictive design envelopes give engineers few alternatives.
(Source: PennEngineering)Leon M. Attarian, PennEngineering
In the universe of fastening and joining technologies available for attaching thin metal assemblies, self-clinching fasteners display a wide array of advantages. Their overarching function is to provide permanent, reusable, load-bearing threads to accept mating hardware in metal sheets too thin to be tapped, or where extruded or stamped threads would be impractical.
Upon installation (usually during fabrication), self-clinching fasteners become integral parts of an assembly and will not loosen or fall out, even when the mating thread is removed. They never have to be restrained from rotation with a tool, (…)
via Design News – Features – 9 Fundamental Facts for Self-Clinching Fastener Success.