Self-punching fastener

A self-punching functional element that is adapted for punching into a sheet metal part, said self-punching functional element comprising

• a head part (12) forming a flange and having a contact surface (14) for contact with the workpiece;
• and
• a punching section (16) that extends away from the head part, from the contact surface, and that is arranged coaxially to a central longitudinal axis (A) of the functional element,
• wherein the punching section has a peripheral punching edge (22) at a free end for punching through the workpiece and in a peripheral direction, said cavity (20) having an opening (24) defined by the punching edge, and
• wherein an inner wall (18i) of the punching section facing the cavity has at least one elevated rib projecting radially inwardly into the cavity, and extending in an axial direction, and
• wherein a first region of the inner wall starting adjacent the punching edge and extending toward the head part is a plain cylinder free of ribs or other structures that extends more than 50% of the axial length of the cavity.