Thermal and mechanical joining
In bodyworks, mechanical (clinching, punching rivets) and thermal (welding, soldering) joining processes are frequently used to connect the typically thermoformed sheet metal parts.
In the area of the chassis there are also joint connections, which are subjected to very high stresses. Joint connections have a significant influence on rigidity, energy absorption capabilities (crashworthiness) and dimentional stability (gap dimensions) of a vehicle. Particular challenges in joint technology results from in the trend towards lightweight construction, leading to the use of extremely strong steels and composite construction as well as light metals and plastics. Thus, joining tasks have become more demanding and varied.
Especially with joining, zero-defect production without waste and reworking has become an important challenge, in order to be able to produce vehicles and components of the highest quality in a cost-effective manner. If discrepancies occur, they must be subsequently tested and, if necessary, fixed. It is better to ensure quality directly in the process itself. This saves additional work steps and avoids the loss of added value through defects, which are discovered too late in the process.
INPRO has specialized optimization and monitoring of joining processes in the following points:
- laboratory presentation of joining processes (resistance and shielding gas welding with robots, mechanical joining processes)
- construction of prototypes, which are tested by our partners under serial production conditions
- innovative sensors and evaluation methods for process monitoring
- mechanical testing and metallography for the evaluation of joints connections
- simulation of joining processes and measurement processes for better understanding and targeted optimization
The following equipment is available at INPRO's testing facility for joint fasteners:
- robots in the 30 kg class and energy sources for shielding gas welding
- robots in the 210 kg class and force controlled servo guns with controls for resistance spot welding
- mechanical joining equipment from different manufacturers (punch riveting, clinching)
- tensile testing machines and a vibration workbench for H samples, also under the influence of corrosion.
- metallographic laboratory, mechanical workshop and CAD station
- standardized data capture and processing based on LabView
- simulation software for combined problems (mechanics, heat conduction, induction)
INPRO-Contact
Head of department
Manufacturing and Automation Technology
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