Page 10 - Motor Fan illustrated Special Edition

ALUMINUM MATERIAL
04 Aluminum alloy joining technologies
Aluminum alloys used in automobiles : 4

Enhanced aluminum presence in the current multi-material trend

Today, as in the past, fusion welding is the mainstream method for devices has evolved. There is also the technology called
joining aluminum alloys. The two most common kinds of welding Mechanical Clinching, which enables tight fixing without rivets.
are Metal Inert Gas (MIG) and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG). Aluminum Behind the rise in the number of body structures, there has also
alloys were introduced to reduce vehicle weight, and this led to been an increase in the use of structural adhesives.
breakthroughs in the aluminum joining technologies used in the Moreover, joining technology for combining different materials,
manufacture of cars, including laser welding and Friction Stir such as aluminum and steel or aluminum and resin, continues to
Welding (FSW), for joining without a melting process. These evolve. It can be described as a trendy technology that is capable
technologies are both being used widely today. of contributing not only to the increased utilization of aluminum
In the case of Mechanical Joining, the technology for fixing parts alloys, but also to reducing the weight of the vehicle body and the
together with rivets, bolts and screws, self-piercing rivets and other chassis structure.

Joining technologies

Punch riveting Laser welding
Motor Fan illustrated
Two sheets are joined by forcing a edge-shaped A laser light is pointed at the parts to be joined
rivet through them. to weld them together.

Flow drill screwing Self-piercing riveting Mechanical clinching

ALUMINUM AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY
A method of screw fastening in which the The leg portion distorts and cuts into the base A die is used to clinch materials together from
fastening member can be removed. materials to fasten them together. above and below.

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FSW-FSSW

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a joining technology that involves the Butted surfaces
use of a tool with a pointed revolving tip that is pressed against
the metal, which is then softened by friction-generated heat. This
plasticized material is used to join pieces of metal together. Tool
This method has many benefits, including low levels of distortion
and residual stress, and less significant reduction in strength
when exposed to heat.
Joined
asection Pin
Friction stir spot welding (FSSW)

Tool

Insertion/joining Withdrawal