Page 10 - MFi Vol.152 ATZ Extra Issue 2019

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

Enhanced aluminum presence in the current multi-material trend

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

Evolving joining technologies for aluminum

Laser beam welding
Motor Fan illustrated
Resistance spot welding (aluminum/aluminum) Adhesion
Resistance spot welding (aluminum/aluminum)
(steel/steel)

MIG welding
Flow drill screws

ALUMINUM AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY

10

Semi-hollow punch rivets

Friction Element Welding

YAG laser welding

MAG welding
(steel/steel) Roller hemming Clinching Punch rivets

FSW FSSW
Friction stir spot welding (FSSW)
Friction stir welding (FSW) is a joining
technology that involves the use of a
tool with a pointed revolving tip that is Tool
pressed against the metal, which is
then softened by friction-generated
heat. This plasticized material is used
to join pieces of metal together.
Insertion/joining Withdrawal