As the use of aluminium within vehicle structures is becoming more prolific, there is a need to develop more robust and cost effective methods of joining. This project has achieved significant improvements relating to self-piercing rivets, resistance spot welding, remote laser welding, friction stir welding, granular hot melt adhesives and cold metal transfer (CMT: a development of the MIG process). Additionally, the team has developed innovative and flexible fixturing solutions with resultant cost benefits.
- Established ‘Body-In-White Technology Guild’- A group of competing companies who work together to enhance the regional knowledge base
- Developed Route Map for introducing new process technologies into industry comprising Review, Matching, Analysis , Evaluation & Support
- Identified Remote Laser Welding as a key technology, working with Stadco, Corus, Jaguar Land Rover, SPI, Prima and Comau Systems
- Introduced New Processes within Industry:
Granular Hot Melt Gap Fill Adhesive – Land Rover, Solihull
Resistance Spot Welding of Aluminium (Tip Buffing) – Sertec, Coleshill; and Jaguar, Castle Bromwich
‘Clip Fit’ – Self Location of Metal Panels prior to welding – LDV, Birmingham; Jaguar, Castle Bromwich; and Stadco, Shrewsbury
First CMT unit in the UK – Widney, Birmingham
This video is an excerpt from the PARD DVD. It is 1:14 minutes in duration, and set to loop.
