New ways to weld
Modern industrial manufacturing is moving towards greater efficiencies, requiring advanced high-performance materials and components. New techniques for joining unlike materials will be key to such developments. The EU-funded YBRIDIO (Novel technologies for dissimilar materials joining) project developed suitable options. The innovations consisted of methods for thermally joining dissimilar materials including metals and plastics, such as laser transmission joining and induction welding. Both techniques deliver energy to the base materials, transferring heat to the polymer via conduction, thereby making an effective joint without adhesive. The purpose was to produce high-quality joints which remain reliable throughout the product's life cycle. The project conducted numerous steps in development and testing. Specifically, the team investigated the most suitable material combinations, plus parameters and treatments affecting bond quality. YBRIDIO identified opportunities for designing new products and components, intended to enhance the mechanical and functional properties of parts. Related work included exploitation and dissemination plans. Nevertheless, researchers concluded that the project's joining methods required further development. Furthermore, the joining cycle times remained excessive. The research yielded more than 10 conference and journal papers. Consortium members also attended a number of events. The YBRIDIO project paved the way for future development of thermal joining technologies. Such developments may enable new, more efficient, industrial processes and technologies.
Keywords
Technologies, YBRIDIO, dissimilar, materials, joining, welding
