Welding of aluminium to steel by means of laser technology

Objective

Welding aluminium to steel can be used for many interesting possibilities. One of the most important applications can be found in yacht and ship building and transportation industries. Here, the welding of the two materials can lead to enormous weight savings and consequently to reduction of gas emission and fuel savings. Until recently, it was impossible to join aluminium to steel by means of welding. However, new possibilities arise with the development of high-powered laser technology. This project aims to perform a co-operative research to the development of methods and techniques to weld aluminium to steel. A characteristic of such welding is that 3-D welding is required. This requires the use of a high-powered Nd:YAG laser and robots.

Programme(s)

• FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.3.-3. - Key Action Land Transport and Marine Technologies

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (1)