23 October 2018
A specially developed joining gun generates robust connections within seconds. The “HeatPressCool-Integrative” (HPCI) process is highly suitable for replacing complex adhesive processes. Since thermoplastics and metal have very different physical properties – such as melting temperature or thermal expansion coefficient – optimizing the adhesive force between the two joining partners is of outstanding importance.
For this reason, the IWS researchers developed a laser ablation process that generates structure depths of 100 micrometers and more at surface rates of up to 30 square centimeters per second. Remote or scanner optics focus the continuously radiating laser on the metal and quickly deflect it. This process cleans the surface from adhering oils or dirt on the boundary layer. At the same time, the later penetrating polymer can fill the generated structures so that there is a positive fit between polymer and metal. This eliminates the need to clean the surface with solvents or pickling baths. The actual joining process is quite simple: the pre-structured metallic joining partner is pressed with the polymer. At the same time, the metal is heated at the joint and the thermoplastic is partially melted. In order to adapt this process for industrial use, IWS scientists developed a modularly designed joining gun that can be mounted on a robot arm instead of a spot welding gun. This allows proven system technology to be used for multi-material applications as well. A particular challenge consists in the uniform heating of the metallic joining partners. In addition to inductive heating, laser heating offers a similarly adequate solution.
The use of a two-dimensional laser beam oscillation enables extremely fast beam movement and control. This procedure allows the temperature field to be adjusted dynamically to compensate for the specific heat dissipation conditions of the joined parts.
At this year’s EuroBLECH, Fraunhofer IWS will showcase its latest findings in Hall 11, stand A25.
https://www.iws.fraunhofer.de/
https://www.euroblech.com/
EuroBLECH: Fast joining of metal and thermoplastic materials
A new process for joining materials with different properties has been developed by Fraunhofer IWS. Thermal direct joining presses laser-structured metal with thermoplastic components and heats them locally. This causes the thermoplastic to melt, to penetrate into the structures and to adhere to the surface.
 Photo: Fraunhofer IWS DresdenTechnology demonstrator for thermal direct joining of metal with thermoplastic fiber composite components |
For this reason, the IWS researchers developed a laser ablation process that generates structure depths of 100 micrometers and more at surface rates of up to 30 square centimeters per second. Remote or scanner optics focus the continuously radiating laser on the metal and quickly deflect it. This process cleans the surface from adhering oils or dirt on the boundary layer. At the same time, the later penetrating polymer can fill the generated structures so that there is a positive fit between polymer and metal. This eliminates the need to clean the surface with solvents or pickling baths. The actual joining process is quite simple: the pre-structured metallic joining partner is pressed with the polymer. At the same time, the metal is heated at the joint and the thermoplastic is partially melted. In order to adapt this process for industrial use, IWS scientists developed a modularly designed joining gun that can be mounted on a robot arm instead of a spot welding gun. This allows proven system technology to be used for multi-material applications as well. A particular challenge consists in the uniform heating of the metallic joining partners. In addition to inductive heating, laser heating offers a similarly adequate solution.
The use of a two-dimensional laser beam oscillation enables extremely fast beam movement and control. This procedure allows the temperature field to be adjusted dynamically to compensate for the specific heat dissipation conditions of the joined parts.
At this year’s EuroBLECH, Fraunhofer IWS will showcase its latest findings in Hall 11, stand A25.
https://www.iws.fraunhofer.de/
https://www.euroblech.com/
More news about "EuroBLECH":
20 November 2020
Mack Brooks Exhibitions has today announced the postponement of EuroBLECH, which was scheduled to take place at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds in Germany from 9 to 12 March 2021. The next EuroBLECH, 26th International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition, will return to its normal event cycle and run from 25 – 28 October 2022. This decision was taken in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and following conversations with all exhibitors and partners that have taken place over the past weeks and months. Uncertainties around continued travel restrictions were also a contributing factor to this decision due to the truly international character of the EuroBLECH show. (more…)26 November 2018
EuroBLECH with more than 56,000 visitors
At EuroBLECH, a total of 56,301 visitors from around the world came to Hanover to get an overview of the latest innovations and digital technologies for sheet metal working and to invest in new manufacturing machinery. A total of 1,507 companies from 40 countries exhibited at this year’s show. (more…)15 November 2016
EuroBLECH: More than 60,000 visitors
At EuroBLECH, a total of 60,636 visitors from some 100 different countries came to Hanover to get an overview of the latest technical developments in sheet metal processing. (more…)
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