EuroBlech 2018

•••2••• Innovationen “HPCI” process: Bonding without adhesive Fast direct joining of metal and thermoplastic materials due to “HeatPressCool-Integrative” solution The “HeatPressCool-Integrative” (HPCI) process is highly suitable for replacing complex adhesive processes. Since thermoplas- tics and metal have very differ- ent physical properties – such as melting temperature or thermal expansion coefficient – optimiz- ing the adhesive force between the two joining partners is of out- standing importance. For this reason, the IWS research- ers developed a laser ablation process that generates structure depths of 100 micrometres and more at surface rates of up to 30 square centimetres 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 be- tween 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 par- tially 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 al- lows proven system technology to be used for multi-material ap- plications 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 la- ser beam oscillation enables ex- tremely fast beammovement and control. This procedure allows the temperature field to be adjusted dynamically to compensate for the specific heat dissipation con- ditions of the joined parts. At this year’s EuroBLECH, Fraun- hofer IWS will showcase its latest findings in Hall 11, stand A25. Technology demonstrator for thermal direct joining of metal with thermoplastic fibre com- posite components Photo: Fraunhofer IWS Dresden Continued from page 1 Köster & Co. GmbH | Spreeler Weg 32 | 58256 Ennepetal, Germany koeco.net Bolzenschweiß- und Verbindungs- technik, die neue Maßstäbe setzen!