Multimaterials joining

Development and industrialization of joining processes and components for multi-material assemblies

Societal and environmental issues are driving the use of more efficient materials of different types that need to be assembled, hence the need to develop special assembly processes (mechanical or hybrid with welding/ bonding).

IRT M2P aims to innovate in the field of joining processes, developing new hybrid systems to push back the industrial limits of new materials use.

Assemblies mechanical behavior study and the development of dimensioning models allow to predict the feasibility of joints, their service life and to define the optimum process window.

Expertise & Services

Innovative processes development and associated joining components
Feasibility of multi-material configurations and process windows definition
Process monitoring, data acquisition and analysis
Multi-physics processes simulation: use and development of models, definition of material behaviour constitutive laws
Characterization of assemblies mechanical behavior

Single-point and structure scale behaviour modelization
Development of equivalent models applicable in design offices
Hybrid processes (bonding and welding)
Development and understanding of new assembly processes through investment in specific platforms (joining or characterization equipment)

Technology

High speed nailing

Without pre-hole
Joining time: 1s
Only one side access

Flow drill screwing

Possible without pre-hole
Joining time: 1,5 - 3s
Only one side access
Removable component (repairable and recyclable)

Clinching

Stamping connection between a punch and a die
Joining time: 1s
Two sides access
No additional component (lightweighting)
Watertight (sheet integrity)

Self-piercing riveting

Rivet penetration by punching of the top sheet
Joining time: 1s
Watertight (bottom sheet integrity)
Two sides access

Self-piercing riveting (solid)

Solid rivet penetration by punching of the top sheet
Joining time: 1s
Two sides access

Materials functionalization

Resistance welded multi-material assembly enabled by the use of inserts
Local treatments to fit material characteristics to assembly processes

Fasteners

Available toolbox for prototyping some materials, mass treatment and surface treatment of components

Robotization

Industrial representative conditions and processes modeling by taking into account the mistakes brought by the high cadency and the low stiffness of the robotic arms
Working at different levels of maturity (single-point on specimen, multi-point, mini-structures, etc.)