Improving Global Quality of Life

2. To an increasing extent, joining processes are being integrated into fabrication lines. With regard to the
application of welding, cutting and coating technology in these complex, highly mechanised or automated
fabrication lines, it is necessary to ensure the reliable availability also of the relevant joining technology
installations. This requires a reliable infrastructure for coping with disturbances of these installations too,
i.e. quick presence of experts in the event of perturbations on the cutting, welding, brazing, soldering and
coating machines and high availability of spare parts and substitute devices. Examples are automobile
production and the fabrication of electronic components.
9.2.3 Visions for joining technology optimised for processes
Joining technology optimised for processes permits the flexible application of joining processes. Joining
processes (i.e. installations and systems) are integrated into the production chain as production processes.
Thus, joining processes can quickly react to the product development. There is a direct link between design,
production planning and production / joining technology in order to be able to achieve a rapid production
start and stable production.
Joining processes can be quickly and flexibly adapted to altered fabrication conditions and also to altered
raw material conditions and material conditions.
Joining technology is an integrated part of virtual production.
Joining processes permit maximum productivity with minimum preparation and their joining results
(material, joining process and properties of the joint) are reproducible and calculable and can be subjected
to a complete simulation.
The physical effects and interactions of joining processes are totally known, reconstructable and able to be
modelled and controlled. Therefore, the joining processes of the future can be carried out with resource,
energy and cost efficiency and thus in a sustainable way. In concrete applications, joining processes can be
performed without any emissions and with a minimum heat input.
Examples of joining technology optimised for processes:
Joining processes using nanotechnological processes such as nanofoils, nanoparticles and
nanopastes.
Intelligently combined joining processes (hybrid joining processes) and joining processes with the
coupling of different energy types.
High-speed joining of thick-walled structures, components and piping.
Joining processes for modularised fabrication in vehicle construction using components and
subassemblies with final paintwork.
Joining processes with integrated quality and materials testing and documentation.
Optimised automated joining processes.
Optimised hand-guided joining processes.
102 Improving Global Quality of Life Through Optimum Use and Innovation of Welding and Joining Technologies