Improving Global Quality of Life
Improving Global Quality of Life
Improving Global Quality of Life
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
5 Needs and challenges in welding and joining technologies<br />
Figure 5.9 Magnetic pulse<br />
technology (Reproduced<br />
courtesy: B. Pekkari)<br />
5.1.7 Structural adhesives<br />
Structural adhesives are not a threat to arc welding but gluing is growing and mainly used in large scale in the<br />
automotive industry. One has to keep in mind that there are several types <strong>of</strong> gluing, such as; adhesive types,<br />
structural adhesive, hem-flange adhesive, weld-through sealant and anti-flutter adhesive. The important<br />
points for the process when used in cars are:<br />
improved fatigue properties,<br />
increased rigidness and,<br />
improved collision properties.<br />
The previous version <strong>of</strong> the Volvo S80 had 5.5m <strong>of</strong> glued joints while the latest one has 26 meter and is 7 kg<br />
lighter. These figures can be compared with the length <strong>of</strong> welds in the BMW 7-series with 150 m, Audi A6<br />
with 122 m and VW Golf V with 30 m.<br />
5.1.8 Composites<br />
Advanced materials such as composites are challenging the supremacy <strong>of</strong> metals in structural applications<br />
due to weight reduction demand in various industrial sectors. In particular the aircraft industries are making<br />
drastic changes in the use <strong>of</strong> materials. The share <strong>of</strong> aluminium on an aircraft has fallen from 70 % in the<br />
Boeing 777, the previous commercial jet launched, to just 20 % on the Boeing 787. The Airbus has made a<br />
similar switch from aluminium to composites in the fabrication <strong>of</strong> A350 aircraft. The main reason for doing<br />
this is to make the aircraft more fuel-efficient and cheaper (less inspection) to operate. Representatives<br />
from the aerospace and aircraft industries are stating that:<br />
Joining in the commercial aircraft industry will continue to be a technology area that can make a<br />
major contribution to the industry.<br />
Materials technology is moving forward quickly and the associated processes must evolve with it.<br />
Metal joining remains a challenge but alternative materials such as composites, ceramics and<br />
thermoplastics can <strong>of</strong>fer significant potential.<br />
Key technology area - Joining <strong>of</strong> dissimilar materials is a growing challenge.<br />
The market for composites including fibre-glass has an annual growth <strong>of</strong> 5.5% in the world. The Asian<br />
market is very vibrant and growing with 9.9% p.a. The total market was forecast to be more than £24 billion<br />
year in 2010. The huge market covers applications such as tanks and pipes, which are working in harsh<br />
environments for storing and transporting corrosive materials. The total cost <strong>of</strong> metallic corrosion in the<br />
US alone is estimated at $280 billion. China is today number two in this area but it will soon overtake the<br />
current market leader USA.<br />
Through Optimum Use and Innovation <strong>of</strong> Welding and Joining Technologies<br />
<strong>Improving</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Quality</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Life</strong><br />
41