Attaching fixing and mounting elements on body structures

Application: assembly processes for vehicle and aircraft interiors

Initial situation

If a component is to be attached to larger metallic structures, this is often done by adding drilled holes or inserts and subsequently screwing on or attaching weld studs. If the structures are made of a fibre-reinforced plastic, drilled holes or inserts will greatly weaken the strength of the structure. Conventional stud welding methods cannot be used either. For this reason, the fixing and mounting elements are typically bonded with an adhesive. The high cost of cleaning the joining areas, the application of adhesives, and the long curing times justified the development of new mounting solutions.

Solution

Fixing and connecting elements to structures made of fibre-reinforced plastic can be done quickly and reliably using the hyJOIN® joining technology. The joining tool presses the metallic mounting element onto the structure and simultaneously heats it via inductive eddy currents. The resulting connection, created in 1–3 seconds, can be stressed immediately after process completion. To ensure sufficient flexibility, the hyJOIN® tool can be positioned with a robot. Depending on the type and stiffness of the structure, it is possible to work with or without a counter brace, as in the case with spot welding pliers.

Technical consultancy