BIW JOINING
Friction Element Welding (FEW)
FEW is a multi-material joining technique that can join aluminum to high-strength steel (HSS). It is one of the only methods available to join high strength steels and advanced high strength steels to aluminum alloys.
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It is a thermo-mechanical joining process that uses a frictional element to create frictional heat to join the aluminum alloys to steel.
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The disadvantage of this process is that it is a two-sided process and there is the issue of chipping.
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The different ways to eliminate chipping are elaborated here.
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Friction Element Riveting (FER)
FER is a derivative of the FEW process which is used to join aluminum to aluminum.
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This is a patented process still in the nascent stages of development.
This process uses a small steel backing element to hold together the aluminum stack-up.
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I conducted a process parameter optimization for the FER process based on the joint strength. To learn more about it, follow the link here.
Flow Drill Screwdriving (FDS)
Flow Drill Screwdriving (FDS) is a thermo-mechanical joining process that evolved from friction drilling.
I have extensive research experience in FDS, Self-Piercing Riveting (SPR), clinching, laser welding, ultrasonic welding etc.,
I am involved in troubleshooting and repair of the Deprag FDS equipment.
