Aluminum assembly - Articles

Joining Aluminum With Friction-Based Self-Pierce Riveting

December 2, 2024

New process combines the mechanical joining mechanism of self-pierce riveting with the solid-state joining mechanism of friction-stir spot welding.

Automation Helps Lotus Zoom Ahead

Austin Weber

December 14, 2021

Lotus Cars Ltd. has been famous for cutting-edge technology for more than 60 years. For decades, the British company founded by legendary engineer Colin Chapman was synonymous with Formula 1 motor racing.

Bonding Aluminum in Automotive Assembly

Surface preparation of aluminum plays an important role in the durability of bonded joints.

Francesca Cavezza Ph.D.

August 4, 2021

During the past decade, the average amount of aluminum in passenger cars has doubled. Based on the latest designs, this trend will continue in the coming years.

New Materials, New Fasteners

As automakers replace steel with lightweight materials, new fasteners will replace conventional screws.

John Sprovieri

June 11, 2021

Steel has been, is now, and will continue to be the predominant material for vehicle structures and body parts, such as doors, hoods, liftgates and fenders. But, other materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, plastics and composites, are becoming increasingly important.

New Fastener Enables Mercedes-Benz to Join Aluminum Parts

Jim Camillo

December 10, 2020

When the latest-generation C-Class series of automobiles was being developed in 2014, Mercedes-Benz designers placed a great emphasis on weight reduction to reduce fuel consumption.

Aluminum Manufacturing Startup Invests $16 Million to Build Factory

June 23, 2020

RICHMOND, IN — A newly formed aluminum manufacturer has announced plans to establish a factory in eastern Indiana.

High-Speed Rail Demands Light Railcars

Carbon-fiber composite is on track for big growth in the rail sector

Austin Weber

June 9, 2020

Automotive and aerospace manufacturers have been at the forefront of the lightweighting trend for some time now. But, they're not the only ones. The railway industry could also benefit from the use of new, lightweight structural materials.

Lasers for Lightweighting

Lasers are creating new possibilities for automakers to shape and join lightweight materials

John Sprovieri

October 4, 2018

Automotive OEMs worldwide are desperate to reduce vehicle weight these days. BMW is no exception.

Leather Embosser Gives Joining Module the Stamp of Approval

Friction Spot Welding to Play Role in Automotive Lightweighting

Jim Camillo

September 14, 2018

As manufacturers expand the use of aluminum, titanium, magnesium and other high-strength, lightweight alloys, interest in alternative joining technologies is increasing.

Advances in Self-Piercing Riveting

Self-piercing rivets are helping automakers assemble aluminum and high-strength steel

John Sprovieri

August 2, 2018

According to a new study by P&S Market Research, global sales of self-piercing rivet technology (SPR) will grow at a cumulative annual rate of 26 percent between 2016 and 2022. P&S predicts manufacturers worldwide will consume 45 billion of the fasteners in 2022.