Further Development of an Adaptive Joining Technique Based on Friction Spinning to Produce Pre-Hole-Free Joints

Abstract

Mechanical joining processes are an essential part of modern lightweight construction. They permit materials of different types to be joined in a way that is suitable for the loads involved. These processes reach their limits, however, as soon as the boundary conditions change. In most cases, these elements are specially adapted to the joining point and cannot be used universally. Changes require cost-intensive adaptation of both the element and the process control, thus making production more complex. This results in high costs due to the increased number of auxiliary joining element variants required and reduces the economic efficiency of mechanical joining. One approach to overcoming this issue is the use of adaptive auxiliary joining elements formed by friction spinning. This article presents the current state of research on pre-hole-free joining with adaptive joining elements. The overall process chain is illustrated, explained and analyzed. Special attention is paid to demonstrating the feasibility of pre-hole-free joining with adaptive joining elements. The chosen mechanical parameters are subsequently listed. Finally, a comprehensive outlook of the future development potential is derived.