Joining

Friction Stir Welding

Sapa Automotive has extensive joining experience. Joining technologies are key issues in the automotive industry. Aluminium components can be joined with a range of methods, i.e, SPR (self-piercing rivets), adhesives and combinations of riveting and adhesives. Several welding methods are available such as MIG and TIG.

Friction Stir welding is a welding method that uses a rotary dowel to join pieces with minimal influence on the material’s properties. Extruded aluminium sheets as big as side panels for train cars are manufactured this way.

Friction stir welding vs. Conventional welding

• Better strength
• Added density
• Porous free joining
• Low heat distortion