Joining Technologies

Sectors such as automotive, rail, shipbuilding and architecture are looking for customised structures, although the current limitations of additive manufacturing do not allow this. To meet this challenge, we propose developing advanced materials based on thermosetting composites, already used in aeronautical and automotive industries. The aim is to achieve layer-by-layer bonding with efficient curing to produce large parts using additive manufacturing processes.

Digitalisation of a tube manufacturing line for product quality monitoring and improvement. Key process variables such as temperature and forming pressure will be obtained. The quality of the current sensor system will be assessed and additional sensors for deeper understanding will be considered. Data will be integrated into a digital platform for real-time monitoring and history log access. This project will facilitate the identification of manufacturing patterns, detecting improvements and accurate process optimisation.

Renault España lidera este innovador proyecto para la creación de un ecosistema industrial centrado en la fabricación de vehículos eléctricos y conectados aglutinando 31 iniciativas entorno a la descarbonización, la conectividad y la movilidad como servicio.

Ensuring good properties in the joints of duplex or super-duplex steels used in the manufacture of pipes for various infrastructures is of particular relevance in the chemical industry sector, and more specifically, in industrial plants dedicated to the production of fertilizers.

COROB proposes a smart multi-robotic system for flexible manufacturing, catering to high-mix low-volume needs in Industry 5.0. Human-centered, it integrates robotics, inspection, monitoring, control, and AI from consortium and 15 third parties. Validated in pilots for automotive (multi-robot arc welding) and toolmaking (multi-robot WAAM), it enhances resilience, resource efficiency, circular economy, cost savings, and digital supply chain, boosting European industrial competitiveness.

The LightBEE project addresses a vital challenge: optimizing battery carrier design for manufacturability. Integrating key manufacturing technologies, it aims to create an advanced battery carrier with lightweight construction, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendly manufacturing, and enhanced crashworthiness. The goal is to overcome barriers in designing high added-value components, achieving a lighter, safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly carrier through the use of lightweight materials, multi-material solutions, and advanced joining techniques. This approach marks a significant step towards sustainable and efficient electric vehicles.

Project that develops and validates an ecosystem of new digital technologies for the main processes of national shipyards in order to achieve their technological leap towards digitalization according to Industry 4.0 guidelines, positioning the national sector as a technological benchmark in the international context.

The project addresses the need to implement high-speed FSW (Friction Stir Welding) in the automotive sector, especially in the context of electric mobility (e-mobility). The growing demand for electric vehicles requires more efficient and faster manufacturing processes without compromising quality. FSW welding presents an advanced solution for joining lightweight materials like aluminum, which is crucial for reducing weight and improving the energy efficiency of vehicles.

The project addresses the need to lighten structures through the welding of aluminum and steel components. The solution involves designing and manufacturing structures using bimetallic materials with explosion welding, arc welding, and Friction Stir Welding (FSW). LORTEK contributes by developing the FSW process, including tools and specific parameters, in collaboration with CAF R&D.

Develop and implement new systems for advanced control of the rotary friction welding process. To achieve this, a new process control system will be developed as well as critical sub-systems capable of providing the performance characteristics demanded by highly demanding applications from the control point of view in the manufacture of components by rotary friction welding.