The Key to Automotive Lightweighting | Laser Welding

Traditional automobile manufacturing uses a resist welding process for processing, and the quality of the weld is on the low side. Laser welding technology has better precision and deeper penetration. It can be used in the manufacture of various parts and components, so it has received widespread attention. In recent years, laser welding technology has also been gradually promoted from the high-end aerospace field to automobile manufacturing. It plays an important role in the manufacture of automobile parts.

Application of Fiber Laser Welder in Automobile Body Splicing Plate

In the body design and manufacturing, many parts of the manufacturing use different specifications of the steel plate welding formation. In the specific production, welding steel plate to select according to the different body design and performance requirements. Then use laser welding technology to complete the cutting, splicing and other welding operations. Laser welding process widely used in the production of car body manufacturing. It has appeared in the production of major global automobile manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, BMW and so on. This welding technology in more and more automobile body parts used. Commonly welded plate parts mainly include luggage compartment plate, door inner plate, front wheel cover, front longitudinal beam, side enclosure inner plate, center column, bumper, front floor, cross member wheel cover and so on.

Laser Structural Welding of Bodywork

In the manufacture of automotive parts, there are many body components that have been stamped or cut to shape. These components need to use welding technology to become a whole assembly. Laser group welding technology is the key technology for processing the body-in-white subassemblies or assemblies.

Generally, the body parts are first welded in two pairs. Then the previously welded parts are welded in multiple pieces, and gradually welded into body-in-white subassemblies. The different sub-assemblies are assembled to form an assembly. Laser group welding technology can be used in different production scenarios such as high volume, low volume and new prototype production.

However, this technology requires a large investment in equipment in the early stages. The use of the process also requires high maintenance costs, and for the use of the conditions of the relatively harsh requirements. However, the use of this technology can realize high-precision welding, welded car assembly is not easy to deformation of parts. The overall strength of the welded structure is high, and the stiffness of the body assembly is also significantly improved. It makes it widely used in the automotive field by the world’s major automobile manufacturers. Currently in the automobile manufacturing, the body of the laser welding content mainly includes assembly welding, side and roof welding and follow-up welding.

Application of laser welding in typical automotive parts

Intake and Exhaust Valves

Automotive intake and exhaust valves operate in high ambient temperatures and carry large dynamic loads. In actual operation, it is necessary to maintain a high speed to ensure the state of continuous movement, and the movement time is required to be accurate to the scope of milliseconds. However, it should be noted that its operating state is susceptible to engine combustion efficiency, exhaust emissions and many other performance effects. So it must meet the requirements of light weight, high performance and strength at the same time.

Therefore, in the design and manufacture of the valve is generally set into a cavity state, thereby reducing the overall mass of the valve parts. Moreover, the inside of the valve is filled with sodium metal as a coolant to resist high temperatures during operation. So, a mini laser welding machine is commonly used in the production of manufacturing, only laser welding technology can guarantee that the manufactured valves reach high strength.

Clutch

In automobile operation, engine power transmission is achieved by controlling the automobile clutch. Both cut-off and continuous connection of the transmission can be realized. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the cushioning force during operation when designing and manufacturing.

Normally, the main structure of an automotive clutch component consists of two outer housings and one set of coil springs. The housing is then machined using forging technology. Finally, the two outer housings are sealed and welded together using laser welding technology. In the clutch production in the application of laser welding technology can meet the clutch high strength mechanical properties of the requirements. Better guarantee the use of the clutch effect.

Bumper

The front bumper manufactured by laser welding can also realize better performance. For example, dual-phase steel and low-carbon galvanized steel are used to produce bumpers. The plates of different materials can be welded into a flat plate using laser welding technology. A stamping process is then used to transform the flat plates into a corrugated bumper.

The bumper produced by this process can guarantee the light weight and high strength of the bumper. In actual use, it can reduce the mass of the automobile and lower the energy consumption of the automobile. It can also guarantee good anti-collision protection effect.