Fundamental Investigations to increase the strength of thermoplastic-metal mixed joints by combining the mechanical joining and hot-melt adhesiv bonding

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Michael Gehde (†); Professor Dr.-Ing. Peter Mayr
• Subject Area: Plastics Engineering ; Polymer Materials ; Production Automation and Assembly Technology
• Term: from 2012 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 228187576

The aim of the proposal is the development of a new process technology for joining dissimilar and incompatible materials. Currently, there are no machines for combined hot-melt bonding and clinching in one-step (one clamping of the joining components) available. It is necessary to design and build this system technology. In the first founding period of this project, the required clinching machine with servo-hydraulic spindle drive and a torsional ultrasonic-welding machine were purchased. These were used previously to perform the respective joining processes clinching and hot-melt bonding by using torsional ultrasonic separately. With these separated technologies excellent strengths were already achieved. During the requested founding period, the single processes will now be combined in one machine. A circular horn with a concentric die is provided for the combination. In addition to the melting of the thermoplastic material (hot-melt adhesive), the horn is also used as holding-down device for the clinching process.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants