 | 2008 |
Abstract:
One major objective of the Collaborative Research Center SFB/TR10 is the flexible and competitive production of frame structures which meet the requirements of lightweight design. The development of composite extrusion by embedding continuous reinforcing elements, like e.g. steel wires, in profiles during the extrusion process illustrates one approach to fulfill these conditions. To assemble such composite profiles, joining processes and strategies have to be developed taking into account the special composite material characteristics. In addition, the flexible production of lightweight frame structures in small quantities generates more requirements on the joining technology. The feasibility of joining by forming has been carried out investigating experimentally both conventionally extruded and reinforced profiles. Therefore, joining profiles to lightweight frame structures by both expansion and compression has been examined. The necessary forming pressure for the joining by forming processes was applied to tubular workpieces by a medium (hydroforming) and by a magnetic field (electromagnetic compression). Joints have been manufactured by these two processes to transmit axial loads either by force- or form-fit.