IIW White Paper

still sometimes an unanswered question. The transfer and use of power source parameters represents one example of this.

In general, it may be stated that, for digital joining technology, the reduction in its complexity is a decisive factor for the applicability of these tools. The models must be improved further and must become plausible. The results of a real portrayal using digital joining technology are being introduced into the virtual factory. Production using joining technology and sustainability With the scarcity of raw materials and with rising energy costs, ever more attention will have to be paid to the sustainability of the production using joining technology. The demand for sustainability is connected with great market opportunities. These market opportunities however, can only be exploited by innovative production technology and by innovative joining technology. In this respect, joining technology in particular will prove to be the pivotal element because only technical development, continuous research and the quick implementation of new educational concepts in joining technology can guarantee that, for example, renewable energies can be used in a technically and, at the same time, economically profitable way, that power stations can be constructed and operated in an efficient, economically viable and environmentally friendly form and that new mobility concepts can already be put into effect in the very near future. Therefore, what challenges does joining technology have to face up to against the background of sustainability? How can it contribute to safeguarding production characterised by sustainability, especially for everything to do with the renewable energies, in an enduring and long-term manner and thus to guaranteeing a sustainable national economy? These questions are making an impression on the further developments of joining technology. For the joining technology perspective, significance is primarily attached to sustainable production because a total of three mechanisms of fabrication are influenced by the imperative of sustainability - with distinct effects on joining technology. These three mechanisms are: New materials and fabrication technologies for sustainable energy generation (in the sense and interests of a new energy infrastructure and an economically stable energy mix). New materials and fabrication technologies for the manufacture of sustainable products (e.g. fully recyclable products, lightweight construction in transport, design concepts for the mobility of the future etc.). Sustainability in production and in joining technology itself, i.e. ever higher energy efficiency with even lower pollutant emissions in production at the same time. Demographic development and qualification of joining technology personnel The very different demographic development in the countries around the globe is demanding the quick implementation of strategies for promoting to young people and for developing personnel. Amongst other consequences, the demographic change in quite a lot of industrialised states is producing a considerable need for the development of machines and systems for such strategies. These may contribute to employees being able to achieve optimum working results in complex working environments in the long term and thus to fulfil requirements on productivity with quality. Reducing burdens at the (joining technology) workplace must be linked with this. Joining technology is planned by the human being. In addition to modern mechanisation and automation concepts, joining technology will still be directly utilised by human beings in future as well. In the wake of the demographic development, there will be globally different requirement profiles for the deployment

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Through Optimum Use and Innovation of Welding and Joining Technologies

Improving Global Quality of Life