IIW White Paper

2. To an increasing extent, joining processes are being integrated into fabrication lines. With regard to the application of welding, cutting and coating technology in these complex, highly mechanised or automated fabrication lines, it is necessary to ensure the reliable availability also of the relevant joining technology installations. This requires a reliable infrastructure for coping with disturbances of these installations too, i.e. quick presence of experts in the event of perturbations on the cutting, welding, brazing, soldering and coating machines and high availability of spare parts and substitute devices. Examples are automobile production and the fabrication of electronic components. 9.2.3 Visions for joining technology optimised for processes Joining technology optimised for processes permits the flexible application of joining processes. Joining processes (i.e. installations and systems) are integrated into the production chain as production processes. Thus, joining processes can quickly react to the product development. There is a direct link between design, production planning and production / joining technology in order to be able to achieve a rapid production start and stable production. Joining processes permit maximum productivity with minimum preparation and their joining results ( material, joining process and properties of the joint) are reproducible and calculable and can be subjected to a complete simulation. The physical effects and interactions of joining processes are totally known, reconstructable and able to be modelled and controlled. Therefore, the joining processes of the future can be carried out with resource, energy and cost efficiency and thus in a sustainable way. In concrete applications, joining processes can be performed without any emissions and with a minimum heat input. Examples of joining technology optimised for processes: Joining processes using nanotechnological processes such as nanofoils, nanoparticles and nanopastes. Intelligently combined joining processes (hybrid joining processes) and joining processes with the coupling of different energy types. High-speed joining of thick-walled structures, components and piping. Joining processes for modularised fabrication in vehicle construction using components and subassemblies with final paintwork. Joining processes with integrated quality and materials testing and documentation. Joining processes can be quickly and flexibly adapted to altered fabrication conditions and also to altered raw material conditions and material conditions. Joining technology is an integrated part of virtual production.

Optimised automated joining processes. Optimised hand-guided joining processes.

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Through Optimum Use and Innovation of Welding and Joining Technologies

Improving Global Quality of Life