Aluminum Bonding Technology Using Frictional Heat Reduces Energy Use by 99%

The Mazda Motor Corporation has developed a low-cost, energy-efficient aluminum bonding technology for use in the process of assembling aluminum vehicle bodies. This frictional heat aluminum bonding technology is the first of its kind in the world.

Conventional resistance welding requires specialized, large-scale equipment and instantaneous application of a powerful electric current, which consumes a large amount of electricity. In the bonding technology developed by Mazda, the joint is held together with a welding tool and revolved while pressure is applied, in order to use the frictional heat originating from the process.

The electricity needed to revolve and apply pressure to the welding tool is the only energy needed for bonding. It does not need a powerful current, coolant water or compressed air, which are all necessary for conventional bonding technology, thus reducing energy use by 99 percent. Neither a large scale electricity supply facility nor special equipment are needed, which allows for cuts in capital spending of 40 percent.

Use of aluminum in automobiles is one of the vital approaches for improving fuel efficiency and reducing the weight of the chassis. However, since aluminum transfers heat more readily than steel, conventional bonding methods are not efficient in terms of technology or cost. Mazda will use this technology to build the back door and bonnet of the new sports car "RX-8," to be released in April this year.

The company plans to expand its capacity for using aluminum in automobiles in the future, and also hopes that this new technology will make a broad contribution to environmental conservation, as it can be applied in all manufacturing industries that use aluminum materials.



Posted: 2003/04/28 10:07:11 AM
Japanese version