Development of a hybrid production plant with application-oriented joining technology for low-distortion welding and subsequent milling and marking of sheet metal and extruded profiles

Funding: ZIM

Duration: 04/19 - 03/21

Abstract:
The aim of the project is the development of a hybrid machine concept for welding, milling and marking of large extruded aluminium panels with component dimensions of approx. 15x4m for the production of ship segments on a single machine. This allows a considerable reduction of production times and costs. At the same time, the complete processing of the entire manufacturing process in one company can significantly reduce the material requirements, because the necessary material quantity/component dimensions can be produced directly according to requirements. Logistics and storage costs are also significantly reduced, because the shortened process times mean that production can be carried out directly on customer request and not "on stock". In order to also be able to weld with low distortion in the future, the machine should be able to weld the plates using the friction stir welding (FSW) process. Especially for this process step, the machine tool has to be designed and further developed to be lightweight and highly rigid.