KUKA Welding Technologies for E-Mobility

FSW: Higher quality, more efficient and more sustainable welding

In friction stir welding, a rotating, pin-like tool is guided between the component interfaces. The frictional heat causes the material to plasticize and the parts are joined. Even difficult-to-weld or dissimilar materials such as aluminium can be welded with magnesium, copper or steel. This process consumes less energy and material and does not require shielding gas or flux cored wire as in conventional processes.

FSW welding is used in a wide variety of industries that have special requirements for welding seams, e. g. battery containers, high-speed train sidewalls or tank structures of rockets. In addition to the growth market of e-mobility, the technology is also used in the aviation and electrical industries.

KUKA is working with research partners to further develop the technology: In order to monitor the quality of the weld seams during the process and thus reduce the time and costs of subsequent inspection, KUKA is working with partners in the AI production network of the University of Augsburg on an AI-based process monitoring system.

(Source: KUKA Press Release)