Honda new welding technology used on Accord 2013

Honda new welding technology used on Accord 2013

Japanese carmaker revealed metal welding technology (aluminum and steel) reduce 25% by weight of the car will be used on all versions of the Accord in 2013 sold in North America.

Welding two metal material structure inconsistency is always a challenge for auto manufacturers in an effort to lighten the car. Despite the successes in the welding of aluminum to steel, but most are not reliable enough.

Based on the principle of friction stir welding (Friction Stir Welding), the development team has created topology certainly high pressure. Honda explained the technology to create new and stable link between aluminum and steel by moving a rotary tool above the upper aluminum high pressure steel plate. Make sure welds than traditional inert gas welding methods.


Method of welding metal (aluminum and steel). Photo: Honda
According to Honda the new technology saves fuel by 25% weight reduction compared to using a steel frame, and allows structural changes subframe, suspension attachment points. The extra 20% rigidity for fitting allows enhanced dynamics.

New methods to save power than the type of inert gas welding, does not require the complex machinery such as traditional stir welding method. In fact it can be mounted on industrial robots, welding applications for aluminum to aluminum without major adjustments.

Inspection systems use infrared cameras and laser weld monitoring all. Honda will apply new technology on all versions of the Accord in 2013 in North America. Will then be applied to other versions.