LIFT and Center for Automotive Research to Optimize Joining Methods for Auto Industry

LIFT—Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow has announced a new project with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) to test and evaluate mixed-material joining technologies.

This project, part of LIFT’s Fast Forge program, is led by LIFT and CAR, and partners include CAR’s Coalition for Lightweighting Materials (CALM) working group and LIFT members. The project team will test various joining technologies and recommend the most optimal joining technologies for specific material combinations. The results of this study will be published in the public domain and shared at various industry events. The goal, according to LIFT and CAR, is to increase awareness and reduce the technology qualification barrier.

“Mixed materials are the future for not just the auto industry, but other industries as well, as they look to save on weight, time and ultimately cost,” says Hadrian Rori, chief technology officer, LIFT. “As we look toward a smart manufacturing future, testing, studying and validating those materials is critical to supporting the industry.”

The result will include a detailed catalogue containing information on mixed-material joining technologies, including selection criteria, CAE results, physical testing data for various combinations and application-specific recommendations for the industry.

“LIFT is the right organization to partner with on this project,” says Abhay Vadhavkar, Director of Materials and Manufacturing Technology, CAR. “With both LIFT and CAR here in Southeast Michigan, the epicenter of the auto industry, it is a perfect fit to team up to advance the materials technology into the future.”

The project, valued at $500,000, will take place in several phases to be completed by October 31, 2019.

The phases are: data collection, survey and application specific technology selections; computer-aided simulation studies; coupon-level testing; and ranking of technologies for each material combination for specific applications, including: front structure, underbody, roof, body sides, rear-end and closures.

The “Fast Forge” program at LIFT is designed to solicit exciting new lightweight materials project ideas and put teams together to quickly develop those new technologies.