The hem flange joint is used to attach the inner and outer panels of almost all automotive closure assemblies (hoods, doors, trunk lids, liftgates). Typically, this mechanical lock joint is augmented with an adhesive, applied to the inner surface of one of the panels before assembly and hemming. There are many issues with this traditional assembly method, including adhesive cost, dispensing, cure time and cure initiation, closure stiffness and crashworthiness, and hem flange width requirements. One particular problem is relative sliding of the inner and outer panel after hemming and before the adhesive has cured. This results in poor panel fit on the body, as the outer skin has shifted relative to the attachment points on the inner panel. A possible solution to these problems is to laser tack weld the panels together shortly after hemming. Laser welding closure assemblies reduces the need for adhesive, and produces a stiffer, more robust assembly. It may be possible to reduce hem flange width for laser welded closures, and the panel shifting problem is eliminated once the assembly is welded. This paper will describe the process requirements for laser welding on a hem flange, a laser welding system designed for hem flange welding, and show hem flange welding results for both steel and aluminum closure assemblies.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Laser welding of hem flange joints


    Additional title:

    Laserschweißen von Falzflanschverbindungen


    Contributors:
    Mueller, R. (author)


    Publication date :

    2000


    Size :

    10 Seiten, 9 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 3 Quellen



    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    Hem flange laser welding

    Eimermann,T. / Opel,Ruesselsheim,DE | Automotive engineering | 1992


    Pneumatic Permeability of Flange Joints

    Shishkin, S. V. / Makhutov, N. A. / Shishkin, S. S. | British Library Online Contents | 2006




    Wheel-flange welding, results and experiences

    Reiter, M. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1929