Talat Lecture 4105: Combination Of Joining Methods

TALAT Lecture 4105

Combination of Joining Methods 16 pages, 19 figures Basic Level prepared by Lothar Budde, Universität-Gesamthochschule Paderborn

Objectives: − to describe the combination of mechanical joining with adhesive bonding with respect to application criteria, productions considerations and resultant properties

Prerequisites: − General mechanical engineering background − TALAT lectures 4101 - 4104

Date of Issue: 1994  EAA - European Aluminium Association

4105 Combination of Joining Methods

Table of Contents

4105 Combination of Joining Methods ..............................................................2 4105.01 Application Criteria.................................................................................. 3 Comparison of Functional Characteristics of Different Fastening Technologies ....3 Classification Index of Joints...................................................................................4 Advantages of Combined Joint Types .....................................................................4 Properties of Elementary Joints ...............................................................................5 Main Advantages and Disadvantages of Adhesive Joining .....................................5 Fold-Adhesive Joints ...............................................................................................6 Examples of Combined Joints Used in the Aircraft Industry ..................................6 Combination of Material Locking and Form Locking Joints...................................7 Fractured Surfaces of Combined Joints after Shear Testing....................................8 4105.02 Production Considerations...................................................................... 8 Production of Combined Joints................................................................................8 Production Variants for Combined Joints................................................................9 Technical Operations in the Production of an Adhesive-Clinch Joint Combination ...............................................................................................................................10 Methods of Producing Adhesively Joint and Clinched Fastenings........................10 Form of Clinched Joints With and Without Adhesives .........................................11 4105.03 Properties of Combination Joints.......................................................... 12 Criteria for the Use of Combined Joining Technologies .......................................12 Results of Fatigue Tests with Adhesive Joints ......................................................13 Impact Strength of Different Joints........................................................................13 Shear Strength of Different Joints With and Without Ageing...............................14 Comparison of Properties of Different Joining Technologies ...............................15 4105.04 Literature/References ............................................................................ 15 4105.05 List of Figures............................................................................................ 16

TALAT 4105

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4105.01 Application Criteria • • • • • • • • •

Comparison of functional characteristics of different fastening technologies Classification index of joints Advantages of combined joint types Properties of elementary joints Main advantages and disadvantages of adhesive joining Fold-adhesive joints Examples of combined joints used in the aircraft industry Combination of material locking and form locking joints Fractured surfaces of combined joints after shear testing

Comparison of Functional Characteristics of Different Fastening Technologies The functional characteristics of the different fastening technologies is important, since this enables us to choose the most appropriate joining technology for light constructions which are being developed and used increasingly. A large number of the so-called "classical" fastening technologies currently in use fulfil these requirements only partly, making it necessary to use solutions which are a compromise (Figure 4105.01.01).

Joining Technology Characteristics Functional Characteristics

Adhesive Joining

Spot Welding

Clinching

Riveting

Load-Carrying Load-Carrying

Load-Carrying

Load-Carrying

Fixing

Fixing

Fixing

Fixing

Sealing

Elec. Conduct.

Elec. Conduct.

Elec. Conduct.

Isolating

Relatively Low Relatively Low Relatively Low Fatigue Strenght Fatigue Strenght Fatigue Strenght

Damping Equalising Good Fatigue Strength

Source: Budde alu Training in A luminium Application Technologies

TALAT 4105

Comparison of Functional Characteristics of Different Fastening Technologies

3

4105.01.01

Classification Index of Joints The joining technology used in light constructions should be such that the classification index of the joint, a value for the functional characteristics relative to the corresponding base material of the corresponding material combination, optimally approaches the limiting value of 1 (Figure 4105.01.02).At increased stresses, the principles of force actions, the reduction of disadvantageous notch effects, the constancy of the material properties and the joint reliability become increasingly important. A consequence of the above mentioned is that there is an increasing tendency to use aluminium for highly stressed constructions.

Functional Properties of the Joint

1

Functional Properties of the Base Material

Increasing Stress Levels

Source: Wittke, Füssel

Classification Index of Joints

alu

4105.01.02

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Advantages of Combined Joint Types A combination of joint types can be used, among others, to take advantage of the specific material properties of aluminium, thus making it possible to optimise the joint quality, allow certain materials and material combinations to be joint and/or to simplify the fastening process. A combination of different joint types can be used either to improve the statical and dynamical properties of the joint or to guarantee leakproof joints (Figure 4105.01.03).

Combined Joints Improving the Static and Dynamic Properties of Joints!

Guaranteeing the Joint Gas and Fluid Tightness!

alu

Advantages of Combined Joint Types

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

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4105.01.03

Properties of Elementary Joints Depending on the load carrying capacity and the design of the light construction, the types of joints used may be of the material locking kind or of the force or shape locking type (Figure 4105.01.04). The choice of the elementary joints to be used in combination is based on the principle of elimination. According to this principle, those particular combinations of joints which do not fulfil any one out of a required list of criteria, are eliminated. Elementary Joints Form Locking

Force Locking

Material Locking

Strength Temperature Stability Sealing Props. Safety against Loosening Detachability Corrosion Resistance Electrical /Tthermal Conductivity Function Fulfilled Function not Fulfilled Source: Wittke, Füssel alu

Properties of Elementary Joints

4105.01.04

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Main Advantages and Disadvantages of Adhesive Joining Adhesive joining plays an important role in the design of ultralight constructions. The main advantages of adhesive joints are the transmission of forces over large areas and the possibility of joining different and non-metallic materials as well as material combinations. The disadvantage of adhesive joining is the fact that, as a rule, the components have to be held rigidly in a fixture during the hardening process. In addition to this, adhesive joints have a limited high-temperature strength (Figure 4105.01.05).

One-Sided Overlapped Adhesive Joints Advantages:

Disadvantages:

- Force Transmission over Large Areas - No Thermal Influence of Material Microstructure - Suitable for Different Types of Materials and for Non-Metals

- Sensitive to Peeling Forces - Aging Problems - Limited Warm Strength

Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Main Advantages and Disadvantages of Adhesive Joining

4105.01.05

The specific disadvantages of adhesive joining can be compensated for by using a TALAT 4105

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combination of this material locking joint type with force and shape locking types of joints. Examples of such combined joints can be found in the automotive (mass production) and aircraft (small series production) industries.

Fold-Adhesive Joints In the automotive industry, the combination of adhesive joining and folding can be used for fastening car-body parts. If applied properly, the folded and adhesively joint parts possess the combined advantages of both fastening technologies (Figure 4105.01.06). The main advantage of folded joints is that these can be loaded immediately, i.e., a rational production is possible. The surfaces of the folded joints produced remain smooth and clean. The additional use of adhesives in the fold leads to leakproof joints. At the same time, the adhesive used improves the damping characteristics of the whole aluminium construction. Folding and Adhesive Joining in Body Building

Adhesive Joint Function: Sealing

Interior Part Exterior Part

Folding Joint Aluminium Sheet

Function: Strength

Soucre: Hoesch Company Document alu

Fold-Adhesive Joints

4105.01.06

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Examples of Combined Joints Used in the Aircraft Industry Some adhesive and sealed joints are prone to a deleterious ageing, especially if exposed to industrial atmosphere, water, solvents or aggressive chemicals. Examples of combined adhesive and sealed joints used in aircraft construction illustrate how this deleterious effect can be reduced by the judicious choice of adhesive and sealant, the long-time testing of the joints, a specific design as well as the application of protective layers on the surface of the adhesive and sealed joints (Figure 4105.01.07).

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Adhesively Fastened Longitudinal Stiffener Adhesive Sealant Coating

Reinforced Rivet-Adhesive Joint Surface Sealant Adhesive Sealant Coating

Sealed Riveted Joints Sealant

Adhesive

Sour ce: Endlich alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Combination Joints Used in the Aircraft Industry

4105.01.07

Combination of Material Locking and Form Locking Joints Joints, consisting of a combination of both adhesive joining and locally active fastening methods, mostly use spot welding or mechanical joining methods like riveting and clinching. In the automotive industry, spot welding is used mainly to shorten production times in spite of the long hardening times of the adhesives. The combination of adhesive and riveted joints is used primarily in the aircraft industry for parts subject to dynamic loading (Figure 4105.01.08). Clinching with or without local incisions is an interesting technology which could be used for combined joints and shall, therefore, be illustrated for combinations with adhesive joining. The following remarks generally apply also to other mechanical fastenings. Adhesive Joining (Material Locking)

+ Spot Welding (Material Locking)

+ Conventional Riveting (Quasi Form Locking)

+ Clinching (Quasi Form Locking)

Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 4105

Combination of Material Locking and Form Locking Joints

7

4105.01.08

Fractured Surfaces of Combined Joints after Shear Testing During the clinching process, aluminium shaped sheet components and profiles are joint together according to the quasi form locking principle simply through the action of local plastic material deformation without using auxiliary parts or thermally influencing the microstructure. Material spray, which occurs as a joint defect due to the high material pressure in the spot welded region, thereby reducing the joint strength, is absent in joint combinations of clinching and adhesive joining (Figure 4105.01.09).

35 mm

Spot Welding and Adhesive Joining

Clinching and Adhesive Joining Source: Budde alu

Fractured Surface of Combined Joints after Shear Testing

4105.01.09

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

4105.02 Production Considerations • • •

Production of combined joints Production variants for combined joints Technical operations in the production of an adhesive-clinch joint combination • Methods of producing adhesively joint and clinched fastenings • Form of clinched joints with and without adhesives Production of Combined Joints Joint combinations consisting of more than one elementary joint can be fabricated by producing the individual joints either simultaneously or one after the other (see Figure 4105.02.01). This chronological order can influence the properties of the joint.

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Fabricating Combined Joints

No. of Processes

One Process

Multiple Processes

Chronological Order of Process

Moment of Reaching the Required Properties

Consecutively

Simultaneously

Prior to Use

Prior to Use

During Use

Prior to Use

During Use

During Use

Source: Füssel

Production of Combined Joints

alu

4105.02.01

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Production Variants for Combined Joints In principle, three variants are possible for the consecutive production of adhesive joining and mechanical joining (see Figure 4105.02.02).

(4.) =RT..200°C

(3.)

(4.) =RT..200°

(3.) =RT..200°

(4.)

(2.) (1.)

(1.)

(3.)

(2.)

(1.)

(2.)

"Capillary Method"

Variant 1

Variant 2

Variant 3

1. apply adhesive 2. place parts together 3. mechanical joining 4. curing adhesive

1. place parts together 2. mechanical joining 3. apply adhesive 4. curing adhesive

1. apply adhesive 2. place parts together 3. curing adhesive 4. mechanical joining

Source: Stepanski alu

Production Variants for Combined Joints

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

4105.02.02

In the so-called "capillary" method, a mechanical joint is first prepared and then an adhesive of low viscosity is brought into the joint crevice. In this variation - which is characterised by a clear separation of the parts to be joint - the adhesive serves generally as a sealant and/or as an inhibitor for corrosion. The adhesive joining of sheet and profile parts followed by a mechanical fastening process, the latter being used to improve the peeling strength of the joint, has till now played only a secondary role. Another fastening process has been found to be industrially most suitable for making combined joints, especially for mass production. In this process, the adhesive is first TALAT 4105

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applied to the parts and then, before the adhesive hardens, followed by a mechanical joining process which goes through the unhardened adhesive. The hardening then follows as usual, depending on the type of adhesive used.

Technical Operations in the Production of an Adhesive-Clinch Joint Combination A closer look at the individual process steps involved in the production of the combined adhesive-clinch joint shows that the combined adhesive-mechanical joining process can be easily integrated in the mass production of thin sheet constructions (Figure 4105.02.03).

Surface Element

Raw Parts

Adhesive Application

Handle

Finished Part

Fix Join Setting

Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Operations in the Production of an Adhesive-Clinch Joint Combination

4105.02.03

Methods of Producing Adhesively Joint and Clinched Fastenings The advantage of using clinching instead of spot welding in combination with adhesive joining is that the former allows the use of not only fluid and pasty adhesives but also of adhesive foils and bands (Figure 4105.02.04). Solid adhesives have special advantages, both as far as process technology as well as health aspects are concerned.

TALAT 4105

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Clinching and Adhesive Joining Adhesive

Fluid

Pasty

Solid

Combined With

Clinching

With Local Incision

Without Local Incision

Source: Budde

Methods of Producing Adhesively Joint and Clinched Fastenings

alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

4105.02.04

Form of Clinched Joints With and Without Adhesives Clinching without local incision can be used as the mechanical fastening partner for adhesive joining using pasty adhesives. On the other hand, clinching with local incision is used together with adhesive foils and bands. The geometry of the joint element of combined clinched fastenings illustrates that in spite of the presence of adhesives, an optimal form of the clinch joint is created, assuming of course that an appropriate process technology is applied (Figure 4105.02.05).

Clinching with Local Incision

Without Adhesive

With Adhesive Film

Clinching without Local Incision

Without Adhesive

With Pasty Adhesive

Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 4105

Form of Clinched Joints with and without Adhesives

11

4105.02.05

4105.03 Properties of Combination Joints • • • • •

Criteria for the use of combined joining technologies Results of fatigue tests with adhesive joints Impact strength of different joints Shear strength of different joints with and without ageing Comparison of properties of different joining technologies

Criteria for the Use of Combined Joining Technologies In principle, the choice of the combined technology, mechanical fastening and adhesive joining, which may be used for joining in light constructions depends mainly on two application criteria. In mechanical fastenings combined with adhesive joining, the former is the main joining process. The adhesive used serves primarily as a sealant, corrosion inhibitor and/or as a damping material. In adhesive joints combined with mechanical joining, the former is the main joining process. The mechanical joining serves as a positioning (fixing) help and helps the adhesive joint to withstand peeling forces and long-time static forces (Figure 4105.03.01).

Mechanical Joining Combined with Adhesive Joining Clinching is the main joining process. The applied adhesive serves primarily as sealant, corrosion protection and/ or damping material and relieves the joint in regions where the force lines lie outside the joining point.

Adhesive joining Combined with Mechanical Fastening Adhesive joining is the main joining process. The mechanical joint serves as a help in fixing and relieves the adhesive layer during fabrication or peeling loads or long-time static loads.

Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 4105

Criteria for the Use of Combined Joining Technologies

12

4105.03.01

Results of Fatigue Tests with Adhesive Joints The properties of the adhesive used are the main deciding criteria for the application. Under quasi static, dynamic and impact loading, the load carrying capacity of, for example, clinched adhesive joints compares well with that of spot welded joints (see Figure 4105.03.02). Under the action of dynamic loads, the geometric notch effect of the "point formed" joint element has a deleterious effect on the load carrying capacity of the combined joint.

A

C Clinched-

B Spot Welded

Adhesive Joint

Adhesive Joint

Adhesive Joint

Pasty Epoxy Resin Adhesive N / mm2

f = 80 Hz / R =0,0

6,0

Force Amplitude

5,0

F

35

F

45

A

4,0

1,0

B

C

3,0

1,0 105

Al Mg 5 Mn

2,0

3

10

4

10

5

10

6

10

8

7

10

10

No. of Cycles

Source: Budde alu

Results of Fatigue Tests with Adhesive Joints

4105.03.02

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Impact Strength of Different Joints Joints made with ductile adhesives having a high deformability and low strength behave differently. Here again, depending on the loading, the joint strength is determined mainly by the clinch joint (Figure 4105.03.03). By giving proper consideration to factors like property profile and processing properties of the adhesive, it is basically possible to design combined joints with properties which are a combination of the individual properties of the joints.

TALAT 4105

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A

B

Spot Welding

Adhesive Joining with Adhesive Band

C

Clinching

J

D

20 Vs= 5 m/s

Rupture Energy

15

F

35

F

45

1,0

10

1,0 105

Al Mg 5 Mn 5

A

B

C

D

0 Source: Budde

Impact Strength of Different Joints

alu

4105.03.03

Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

Shear Strength of Different Joints With and Without Ageing In connection with combined fastenings of mechanical and adhesive joints, the aspect of ageing of the combined joint plays a central role. It has been found that corrosion increases the strength of riveted and clinched joints of aluminium sheets (see Figure 4105.03.04). This is due to the fact that the corrosion products of aluminium occupy a larger volume than the uncorroded aluminium material. This increases the strain on the joint causing the force locking component to increase. Although the mechanical fastening process can cause aluminium sheets to be pulled apart in the joint vicinity, the supporting action of the mechanical joint in the combined mechanical-adhesive joint greatly reduces the decrease in joint strength caused by ageing. without Corrosion with Corrosion

kN

Single-Element Samples AlMg4.5Mn v=10mm/min s=1.0mm

10 Elementary Joint

Rupture force

8

Combined Joint

6 4 2 0 Adhesive Joining

Clinching

Punch Riveting

Clinching and Riveting and Adhesive Adhesive Joining Joining

Source: Singh alu Training in Aluminium Application Technologies

TALAT 4105

Shear Strength of Different Joints with and without Ageing

14

4105.03.04

Comparison of Properties of Different Joining Technologies Mechanical fastening methods, used alone or in combination with adhesive joining, improve the standard of quality as far as rigidity, damping of noise and vibrations, pressure tightness and corrosion protection are concerned, making this an interesting proposal for highly stressed aluminium constructions (Figure 4105.03.05).

Joining Technology Characteristics Joint

Adhesive Joining

Spot Welding

Large Surface Local

Clinching

Riveting

Local

Local

Plane Surface Uneven Surface Deformed Surface Properties

Very Sensitive Conditionally to Environment Sensitive to Environment Depend on Direction

Depend on Direction

Damaged Surface

Conditionally Sensitive to Environment Sensitive to Environment Depend on Direction

Depend on Direction

Source: Budde alu Training in Aluminium App licatio n Tech nologies

Comparison of Properties of Different Joining Technologies

4105.03.05

4105.04 Literature/References 1. Budde, L. Untersuchungen zur Kombination quasi-formschlüssiger stoffschlüssiger Verbindungsverfahren. Dissertation Uni-GH-Paderborn, 1989

und

2. Wittke, K. und Füssel, U. Kombinierte Fügeverbindungen. Wissenschaftliche Schriftenreihe der TU Chemnitz 13/1986 3. Patrick, E. and Sharp, M.L. Joining methods for aluminium car body structures. Automotive Technology International (1993), 61-70 4. Füssel, U. Kombinierte Fügeverbindungen. Habilitation TU Chemnitz, 1989 5. Endlich, W. Klebdichten. Angewandte Technik 1 (1988) 4, 4-31 6. Stepanski, H. Punktschweißkleben von Karosserieblechen aus Stahl und Aluminium. Dissertation TH Aachen, 1980 7. Budde, L. Alternative Lösungen für Fügeprobleme Verbindungskombinationen. Der Konstrukteur 23 (1992) 1/2, 22-25

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durch

4105.05 List of Figures

Figure No.

Figure Title (Overhead)

4105.01.01 4105.01.02 4105.01.03 4105.01.04 4105.01.05 4105.01.06 4105.01.07 4105.01.08 4105.01.09

Comparison of Functional Characteristics of Different Fastening Technologies Classification Index of Joints Advantages of Combined Joint Types Properties of Elementary Joints Main Advantages and Disadvantages of Adhesive Joining Fold-Adhesive Joints Examples of Combined Joints Used in the Aircraft Industry Combination of Material Locking and Form Locking Joints Fractured Surface of Combined Joints After Shear Testing

4105.02.01 4105.02.02 4105.02.03 4105.02.04 4105.02.05

Production of Combined Joints Production Variants for Combined Joints Operations in the Production of an Adhesive-Clinch Joint Combination Methods of Producing Adhesively Joint and Clinched Fastenings Form of Clinched Joints with and without Adhesives

4105.03.01 4105.03.02 4105.03.03 4105.03.04 4105.03.05

Criteria for the Use of Combined Joining Technologies Results of Fatigue Tests with Adhesive Joints Impact Strength of Different Joints Shear Strength of Different Joints with and without Ageing Comparison of Properties of Different Joining Technologies

TALAT 4105

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