Welding has always been the standard technique for joining metals. However, this complex process performed at high temperatures is not suitable for all materials. Recently, the University of Kiel's 'Nano-functional materials' group and Phi-Stone limited The company has jointly developed a new technology that replaces traditional soldering and bonding. This technology is based on a special etching process that allows aluminum and aluminum alloys, polymers to be connected to each other and form a durable connector. They will be at the Hannover Messe (April 23-27) to demonstrate the prototype of the mobile connection device, and will start mass production after getting feedback from the customer.
The Kiel University Task Force and its partners (Kiel Phi-Stone Ventures GmbH) will present their portable prototype 'Metalangelo' at the Hannover Messe. Photo credit: Siekmann, CAU
Welding is a manufacturing process that joins other components by melting a local part. However, the high temperature environment at the time of melting is bound to have an unpredictable effect on the properties of the material, resulting in changes in its microstructure and optical properties. At the same time, welding It also requires special safety measures and skilled craftsmen. In contrast, the research team at University of Kiel (professor Rainer Adelung) developed The new process not only saves welding materials, but it is also very easy to operate even at the corners of welding or when hanging upside down from the ceiling. Within a matter of minutes, metal and metal, metal and polymer You can connect permanently.
The team is considering the application of this process in the production of ships, aircrafts or automobiles. Adelung said that the process is particularly suitable for adding components to finished products, such as adding internal components to ships or automobiles. Adelung said: 'The local high-temperature environment of the metal during welding will destroy the surface of the workpiece that has been treated or sprayed. However, our process is performed at room temperature, and no special protection measures are required for the workpiece. '
Etching originals are mounted on the surface of an aluminum part with a vacuum holder and then electrochemically structured by a specific process. Image credit: Siekmann, CAU
In order to be able to connect metals tightly together, the University of Kiel team used 'nano-engraving' technology to roughen the surfaces of already micro-etched workpieces in order to machine right-angled hooks on the micrometer scale. The treated two surfaces are adhered to each other by adhesives, resulting in a strong joint that is difficult to break.
Ingo Paulowicz, Phi-Stone's director, said: 'Even if it breaks, it may be just a problem with the adhesive or the material itself, not the connection point.''The nano-engraving process provides a new opportunity for the development of connection technology. In the future, this technology may also contribute to the development of medical technology. ' Adelung added.
Under the electron microscope, the fine hook structure of the rough surface of the metal can be seen. This allows many materials to be 'interlocked' and permanently connected. Image credit: Mark-Daniel Gerngroß
In order to apply this joining process to industrial production, recently, the University of Kiel University research group and Phi-Stone GmbH developed a portable prototype called 'Metalangelo'. The etching components produced by 3D printing are customized. The metal surfaces can be accurately processed at room temperature. They want to work together with the first customers to develop the prototypes to meet the needs of the customers. They have already registered two patents in this area. The prototype cited Renaissance sculptors. The name of Michelangelo, in order to highlight the basic principles of the new process: Oriented surface treatment However, the research team at the University of Kiel is dealing with metal instead of marble.
Aluminum flanges are firmly attached to the aluminum wall. Image credit: Siekmann, CAU
As shown above, the process does not produce traditional welds when joining metals. Image credit: Siekmann, CAU