Joining and surfacing technologies for lightweight materials

There have been a considerable number of recent developments in joining, surfacing and associated fabrication processes. These are often driven by the continuous demand for higher productivity and quality, lower costs and the use of advanced materials in manufacturing. For example; the automotive industry is facing huge pressures to achieve sustainable, low carbon footprint products at an affordable price, with similar drivers occurring in the aerospace sector. Advances in materials and coatings technology, are increasingly important in dealing with challenging operational environments and the desire for real time structural health data.

This presentation will comprise an overview of some state of the art, and developing technologies, that are particularly suited to manufacturing with lightweight materials. It will give some examples of how weight reduction, and other desirable material characteristics, can be achieved through enhanced surface functionality and / or durability. In this respect we shall also consider some potential solutions to challenges, presented when using combinations of dissimilar materials in fabricated structures.

There will be reference to non-metallic materials which are increasingly complementing metals in Aerospace and Automotive. Both sectors have significant synergies in emerging and disruptive technology, not least in advanced propulsion systems, such as electrification and Hydrogen and associated structural health monitoring. Comment will be offered regarding the perceived material trends in these sectors, and how such trends are likely to impact the investment strategies for producers and end users of materials globally.

Finally, there will be some thought given to mechanisms for supply chain development and ideas on how vital SME communities may access and implement new technologies in an efficient and cost effective manner.