DIGFOG - Smart Digititalised Joining Processes

Purpose and goal

Project DIGFOG should develop new ways of working and new tools to enable digitalised planning and pre-testing of important joining processes. Process simulations are still lagging when it comes to replacement of physical joining processes: pre-testing & evaluations. New ways of working with digital tools have been developed in the project to evaluate joinability, deformation, penetration and process windows. Smart databases have been developed to re-use data from both simulations and previous tests. These databases can make suggestions if data with perfect match are lacking.

Expected results and effects

The Project has resulted in good knowledge of the possibilities and boundaries for simulation. New ways of working and new databases have been developed. Participating companies have evaluated cases with simulations and found both good and inferior results. Successful simulations were achieved for judgement on joinability (yes/no), and deformations. The process window positions were more difficult to predict, and penetration demanded advanced simulations to succeed. Simulations are implemented in some of the participating companies. The smart databases shall be spread.

Planned approach and implementation

The Project had 7 WP:s and 26 months time. The work was coordinated in 3 groups: Work methods & databases, RSW, and MIG/MAG. The Steering committee had 14 meetings during the Project and several workshops were held on testing databases and verification and application trials. The work in large was good, but disturbances in form of unsuccessful simulations, computer breakdown, limited access to Equipment resulted in delayed application trials. The MAG simulations did also require more than anticipated in terms of time and Equipment (advanced software). The smart databases are good.