Lean Exterior Brazing -II (LEX-B)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Swerea KIMAB AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 850 000 |
| Project duration | September 2011 - March 2013 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | FFI - Sustainable Production |
| End-of-project report | 2011-01785_publikrapport_EN.pdf (pdf, 503 kB) |
Purpose and goal
The project aimed at reducing the cost for visible exterior joints on vehicles by using arc brazing processes. The objective was to secure new cost efficient brazing technology that may result in new possibilities for truck cabins and to develop methods for improved on-line control. A new arc brazing process (TIG based) has been evaluated and fulfills the demands on the joint. A system for on-line control has been developed. It can detect and localise defects but can, at present, not be used for feedback of the process.
Results and expected effects
Demands have been identified regarding the joining process, process control and design aspects, to secure the demands from the automotive industry, for example on joint quality. Joints performed on a demonstrator, a door to a truck cabin, have successfully been made. The results have been presented to the participating vehicle producers. More results from the project are suitable to present on different conferences.
Approach and implementation
The project has, following the plan, been performed by researches from Swerea KIMAB and University West in co-operation with experts from the automotive industry (Volvo Trucks and Scania CV)