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Free Online Manual for Automotive Aluminum Joining

Aluminum Joining in Automotive DesignThe Aluminum Association is offering a free online manual that describes in detail the range of commercial technologies that are available for joining automotive aluminum components. It was developed in response to the growing needs of automotive engineers and designers, who are using more aluminum alloys and multi-materials assemblies in their designs.

The multi-chapter Automotive Aluminim Joining Manual was developed in collaboration wiht the European Aluminum Association (EEA) and the US-based Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC).

Click on the following link to read the full article about Free Online Manual for Automotive Aluminum Joining.

Building the Next Generation of Efficient Computers – Multiferroic Materials

As wireless and mobile systems advance, thermal management technologies will be crucial to their development.
As wireless and mobile systems advance, thermal management technologies will be crucial to their development.

Bryan Huey, a UConn researcher, has uncovered new information about the kinetic properties of multiferroic materials that could be the key breakthrough scientists have been looking for to create a new generation of low-energy, highly efficient, instant-on computers.

Materials known as multiferroics have shown great promise for creating a low-energy memory storage and processing device because they have the rare ability to be both magnetic and ferroelectric, meaning they can be sensitive to magnetic and electric fields simultaneously.

The findings were featured in the Dec. 17, 2014 issue of Nature, considered one of the world’s most prestigious scientific research journals.Read more at: http://today.uconn.edu/blog/2015/01/building-the-next-generation-of-efficient-computers/

How GM Will Use Multiple Aluminum Joining Technologies in the New Cadillac

Multiple Aluminum Joining Technologies in the New CadillacIn manufacturing engineering, the search for the “best way” to fasten components into subassemblies is a major part of the job. There are lots of options, spot welding has been the method of choice for decades.

Now that aluminum is becoming the preferred unibody construction material, General Motors is using a novel mixed approach to building the new Cadillac CT6 large sedan.

The Cadillac CT6 will use 7 different ways to join body parts.

Low-cost aluminum joining technologies could make lower volume sub-assemblies more economical.

“Never before has an automaker brought this combination of joining techniques together for a single vehicle,” said Travis Hester, CT6 executive chief engineer. “The manufacturing team has enabled body engineers to optimize the vehicle for mass, safety, stiffness and materials with more precision than ever.
Read more at: http://www.engineering.com/AdvancedManufacturing/ArticleID/9468/How-GM-Will-Use-Multiple-Aluminum-Joining-Technologies-in-the-New-Cadillac.aspx

Ceramic-Metal Bonding – Metalization of Ceramics and Vacuum Seals by Morgon Technical Ceramics

Dissimilar Metals JoiningThe joining of ceramics to metals creates its own engineering challenges that require specialist expertise.

Morgan Technical Ceramics are favored in a wide range of electronics and engineering applications for their chemical and mechanical properties. Compared to metals, they are stronger in compression, especially at higher temperatures, they have a good thermal stability (i.e. a low coefficient of thermal expansion) and good thermal and electrical resistivity. They are also hard, and have excellent dimensional stability.

To read the entire article go to the Morgan Technical Ceramics site: http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4240

Self-arranging Molecules Could Form The Basis For Efficient Optoelectric Memory Devices

Self-arranging Molecules Efficient Optoelectrical Memory DevicesA way to use weak molecular bonding interactions to create well-ordered and stable metal–organic monolayers with optoelectronic properties has been found by researchers from the RIKEN Surface and Interface Science Laboratory. The development could form the basis for the scalable fabrication of molecular optoelectronic devices.

A variety of emerging technologies are being investigated as potential replacements or enhancements of the electrical-charge-based electronics that lie at the heart of all electronic devices.

To read this article in its entirety go to: http://phys.org/news/2014-12-self-arranging-molecules-basis-efficient-optoelectronic.html

New Aluminum “Foam” Makes Trains Stronger, Lighter, Safer

New Aluminum FoamTrains made of aluminum foam, a material that’s stronger, lighter, and better in a crash than fiberglass or regular old metal.  Engineers in Chemitz, Germany unveiled a prototype high-speed train cab made with the stuff earlier this year. The composite material is built like a sandwich. Between two pieces of aluminum, each just two millimeters thick, is a 25-millimeter-thick layer of the “foam,” actually a low-density, sponge-like composite of magnesium, silicon, copper and aluminum. And like a good sandwich, there’s no glue. The layers are held together by metallic bonding, the electrostatic attraction of negatively charged electrons and positively charged ions.

To read the complete article go to: http://www.wired.com/2014/12/aluminum-foam-trains/

Affordable Lightweight Ceramic/Aluminum Brake Rotors Developed

The latest Tesla Model S is supposed to be an upgrade from the 2010 iteration pictured here, though some questions persist.
The latest Tesla Model S is supposed to be an upgrade from the 2010 iteration pictured here, though some questions persist.

When it comes to making cars more energy-efficient getting their weight down is one of the best things you can do. Unfortunately, the cast iron brake rotors currently used in most vehicles are quite heavy. Soon, ceramic-coated aluminum rotors may be a cost-effective lightweight alternative for economy cars.

Aluminum expands three to four times more than ceramics. Ceramic coating can’t be applied to the aluminum rotors in one continuous piece. If it was, it would crack as the aluminum beneath it expanded. The solution comes down to soldering the ceramic onto the aluminum in the form of individual tiles laid side-by-side.

To read this article in its entirety go to: http://www.gizmag.com/ceramic-coated-aluminum-brake-rotors/34133/

New Techniques For Joining Plastic To Metal

Battery and Electrical Contacts - Bonding Dissimilar MaterialsIf it rolls, floats or flies, light weight is always good.  Manufacturers of planes, trains, automobiles, trucks and tractors are hungry for new materials that improve efficiency and reduce weight.

Engineers have many options for joining plastic parts to plastic parts or metal parts to metal parts.  However when joining plastic parts to metal parts, options are few. (more…)

Aluminum Soldering and Alloys, Ceramics Driving Auto Industry in Two Ways

Mechanic Working On CarAutomotive enthusiasts and new car buyers are used to seeing reviewers talk about ceramic brakes in high-performance sports cars. Due to their thermal properties, these brakes provide improved performance. However, they aren’t just in high-performance cars anymore. A new industry review indicates that ceramic pads now represent about 60 percent of the market.

Improvements in soldering will be important in the development of performance brake pads. Molded metal shims help minimize wobble and improve clamping ability by keeping more of the pad in contact with the rest of the assembly. However, less expensive pads may only include tape to attach these, so people who expect quality may look to see integrated shims, a design goal which can be accomplished with aluminum soldering. (more…)