Joining Systems
Joining Systems is the generic term for any process that involves the joining of two components together.
These components may be of any metallic or non-metallic material, and may be dissimilar (for example, joining aluminium to steel).
In general, Joining Systems benefit from Automation, as this ensures consistency, repeatability and optimises material usage (especially with respect to adhesives).
Adhesives
Drauz-Nothelfer has wide experience of the design and installation of Adhesive Dispensing systems for applying both Structural and Gap-Fill (anti-flutter) adhesives.
We have successfully completed Projects based around Robot mounted Hose Supplied (both heated and cold) and Remote Fill systems as well as Pedestal Mounted fixed systems, and have been involved in research into the best equipment configuration for applying the latest Granular Adhesive technology.
The key factor with Structural Adhesives is the ability to achieve handling strength for the assembly as quickly as possible, to minimise the cycle time of any individual station.
Drauz-Nothelfer has developed a number of solutions to this particular issue based around either using mechanical fasteners to hold the assembly together and give it the strength to be handled while the adhesive cures, or by using hot air or spot curing systems to accelerate the curing of the adhesive in key areas to allow it to achieve handling strength in its own right.
Welding
Drauz-Nothelfer has installed a wide variety of Automated Joining Systems which involve the use of conventional Welding, whether using MIG or TIG processes or Conventional or Servo Gun based Resistance Spot Welding for steel and aluminium assemblies.
We also have a lot of experience with the application of Automated and Manual systems for MIG and Plasma Brazing joints in Automotive Structures.
In addition, we have good knowledge of the application of the new Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) welding process, both for joining similar and dissimilar metals.
Drauz-Nothelfer has also installed systems that involve the Manual Application of each of these processes, based on Customer volumes or specifications.
In Aerospace applications, Drauz-Nothelfer has experience of designing automated systems for Robot based TIG welding Titanium and Aluminium assemblies to meet exacting Aerospace standards.
Fastening
Drauz-Nothelfer has designed and installed many successful Automated Fastening installations.
These have included locating and securing Suspension and Engine Assemblies automatically within a Bodyshell, automatically locating and securing Front End Modules in position, and the automatic positioning and securing of closures (see the Download section of this website for the Best Fit process).
In addition, we have experience of using specialist fastener systems, such as EJOT fasteners (both as a primary fastening system, and as a secondary system to allow a bonded assembly to achieve handling strength quickly), and in applying Aerospace fasteners such as Hi-Lok (including using co-operating robots to apply Hi-Lok bolts and nuts synchronously).
The majority of these systems have involved the use of DC Nutrunners, and so Drauz-Nothelfer has developed a number of Automated Data Collection systems to ensure that the correct number of fasteners has been installed, and all have been secured to the correct torque before releasing the assembly for the next station (No Faults Forward).
These systems can also be linked to a Customer’s Quality System to upload the captured data, and can be linked to scanned bar codes to satisfy traceability requirements, especially in Aerospace Applications.
Riveting
Drauz-Nothelfer has designed, manufactured and installed a number of Automated Riveting systems within Automotive and Aerospace applications.
These have involved systems to process Self Piercing Rivets (SPR), Blind Rivets and Solid Rivets in both Robot Mounted and Pedestal Mounted configuration.
In each case, the riveting systems used have been installed with specialist monitoring systems so that each rivet is assessed as it is installed to verify that it is either good or bad, and bad rivets are highlighted using a sprayed coloured dye to allow easy identification and rectification.
These monitoring systems may be linked to a Customer’s Quality System to upload the captured data, and can be linked to scanned bar codes to satisfy traceability requirements, especially in Aerospace Applications.
In addition to using proprietary equipment for these processes, Drautz-Nothelfer has developed and patented two systems, one, Impulse Riveting, is designed to apply Self Piercing Rivets with single sided access only being required, and the other is a Drill/Rivet head that is designed for Aerospace applications to drill and rivet assemblies in one pass.
Descriptions of both of these systems are available from the Download section of this Website.