Arconic, Inc. has announced a breakthrough in resistance spot riveting called the RSR joining system, a high-performance joining solution for multiple materials. RSR technology can join dissimilar materials using the same equipment as conventional spot welds but offers manufacturers the flexibility of switching between it and conventional welds, depending on the material.
"The RSR joining system allows for the flexible joining of various combinations of material and results in joints that are 10-20% stronger than joints utilizing competing technologies," said an Arconic spokesperson. "Manufacturers can utilize Arconic's RSR technology with existing spot welding equipment and robotic automation, saving capital expense, minimizing production interruption and providing greater flexibility in working with a variety of materials."
"Our RSR technology is going to be a powerful tool in the array of joining options for manufacturing," said Ray Kilmer, Arconic's Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President. "As manufacturers continue to design using multi-material combinations, RSR technology is the ideal joining solution. It can easily accommodate stack-up changes on the assembly line, and it leverages existing welding robots outfitted with our automatic feeding systems."
In addition to partnering with several customers on the RSR technology, Arconic recently received a grant from the Department of Energy to work with Honda R & D Americas, Inc. and Ohio State University to continue to demonstrate the use of RSR joining on a prototype scale. Ultimately, the goal is to enable multi-material automotive body structures that achieve an additional 10-20% weight reduction over those made from conventional high-strength steel.
Manufacturers can utilize Arconic's RSR technology with minimal modifications to existing production lines. Conventional spot welding equipment and robotic automation can be adapted for use with RSR technology, which can easily shift between material combinations and fastener types.
Arconic expects the first commercial application for the RSR technology by 2018.
RSR technology has been in development for several years as a pilot program at the Arconic Technical Center (ATC) near Pittsburgh, PA, where scientists and engineers have been collaborating with the Arconic Fastening Systems and Rings manufacturing facility in Waco, TX. The team has also been working on developing the rivet feed system in its Kingston, NY, facility.
For more information contact:
Ryan Bonner
Marketing and Training Manager, Americas
Arconic Fastening Systems and Rings
Industrial Fasteners Division
317-704-8840
Ryan.Bonner@Arconic.com
www.arconic.com
Arconic Fastening Systems
& Rings - Waco
8001 Imperial Drive
Waco, TX 76712
Arconic Technology Center
100 Technical Drive
New Kensington, PA 15069
724-337-5300