Saturday, February 8, 2025

Laser Technique For Joint Strength

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By optimizing patterns on advanced high-strength steel, the team has unlocked a key innovation for lightweight vehicle design—reducing weight, improving fuel efficiency, and supporting a greener future.

Laser Technique For Joint Strength

Researchers from Seoul National University of Science and Technology have unveiled a groundbreaking method to enhance the strength and durability of lightweight vehicle joints. The team explored laser surface texturing (LST) techniques on galvannealed advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) and discovered that specific patterns significantly improve the performance of metal-polymer joints under real-world stress conditions. These findings, could play a vital role in reducing vehicle weight and improving fuel efficiency.

This method is a breakthrough for bonding metal and plastic, two materials traditionally difficult to join due to their differing physical properties. The team applied various LST patterns to the surface of AHSS and joined it with glass fiber-reinforced polyamide 6 (PA 6) through injection molding. This approach enhanced the mechanical interlock, resulting in stronger joints.

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Diagonal and orthogonal designs stood out for their exceptional performance among the tested patterns. They significantly improved resistance to wear and tensile shear strength, achieving up to 78.9 MPa—far surpassing traditional automotive adhesives, which typically reach around 25 MPa. These advancements are significant as the automotive industry shifts toward lightweight materials to meet stricter fuel efficiency and emissions standards.

This technique addresses a major challenge in lightweight vehicle design by enabling stronger joints between AHSS and plastic components. By optimizing the surface structure of AHSS through LST, manufacturers could create durable, lightweight car parts that reduce vehicle weight, enhance fuel efficiency, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Laser surface texturing is not only fast but also programmable, allowing for optimal strength and longevity at critical joints in the car body and chassis. Beyond automotive applications, this research has broader implications for industries such as aerospace and shipbuilding. By developing more efficient methods for joining dissimilar materials, the study opens doors to greener, more innovative technologies across multiple sectors, supporting global efforts toward sustainability.

Akanksha Gaur
Akanksha Gaur
Akanksha Sondhi Gaur is a journalist at EFY. She has a German patent and brings a robust blend of 7 years of industrial & academic prowess to the table. Passionate about electronics, she has penned numerous research papers showcasing her expertise and keen insight.

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