Detroit, Michigan -- September 26, 2016 -- Alcoa has developed a new method for joining aluminum to a wide range of other materials, including steels, magnesium and composites. Alcoa is one of the largest aluminum producers in the world and has a vested interest in lowering barriers to use in aluminum in the automotive sector.
The new method is a breakthrough in resistance spot riveting called the RSR joining system. According to a statement from Alcoa, RSR technology can join dissimilar materials using the same equipment as conventional spot welds but offers automakers the flexibility to switch between it and conventional welds, depending on the material.
The new system was developed with OEMs in mind, but it could eventually make its way to the shop floor.
“Our RSR technology is going to be a powerful tool in the array of joining options for the automotive industry,” said Ray Kilmer, Alcoa’s Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President. “As automakers continue to design vehicles 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.”