Introduction

The invention is related to a method for the construction of a mechanical junction of materials and a special joining element. The resulting multi-material (HS) hybrid structures are used in various fields, including transport, electronics, civil and biomedical and include components of different materials (metals, polymers, composites).

Technical features

This type of joint is generally made through two types of processes: adhesive joints and/or mechanical joints, solutions which, despite commonly adopted  are characterized by several limits. For example, adhesive joints show high shear stress resistance and low peeling stress. To overcome this problem, the edge to be spliced is suitably shaped to increase the performance of the adhesive joints. In addition, the mechanical characteristics of the adhesive joints are characterised by high variability and uncertainty in the long term. On the other hand, although mechanical joints (riveting, bolting, etc.) are widely used in the aeronautical and naval industries, they have several limitations including the need for drilling preliminary of both slabs, with the consequent problems of coaxiality of the holes that this entails. A group of researchers from the University of L’Aquila has developed an innovative solution that allows to overcome the limits of known art, allowing material joints to be made without incurring existing problems, by means of a method involving the use of joining means with a gripping surface.

Possible Applications

• Automotive;
• Aeronautical;
• Electronic;
• Building;
• Biomedical.

Advantages

• Very high mechanical characteristics;
• Very short joining times (1.4 s);
• Easily implemented method;
• High productivity;
• Reduced energy requirements;
• No hole coaxial problems;
• Method can also be implemented when one side of the joint is not easily accessible;
• Dismantling of the joint by a simple heating operation.