Automotive assembly process joins hollow profile to secondary component by high-pressure expansion and friction welding within surrounding case

摘要

In an automobile assembly process a hollow profile (1) is in contact with and joined to a secondary component (2). The hollow profile is subject to internal high fluid pressure and subjected to friction welding. The process takes place within an enclosed high-pressure case tool (5) in which the hollow profile is also formed and incorporates a position-adjustable friction welding tool (11, 16). Also claimed is a suitable tool.