What is OPTIBLANKS?
Hybrid EMAT-Vision solution for OPTIMISATION
of advanced manufacturing process of automotive tailor welded BLANKS
Production of high integrity vehicle components in Europe must be enhanced in order to optimize the implementation of lightweight materials which ensure that environmental impact is minimised. The use of Tailor Welded Blanks (TWB), is an advanced manufacturing technique that ensures that production of automotive parts is carried out with resource efficiency. However, this technology still struggles with technical and reliability consistency during production.
million of passenger cars produced in 2015
million of laser welded blanks per year
tons of wasted material per year
OPTIBLANKS project will overcome the limitations of automotive TWB manufacturing process by maximising weld quality control with a novel Hybrid technology approach. The outcome of this project will help improving the results of current state of the art alternatives while saving TWB manufacturers accross Europe more than 9.000 Tons of wasted materials per year. The verified design of a Hybrid inspection system will enable 100% inspection of autogenously laser welded parts to identify defects such as porosity, lack of root penetration, lack of side wall fusion, etc.
The equipment will enable a reduction of scrap materials of more than 50% compared with competing solutions.
Automotive manufacturers worldwide and car passengers benefit from the enhanced TWB weld safety offered by this technology:
Over
%
probability of detection
Up to
m/min inspection speed
More than
million € will be saved per year
.
%