MARBEL WORKSHOP

Joining of aluminium for lightweight structures

On behalf of the MARBEL Project we are happy to invite you to attend the workshop devoted to Joining aluminum for lightweight structures.

This workshop aims to gather scientists, researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders to highlight the possibilities and potential challenges related to aluminium welding and its alloys. The event aims to share competence and showcase the state-of-the-art of aluminium joining to be used in lightweight structures, such as battery housing for electric vehicles. 

Aluminium possesses a great span of properties well-suited for lightweight applications, including high specific strength, excellent corrosion resistance, recyclability, and good forming properties. However, welding aluminium alloys comes with some challenges, such as porosity, lack of fusion, and thermally softened zones, but these challenges can be overcome with proper equipment and design, as well as new innovative technologies. This workshop aims to highlight both challenges and solutions related to aluminium welding.

Extracting recycled aluminium uses only 5% of the energy compared to primary (raw) aluminium. Increased use of recycled aluminium can therefore improve the carbon footprint significantly. However, challenges arise when the impurity content increases in recycled alloys and affect joining and other properties. Challenges and opportunities with recycled aluminium are presented and discussed in the workshop.

12 February 2025

10.00 - 12.30

Online, Microsoft Teams

Target audience
  • The aluminium industry
  • Enterprises using or evaluating aluminium for structural applications
  • Researchers within materials science and engineering
  • Welding researchers and engineers
about the project
The MARBEL project is developing an innovative and competitive lightweight battery with increased energy density and shorter recharging times with the objective to accelerate the mass market take-up of electric vehicles. MARBEL focuses on the need for fast charging and long-lasting batteries to boost end-user demands, while applying high modularity and easy assembly and developing novel testing methodologies.
The main ambition of the project is to foster the acceptance and use of electric vehicles by solving two of the main critical points in consumer’s decision-making: limited vehicle autonomy and charging time, enabling travelling longer distances.

Agenda

10.00 – Welcome & Introduction

Geir Kvam-Langelandsvik, Research Scientist, SINTEF

10.10 – MARBEL: an introduction overview

Eduard Piqueras Jover, Project Coordinator, Eurecat

10.20 – Optimization of welding parameters for assembly of aluminium battery frame

Ragnhild Aune, Senior Advisor, SINTEF

10.35 – Thermo-mechanical modelling of HAZ for industrial applications

Asle J. Tomstad, Research Scientist, SINTEF

10.50 – Zero-defect welding of aluminium

Robert Lahnsteiner, Managing director, MIGAL.CO GmbH

11.05 – 11.15 – COFFEE BREAK
11.15 – Corrosion in welded joints with recycled aluminium

Siri Marthe Arbo, Research Manager, SINTEF Manufacturing

11.30 – Thermal joining of battery cooling plates

Dr.-Ing. Jörn Tölle, Teamleader Lightweight Technologies, Benteler Automotive

11.45 – Future trends – Laser welding of aluminium

Bård Nyhus, Senior Research Scientist, SINTEF

12.00 – Discussions – Future opportunities and challenges

Magnus Eriksson, Senior Business Developer, SINTEF

12.20 – Final remarks and closing

Geir Kvam-Langelandsvik, Research Scientist, SINTEF