January 25, 2022
Sheet metal fabrication can be a very specialized process and we have more than 60 years of experience working with unique metals. We tailor our solutions to your program’s specific needs, such as joining aluminum to steel. From cutting and bending to stamping and assembling, each program is different. We manage your complete program in-house, vertically integrating all processes and technologies while maintaining a single point of contact.
Joining Aluminum
Our range of complex robotic joining methods include resistance welding, hemming, adhesives for structure and bonding, and an onsite curing oven large enough for a completed BIW. In addition, our highly skilled technicians are qualified to AWS standards for GMAW, GTAW, MIG, TIG, and RSW processes. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment with capabilities for all of your advanced joining needs, including self-piercing rivets, flow drills, and adhesive applications. Using this wide range of joining technologies, we can join dissimilar metals of different thicknesses using our mixed material joining technology, such as joining aluminum to steel.
We are a world class supplier of components and assemblies for aerospace and automotive fabrication. Our commitment to craftsmanship and detail drives our growth and is ingrained in our team. In other words, we leverage old world techniques combined with the latest computer-controlled technology to bring your visions to reality.
Unique Metals We Work With
Each metal has its own set of unique specifications. We work with numerous advanced and exotic materials including:
- Aluminum, including bright or pre-painted
- Stainless steel, including polished or bright grades
- Carbon steels
- Boron steel
- Dual phase steel
- Advanced high strength steels, including martensite and TRIP
- Inconel®
- Waspaloy®
- Hastelloy®
- Titanium
- Magnesium
- All ferrous metals
Our experience with this wide range of metals and their distinctive properties has allowed us to work with many diverse programs, such as joining aluminum to steel. We go above and beyond simple stamp and ship projects; we are one of the industry’s leading automotive and aerospace metal fabrication companies.
Assembly Technologies
We employ a wide range of complex robotic joining methods based on your project’s specific needs and requirements, including resistance welding, hemming, adhesives for structure and bonding, and an onsite curing oven large enough for a completed BIW. We also specialize in flow drills and laser welding, ensuring we are able to use the best possible joining technology for your program. Utilizing both manual and robotic welding allow us to customize the manufacturing process to give you the repeatability and flexibility you need. Our three Centers of Excellence give us the capacity for large prototype joining aluminum projects as well as hybrid assembly and production programs.
Our joining technologies include:
- AC manual weld guns (RSW)
- DC manual and robotic weld guns with adaptive controls (RSW)
- Press welder for fasteners (RSW)
- Clinch press for clinch nuts or studs
- Manual and robotic welders (MIG)
- Fronius “cold metal transfer” manual and robotic welders (CMT)
- Manual welding equipment (TIG)
- Drawn arc stud welding
- Self-piercing rivets (SPR) – Henrob & Bollhoff
- Flow drill screws (FFS & FDS)
- Bonding with onsite cure oven capacity for full vehicle BIW
- Roller hemming – adhesive & antiflutter
- Laser welding
After assemblies are joined, we post machine critical features that need to be drilled in or tapped. This assortment of joining methods allows us to meet your joining needs.
We have designed and completed programs with a wide array of processes for many materials, including joining aluminum, steel, stainless steel, high nickel alloys, and titanium. Due to our experience, we can join dissimilar metals of different thicknesses using our mixed material joining technology, ensuring we can join the materials your program requires.