New joining techniques for composite materials at JEC World 16 January 2020

Bossard, bigHead and KVT-Fastening will be presenting several fastening innovations for composites at JEC World Paris, on its stand – Q70, in hall 5, including MM-Welding® technology, and Lean Bonding.

Taking place at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, from 3rd – 5th March 2020, visitors will be able to experience Bossard’s MM-Welding® technology live, including the first product launched by MM-Welding - LiteWWeight® Pin and the LiteWWeight® Lotus – a solution for fibrous components and surface connection.

MM-Welding technology is when thermoplastic fastening elements are melted into porous material structures in fractions of a second by means of ultrasonic energy - for permanently friction-locked and form-fit connections in lightweight construction and sandwich materials. The MM-Welding® platform comprises numerous fastening concepts for various applications and base materials. Automation solutions have also already been developed and prove their unbeatable productivity in series production.

Also on the stand, bigHead will present its Lean Bonding, a fastening method for lightweight composites and thin materials that cannot be welded, riveted or clamped. A pre-applied adhesive film on the fasteners ensures clean, slim and fast processing. bigHead has developed a core range of products and conducted extensive test studies for them, greatly simplifying and accelerating the design-in and release process for the engineer. A further milestone in this area are the solutions for closed mould processes, so for example, fasteners with nut threads can be injection moulded directly around them without resin contaminating the thread.

In addition to ultrasonic melting, bonding and encapsulation, numerous other fastening technologies are available, such as special rivets and rivet nuts as well as press-fit fasteners, thread inserts and screws with special threads for composite materials. All these processes and products allow processing in seconds and are ideal for automated manufacturing environments.

Claire Aldridge Deputy Editor t: +44 (0) 1727 743 889

Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.

Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.