Howmet Aerospace. has patented a method for fastening dissimilar metals, such as steel and aluminum, using a steel rivet and electrical resistance welding. The process involves softening the aluminum with heat, allowing the rivet to penetrate and weld to the steel, enabling multi-material assemblies. GlobalData’s report on Howmet Aerospace gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Howmet Aerospace, Selective laser solidification was a key innovation area identified from patents. Howmet Aerospace's grant share as of June 2024 was 63%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Fastening dissimilar metals using a steel rivet and welding
The patent US12042876B2 outlines a method for fastening two electrically conductive materials using electrical resistance welding. The process involves placing a first material, which has a lower melting point, in contact with a second material that has a higher melting point. An electrically conductive fastener, designed with a cap and a shaft, is positioned to create an electrically conductive stack. The method includes applying an electrical potential to induce current flow, resulting in resistive heating that softens the first material. The fastener's shaft pierces the softened material and, upon contact with the second material, continues to compress and weld, ultimately deforming the cap to capture and seal the extruded material from the first material.
The claims further specify the materials involved, indicating that the first material may include aluminum, copper, or magnesium, while the second material may consist of steel, titanium, or Inconel. The fastener itself can be made from similar high-melting-point materials. Additional claims detail features such as the application of a corrosion barrier, the ability of the fastener to accommodate varying thicknesses, and the potential for stamping the fastener from a sheet. The design of the fastener includes a curved cap with a peripheral lip, which conforms to the shape of the extruded material during the welding process. The patent also describes the possibility of tempering the weld and specifies parameters for compressive force and current during this step, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the fastening method.
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