Welding scientists in Germany have managed to make stronger steel joints using lasers, and it could improve everything from electric vehicles to airplanes, according to Interesting Engineering.
Metal welding is one of the oldest and most-used building methods, but it is not perfect. Joining two pieces together often requires melting a filler metal into the seam to prevent cracking and distortion.
As Interesting Engineering explained, that solution may no longer be necessary. Instead of using a filler material, the research team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology shone a laser through the metal seams as they were being joined. By moving the beam around inside the molten area, they reduced the number of pores inside the components.
The result has proved to be a highly stable and crack-resistant product. The new method can handle even the most difficult-to-weld metals, and it does so with less energy, materials, and processing.
That's all great news for industries that rely on high-quality metal, such as the automotive industry.
For example, EV batteries are often placed inside aluminum or steel housings, but conventional welding cannot always handle the task without creating pores and cracks. Using the laser welding technique, researchers successfully produced a better battery housing. It has already been tested inside a real vehicle model and will continue to be assessed, Interesting Engineering reported.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
Alternative battery designs are also out there, including structural batteries and experiments with wood and cork casings.
Anything that strengthens the quality of EVs is a boost for both potential buyers and the planet. More people may be swayed to make the switch and say goodbye to the gas pump, which means more savings for drivers and less tailpipe pollution in the atmosphere.
Ready to go electric on the road? Consider adding home solar to your plans with EnergySage. The combination can help you save even more when charging up an EV.
Laser technology was also applied to aerospace welding and heavy steel manufacturing, which led to similar energy-saving advancements. Construction projects in other fields have shown additional interest, including bridges, wind turbines, and ships, per Interesting Engineering.
TCD Picks » Stasher Spotlight
💡Stasher's reusable food storage options make it easy and affordable to live life with less plastic
|
Would you buy an EV if it only took you five minutes to charge? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Sign me up 👍 
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
