Case study : Body in white, automotive fittings
-Weight reduction (replacement of a steel structure by a steel/aluminium hybrid structure)
-High mechanical strength, especially in fatigue
-Perfectly sealed
-Heterogeneous aluminium/steel welding which is not possible by fusion.
FSW aluminium-to-steel welding is already used for assemblies in the automotive sector. It also replaces the very expensive explosion welding. Aluminium with stainless steel welding is also feasible with the same tools.