Efficiency in Automotive Industry: OptiBlanks

The production of high integrity vehicle components in Europe must be enhanced in order to optimize the implementation of lightweight materials which ensure that environmental impact is minimized. The use of Tailor Welded Blanks (TWB), is an advanced manufacturing technique that ensures that production of automotive parts is carried out with resource efficiency. However, this technology still struggles with technical and reliability consistency during production. OPTIBLANKS project will overcome the limitations of automotive TWB manufacturing process by maximizing weld quality control with an innovative Hybrid technology approach. The outcome of this project will help to improve the results of the current state of the art alternatives while saving TWB manufacturers across Europe more than 9.000 Tons of wasted materials per year. The verified design of a Hybrid inspection system will enable 100% inspection of autogenously laser-welded parts to identify defects such as porosity, lack of root penetration, lack of sidewall fusion, etc. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 778392.