Friction drilling: the future of fastening technology?
Friction drilling, also known as flow drill process, has established itself as a revolutionary method in the field of fastening technology, particularly in the automotive industry. The ability to safely join different materials such as steel and aluminum, but also composite materials such as GRP or CFRP, makes it a preferred choice in the manufacturer of lightweight and electric vehicles. The technology makes it possible to create tight connections even when the screw location is only accessible from one side. The process is particularly useful for joining multiple layers of materials. In a world where efficiency and safety are top priorities, friction drilling offers a reliable solution that significantly optimizes the production process. From electromobility to mechanical engineering, flow drill screws are used in numerous areas to ensure safety and long-lasting connections.
- Material diversity: Ideal for steel, aluminum, composite materials and mixed joints.
- Strong connections: Flow drill screws offer high strength and durability.
- Versatility: Can be used in various industries such as automotive, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.
- Space-saving: only one-sided access from the screw side required
What are flow drill screws?
Flow drill screws are special screws that were mainly developed for metallic materials. The screws create both a hole and the corresponding thread through friction. The frictional heat is used to plastically deform the material and create a stable connection:
Flow-hole forming screw joints offer high strength as well as a reliable and repeatable connection. This makes them particularly suitable for demanding applications and a preferred choice in modern manufacturing technology.
ADAPTIVE DFS - The tightening system for flow-hole forming screw joints
With the ultra-modern ADAPTIVE DFS DEPRAG is setting new scales in flow drill technology. Precise control of the screwdriving parameters warrants the highest connection quality and reliability.
Our patented technology combines two servo drives for feed and screw joint, thus saving comprehensive process control. Tolerances and fluctuations in the fastener or material combination are automatically detected and parameters are adjusted accordingly.
The flow-hole forming screws can be used in a wide range of assembly processes and optimally prepares you for recycling at the end of the product life cycle. The ADAPTIVE DEPRAG Fastening System provides the perfect solution for these demanding manufacturing requirements. Our patented servo axis also ensures the lowest possible air consumption. This is particularly noticeable in our system with feed magazine. In terms of energy saving and sustainability, the DEPRAG ADFS clearly stands out from the competition.
Flow drill screws in lightweight construction and mixed construction
Flow-hole forming screw joints are becoming increasingly important, especially in lightweight construction and mixed construction methods. Thanks to the reduced material thickness, they enable the construction of lighter structures. This is particularly advantageous in the automotive industry, where lower weight leads to greater efficiency. Flow drill screws also provide strong connections in mixed structures. It also joins different materials together that can no longer be welded. This technique reduces the overall weight while increasing the strength of the parts. Because no counter-pressure point is required for the connection (one-sided accessibility), the production process is considerably simplified and contributes to increased efficiency.
Innovative connection solution with automation potential
A major advantage of friction drilling and the flow drill process is the automation potential. The insert of the screws reduces assembly time and cuts costs considerably. This is because the automated process delivers consistent results and minimizes the need for manual adjustments.
In addition, flow drill screws enable damage-free and chip-free connections, even with thin materials. Damage-free screw joints are particularly important, as thin materials can be reliably joined without additional reinforcement. Chipless is a huge advantage, especially when screwing together electronic components such as battery packs. In summary, these innovative fastening solutions help to increase production efficiency and reduce material costs at the same time.
Improved production quality, fewer rejects
Through the consistently high quality of every connection, friction drilling is a particularly reliable method and significantly minimizes production errors. Thanks to precise manufacturing and the insert of state-of-the-art technologies, it ensures that every connection is consistently strong and stable. This leads to a reduction in the reject rate and improves the overall efficiency of the production process. As a result, Flow drill screws make a decisive contribution to improved manufacturing quality and meet high industrial standards.
Faster assembly times and reduced material consumption
Flow drill screws enable faster assembly times through fewer work steps. The screws form the hole and thread in a single process. This eliminates the need for reworking and significantly reduces production time. Another advantage is the reduced material consumption. Flow drill screws do not require extra threaded inserts or nuts, which reduces material costs.
Flow-hole forming screw joints therefore offer an efficient and sustainable solution that saves both time and resources. In addition, they contribute to the manufacture of lighter and more stable constructions by connecting different materials such as steel and aluminum with safety.
Conclusion: The future of fastening technology?
Flow-hole forming screw-joints have established themselves as one of the most promising developments in fastening technology. The numerous advantages, such as the ability to join different materials securely and efficiently, the potential for automation and the savings in material and time, clearly speak in favor of this technology. At a time when lightweight construction, sustainability and high production quality are paramount, friction drilling offers a forward-looking solution. In view of these advantages, it is likely that flow drill screws will continue to play a central role in the further development of modern production technologies and will establish themselves as the standard in various industries and shape them.
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