Structural Adhesive used in New F150
I have heard that Adhesive is used in the new Aluminum F150 Body. Seems that the adhesive is called Dow Betamate structural adhesive. Here is a Link to a post concerning this. I'm wondering ...
Forum Discussion
In Ford's case, I believe most of the adhesive joins are also backed with rivets. It isn't purely adhesive like what's done with Carbon Fiber and Fiberglass joined bodies. Epoxies have come a long way and I think Ford most likely did all the engineering work they needed to. Unfortunately we won't know until a few years from now.
As for GM's method for aluminum joining, it's a combination of flash welding by ultra high speed drilling of a certain type of rivet fastener between 2 aluminum joints. Then they have another welding process as well. There is still a lot of work being done to discover new novel ways to join Aluminum since spot welding is a little problematic in meeting mass production needs. Chrysler used to have a lead in aluminum development out of the big 3(see the plymouth prowler), but that went away when Daimler took over and Ford employs a majority of those engineers today.
As for GM's method for aluminum joining, it's a combination of flash welding by ultra high speed drilling of a certain type of rivet fastener between 2 aluminum joints. Then they have another welding process as well. There is still a lot of work being done to discover new novel ways to join Aluminum since spot welding is a little problematic in meeting mass production needs. Chrysler used to have a lead in aluminum development out of the big 3(see the plymouth prowler), but that went away when Daimler took over and Ford employs a majority of those engineers today.
