Behind the automobile production and sales, which have both exceeded 30 million, lies the emerging demand for the welding process!

With the post-epidemic macroeconomic recovery, the support of national policies, and the further promotion of new energy vehicles, China's automobile market experienced steady growth in 2023. According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China's automobile production and sales reached 30.161 million units and 30.094 million units respectively, showing a year-on-year growth of 11.6% and 12%. Among these, 4.91 million units of automobiles were exported, making a year-on-year growth of 58%. Compared to the previous year, the growth rate of production increased by 8.2 percentage points, and the growth rate of sales increased by 9.9 percentage points.

The prosperous development of the automobile industry is closely tied to the stable output of the manufacturing industry. Welding, as a crucial process in automobile manufacturing, plays a vital role in ensuring the high quality welding of all approximately 5,000 welding joints in a vehicle. The quality of the automobile and the market reputation of the car company are determined by this high quality welding. As the automotive industry continues to grow, there is a new market demand for advancements in the automotive welding process.

1. New Markets Bring Forth New Materials for Emerging Technologies

Conventional vehicles utilize a significant amount of low-carbon, low-alloy deep-drawn plates. Some parts also utilize high-strength, galvanized plates, which enable good weldability for material connections. The various welding parameters interact with changes in the weldability interval, allowing for the use of AC spot welding and MAG welding to achieve good welds. Energy saving and new energy vehicles, driven by the requirement of "low-carbon," "electrification," "lightweight," and cost reduction, extensively employ aluminum alloys, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel, as well as polymer, carbon fiber and other composite materials. Some vehicle structures also involve connections between dissimilar materials. However, due to the increased alloy composition, strength levels, physical and chemical properties, and performance differences of dissimilar materials, the weldability of the connection objects decreases, resulting in a narrower weldability interval. Consequently, there are higher demands for welding equipment and process parameters.

2. Welding Strength Requirements

Top international automobile companies have stringent requirements for the welding strength quality of vehicles. For example, the pass rate for spot welding strength quality of all 5,000 or so welding points is 99.9%. Only 5 unqualified welded joints are allowed, and key parts such as the cockpit and cabin frame must not have any unqualified strength welded joints. 

3. Cost Reduction, Efficiency, Energy Saving and Emission Reduction

The pressure to reduce manufacturing costs requires cost savings and consumption reduction. National policies also require energy saving and emission reduction. There are clear requirements for operating environment temperature, smoke and particulate matter. The welding station faces high quality requirements and operational difficulties. The use of robotic automation undoubtedly reduces the labor intensity of individuals, ensures welding quality, and reduces overall costs, making a significant contribution. 

In response to the emerging requirements of the current market, Heron consistently strives for innovation and aligns itself with market trends. As a result, we have successfully designed and developed a range of dependable metal connection solutions for the automobile industry.

If you require further information or would like a comprehensive and detailed introduction, please do not hesitate to contact us.