The Latest Laser Applied Technology of the Auto Industry in Europe on the Example of the Body in White Applications of the Volkswagen Golf V

摘要

The use of laser based welding technology on-line in the body shop at European automotive manufactures, have a long history starting in the mid 80's. Single laser installations, mainly to join the roof with the side frame and the trunk lid brazing application developed to standard applications used at many car companies (for example: Volvo, BMW, VW, AUDI, SEAT, DC-Mercedes). Volkswagen AG started 1992 exploring body-in-white laser welding with the availability of high power Nd:YAG-lasers. Laser welding applications got introduced step by step with each new model in all manufacturing plants since then. Volkswagen reached with the introduction of the Golf V in 2004 a percentage of almost 50% laser welded joints in this car. Volkswagen takes on the global lead in laser based car production. This paper will describe examples of the laser joining methods used, and finally, experiences and lessons learned will be summarized.