The Belgian Welding Institute (BWI) carries out applied welding research, focussing on welding technologies and the weldability of materials for specific industrial use.
Focus on industrial relevance
Within our research activities, the voice of our members and industrie is key. Targetting the industrial end user, we have eyes for the industrial applicability of innovative joining techniques, trying as such to respond to know-how questions and supporting development projects that encourage innovation processes. It is our job to turn the results of research into economic opportunities in domains that could prove important for the industry in the longer term.
BWI research projects
Research areas
Addressing welding challenges in various industries
Looking for a more productive, healthy or environmentally friendly joining technology? Which technology is best suited for your application? How to join dissimilar materials? Our experts advise you on the best technology for your specific situation.
The Belgian Welding Institute will start up a research project to demonstrate the feasibility of quality control using systems for inline, real time defect detection during welding.
Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) allows metal parts to be built from welding wire using a standard welding robot. WAAM can be used to produce unique pieces, small series or prototypes, with a complex (internal) geometry or products consisting of multiple materials.
Joining can be a weak link in the construction or product. Damage phenomena such as fatigue cracks, hydrogen cracks, stress corrosion and galvanic corrosion can occur near welds.
Decisive for E-mobility are not only the performance of the vehicles, but also the technical challenges in their production via new innovative concepts. Thanks to our know-how about conventional and innovative connection processes, BIL is the ideal partner for this industry.
Conventional thermal joining techniques quickly reach their technical limits when multi-material connections are required. Different combinations of materials and thicknesses makes robust joining increasingly complex. To meet the current needs of joining of dissimilar materials, the Belgian Welding Institute has started several research projects focusing on such connections.
In many applications, components with welded joints are also heavily loaded in fatigue. BWI supports companies through its expertise in fatigue resistance of materials, by executing fatigue tests or through research on the fatigue behaviour of materials and welded joints.
The BWI researches high temperature materials and applications, and more specifically the welding of the new generation of steel. Areas covered are crack sensitivity and creep phenomena of welded pieces. Results are systematically processed and used as a basis for practical recommendations.
Innovation support
The importance of innovation in the field of welding and related techniques is undisputed: innovation is as such an significant prerequisite for sound management and a stronger competitive position. Knowledge of the current state of affairs and new developments provides a solid basis for the future. Moreover, the BWI keeps abreast of international developments by participating in European research projects.
Can we support your innovation plans?
Research at BWI is divided into two categories:
- Individual research:
research conducted for a specific company or organisation. The results are confidential and communicated exclusively to the customer. Targeted contract research through competent staff, a well-equipped laboratory and a vast machinery.
- Collective research:
all participating parties - universities, research facilities, large and small companies – get, through a minimum of costs, the maximum of research results. Networking and collaboration in a non-competitive atmosphere are important advantages.
