Research projects


  • ALUWELD : Innovative welding of aluminium alloys – Hybrid Laser Welding and Friction Stir Welding

    The aim of this project, which is also known as the “ALUWELD”-project, is to build up base knowledge about two innovative and promising welding processes: Friction Stir Welding (FSW) and Hybrid Laser Welding (HLW).

    Start: 01-01-2004
    End: 01-01-2006
  • CASSTIR: Innovative joining of critical aluminium structures with friction stir welding

    The project CASSTIR, funded by the Belgian Science Policy, is a collaboration between BWI, UCL, CEWAC and UGent. The project aimed at stimulating and introducing the innovative friction stir welding technique applied to aluminium alloys in Belgium, as well as obtaining a profound knowledge in this welding process by studying the friction stir joint characteristics into great detail. 

    Start: 01-12-2006
    End: 30-11-2009
  • INNOJOIN: Development and evaluation of advanced welding technologies for multi-material design with dissimilar sheet metals

    The INNOJOIN project provides insight in new modern welding technologies for welding of dissimilar sheet metals and helps companies to identify the most suitable welding technology for their products. During the project, a few representative cases were developed, based on the input of the participating companies.

    Start: 01-03-2014
    End: 30-06-2016
  • LightBEE : Development of Lightweight Battery Carriers for EV Energy Units

    The overall aim of the research project “LightBEE” is to develop a range of new high added-value battery components for the transport industry, using innovative joining technologies. Therefore, systematic and reliable knowledge and data will be generated about the applicability of promising joining processes for manufacturing of battery modules, carriers and sub-components. The optimised battery components should be lighter, having better safety properties, and produced more cost-effectively and more environmentally-friendly.

    Start: 01-05-2020
    End: 30-11-2022