In recent years, the industries of lightweight body structures, electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles have rapidly developed worldwide, and aluminum alloy materials are gradually replacing steel materials. Among them, the demand for structural applications and joining of aluminum alloys has increased greatly, making the demand for aluminum alloy welding in the automotive field no longer limited to planar 2D welding. Friction stir welding for the joining effect of aluminum alloy in high-quality and low-distortion which has played a very important part in the automotive industry. Therefore, some world-renowned manufacturers such as Mazda, Toyota, Ford, etc. have used friction stir welding to solve the joining of car body structure.

Some of the domestic companies have developed friction stir welding technology, they still focus on straight-line and 2D planar welding with a simple structure; however, the development of new products is often restricted. In order to cope with the design trends of a small number of different products in the future, MIRDC has begun to invest in the research and development of friction stir welding technology for 3D curved paths. It provides various FSW tools and fixtures for design and production, and welding parameter optimization. To overcome the past angle limitations, combining numerical simulation analysis is needed to achieve welding quality prediction. In addition, MIRDC also provides technical counseling services, includes the feasibility evaluation and sample trial production at the initial stage of product development, and the introduction of systematic mass production jigs/FSW tools and equipment evaluation, which can quickly respond to the development needs of new products and propose the complete customized solutions.

The application of friction stir welding technology responds to the issue of circular economy. Recycled aluminum increases 20% of the weld strength and reduce the energy consumption of the process by 40%. It will be applied to 5G signal products in the future to enhance the ability of the communication industry and focus on 3C, semiconductor, vessels, aerospace and other industries. At present, MIRDC has completed the construction of Taiwan’s first 3D curved surface friction stir welding demonstration production line. In addition to aluminum alloy welding requirements, the technology can also be applied to joining other materials, including copper, magnesium, iron and other materials to strengthen product value and assist domestic industries enter the international supply chain system.