Solid state joining of thin hybrid sandwiches made of steel and polymer: A feasibility study

The growing demand for more environmentally friendly vehicles has led to an increased use of light materials in the transportation industry with the aim to reduce structural weight, fuel consumption, and gas emissions, thereby boosting cost-effectiveness and recyclable properties. Complex multi-material steel-based components would allow to improve mechanical properties and minimize weight even further. In particular, new sandwich materials made by steel outer skins and a polymeric internal layer seems very promising for obtaining mechanical performance and lightness at the same time. Unfortunately, traditional welding techniques, like arc welding, laser welding, and resistance spot welding…