Challenge
The two-fold principle is a highly successful design strategy for lightweight construction. Two layers of steel connected to a supporting core form a sandwich element that can bear much greater loads than a single-layered steel sheet. The challenge is to connect the two steel sheets rigidly with a minimum of welding. Invention:
The RES-Composite Panel uses cold pressure welding to connect two steel sheets. Bolts are welded in a grid pattern on one side of each sheet, and tubular connectors act as single spacers between the sheets. This produces a shear-resistant connection.
Advantages
- Mass production of double-sided steel panels
- Provision of a hollow space between the steel sheets
- Plane surface from outside
Applications
- Applicable to thin sheets and heavy plates
- Ship building
- Machinery and vehicles
- Plant engineering