Industries

Automotive

TWI's experience and expertise adds value to the businesses of its automotive sector Members, who include vehicle manufacturers, component and assembly suppliers, materials suppliers, specialist vehicle builders, and motorsport specialists including Formula 1.

TWI's multi-disciplinary staff help Members to devise and implement workable solutions from concept development, through manufacture to recycling - for all engine types, from 'traditional' internal combustion engine vehicles to electric and hybrid vehicles.

The automotive industry is facing huge pressures to achieve sustainable, low-carbon products at an affordable price. TWI can advise on new products and manufacturing processes, and ensures that Members have access to industry best practice through technology transfer and training.

The competition for ever greater performance in motorsport is relentless. TWI works with motorsport companies, not least F1 teams, to develop and implement cutting edge technologies.

The combination of expertise and experience at TWI is applied to a variety of challenges including:

Process cost reduction
Faster time-to-market
Lean manufacture
Lightweighting
Thermal management
Electronics and sensors for harsh environments
Design for disassembly
Robust, lead-free soldering
Product reliability
Improved wear or corrosion performance through surface modification
Joining dissimilar materials – metal-to-metal, metal-to-composite
Repair considerations when using new materials
Supply-chain development.

TWI's technology experts and range of specialist equipment have recently been helping Members to improve performance in a variety of ways:

Advising on robust fabrication technologies such as welding, fastening and adhesives to increase reliability and reduce process costs
Research and development (R&D) for power and fuel issues, including internal combustion, battery, fuel cell and electric motor
Investigating materials' performance in high-pressure hydrogen gas to ensure the safety of affordable hydrogen storage for future vehicles
Introducing reliable joining methods for new power sources and joints for heavy duty connectors
Exploring 'lightweighting' techniques and how best to exploit the potential advantages of high strength steel, aluminium, magnesium, composites and plastics, often used in combination.

TWI not only works from its own facilities, but also provides welding engineers and other specialists to work on Members’ sites wherever they may be in the world. These secondments can last from a few days to many months, depending on the need.

As well as the provision of technical and business solutions, TWI’s training and qualifications services are designed to enhance the skills of all those engaged in welding, joining and inspection. Many existing courses are automotive-industry approved. Training courses run specifically for the auto industry include resistance welding and plastics joining techniques, and tailor-made courses can be provided to match Members' needs.

For more information about TWI's services to the automotive industry, please contact us.