Series production of friction stir welded battery trays
By Axel Meyer (RIFTEC GmbH)

The presented product is the structural bottom for a battery housing in one of the first EV of a German OEM.
The unique constellation of the Hammerer Aluminium Industries (HAI) Group allowed us to establish an automated production line for the series production of large welded panels for battery trays. A number of core competences of the HAI group are combined in this line:
- Three multi-core hollow extrusions in tight dimensional tolerances. Fulfilling the specific requirements for this structural and crash relevant application.
- Automated double-sided friction stir welding of six extrusions. Resulting in a very flat panel with absolute tight welds.
- mechanical machining on three dual-headed machining centre as the final process step

From the raw material to the finished assembly under one roof and responsibility.