The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 24, 2024
Filed:
Dec. 05, 2018
Arconic Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Donald J. Spinella, Greensburg, PA (US);
Daniel Bergstrom, Sarver, PA (US);
HOWMET AEROSPACE INC., Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for fastening layers of non-ferrous alloys, like aluminum, magnesium and copper utilizes a steel fastener and a spot welding machine. The fastener and metals are stacked and the heat from the welder's electric current softens the lower melting point aluminum allowing the fastener to penetrate the aluminum. A weld zone between the fastener and the various layers creates an internal weld. The fastener has a rough shaft that is coated by the molten weld zone and is hard to withdraw on solidification. Layers of non-conductive materials like plastics and ceramics may also be affixed to a conductive layer using a fastener made from a compatible material that extends through a pilot hole and welds to or penetrates a conductive layer. The fastener may have projections that initially reduce contact area with the stack.