Good Duck

This pertain to the RX-8.


Mazda Develops World's First Aluminum Joining Technology Using Friction Heat

Buger

I found the release pretty interesting when I first read it and I was going to post it here. The 2 things that are most intresting are where Mazda talks about how the greater use of aluminum in their vehicles in the future and how this new development was "developed ahead of other global makers" :D

Good Duck

This beg the question. How much of the RX-8 is made of aluminum? Is it just the skin?

P00Man

mazda really is a cutting edge company.
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Vancouver

Is this a case of fact being better than friction? Cheers.

zoom44

is there another article on this "three-layer wet paint system"?

thanks!

Puppy1

The main piece is the all aluminum hood. The remainder of the body is steal I think.

rxeightr

The rear doors giving entry to the back seats are also aluminum.

SA22C

Mazda has always tried to develop new technologies and techniques. They developed a lean-burn catalyst before anyone else, marketed the Miller Cycle engine, pushed hydroforming into the mainstream with the RX-8's construction, and now this new aluminum joining process.

Oh, and I heard they have some sort of Wankel engine. Anyone know anything about that? :p

babylou

Uh, I guess several million GM trucks, Corvettes and other cars that utilize hydro-forming for frame rails and other components is not mainstream?

MattZ

The Audi A8 was the first all alluminum mass production car. It started production in 1994. The new A8 will go on sale in 2003 and weighs less than 4000 pounds Pretty unbelievable for a full sized luxury sedan in the same class as the 7 series and the S class.

Audi has been developing aluminum technologies for years including the A8 and A2.

RedRotaryRocket

The NSX has an all-aluminum body, and they were introduced in 1991.

zoom44

they are not saying in the press release that they are the first to use this much alminum. they are saying that they developed this new joining technology which greatly reduces the energy needed to join the aluminum parts together. this can lead to motre extensive use of aluminum in auto making and in other industries because this process uses less power so cost less and is easier to set up.

as far as the hydroforming. i don't remember this release mentioning it and i would have to agree that it was gm that pushed this tech into the mainstream with the 'vette.

zoom44

there must be something besides alminum i.e. glass for windows and windshield, rubber for tires etc. :p

wakeech

... and a highly ferrous crankshaft...
not to mention i'd be impressed if most of the metal in the bearings (wherever) was aluminum too...

P00Man

im pretty sure its only the frame and body that is aluminum, adn wheels, and probably the uhhhhh chassis
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CraziFuzzy

no way, didn't you see that 'Clear Aluminum' Scotty had in Star Trek IV????? sorry for the trekkie note, but i couldn't pass it up.. hehe

justinm2

Anybody familiar with the Panoz AIV roadster. (aiv = aluminum intensive vehicle). Almost the whole car is aluminum, and built on a really trick platform built using technology they invented called an extruded aluminum chassis. The aluminum body panels are made by a company in CA called Superforms (i think that was the name, it's been a coupld of years since i worked there). very cool car it weighs in about 2500 lbs. has a cobra 4.6 L modular V8 under the hood. 50/50 weight distribution. hand built. amazing car to drive.

rxeightr

I believe Scotty called it 'Transparent Aluminum'. Got to keep our facts straight.

Smoker

Hmmm, I believe Hyundai (Heavy Industry) is the first company to invent the process of Frictional Metal Joining. They've been using this process to building their super-tankers, freighters and other heavy industry equipment (cranes, lifts, etc).

Mazda probably took this process further and perfected it with Aluminum.

Good for Mazda.

Stefchu

Friction welding really isnt that new their has been a place doing that down the road from my house for at least 6 or so years now. I think mazdas claim to fame is doing it with aluminum which is no piece of cake to weld itself

RotorGeek

I was wondering about door dings. My friend has a WRX a couple of weeks ago he got hit by a rock on the highway and it dented the $hit out of his hood (Which is aluminum). The bodyshop told him he had to get it replaced. The whole freaken hood. Would that be the case if I get a doording on the rear doors or hood (which are aluminum) Thats scary