Automotive Body Joining for
Lightweight Structures
WMG MSc Module
This module deals with the employment of new and existing
joining technologies which, whilst they can be described as
implementation ready, do not have a suitable knowledge
base to ensure robust implementation.
It addresses the steps needed to introduce a new joining
process into manufacturing industry, including: initial
business case, technology definition, specific application
requirements, business benefits and risks, process
application to design condition, process stability under all
process variation, and design and process guidelines.
What will you study?
What will you gain?
The module will be delivered through lectures covering
theory and practical examples, as well as group exercises.
On completion, as a successful participant you should
expect to be able to:
Topics will include:
 Advance the process by which a new joining technology
may be introduced, and critique the range of attributes
that influence the successful application
cc An introduction to automotive body joining, and the key
joining processes currently in use or in development
cc Issues surrounding process introduction
 Prepare a systematic and practical proposal to introduce
a new advanced technology, process, or tool, which
extends the current manufacturing capabilities, and justify
the choices made
cc Processes and philosophies used to evaluate and manage
the introduction of new technologies
cc Critique previous technology implementations and
identify key areas for improvement
cc Practical examples of automotive body joining
technology implementation
cc Conceptualise the potential application of new
manufacturing techniques within your organisation,
hypothesising potential benefits and weaknesses, and
creatively overcome issues identified
cc The process planning of a manufacturing facility, and the
constraints under which these installations are installed
cc Discussion of the current issues around, and potential
opportunities to improve, existing applications
cc An in-company exercise to be carried out following the
module, with support from WMG
cc Interpret the cost drivers of body-in-white assembly, and
the constraining factors for new model introduction
cc Systematically review the implementation of a complex
advanced technology and provide an informed
systematic route map to implement a step change in the
manufacturing facility
Duration: 5 days
Assessment: Post module assignment
For more information
www.warwick.ac.uk/wmg/tas
tas@wmg.warwick.ac.uk