The Thailand automotive industry has been growing significantly over the past 55 years. It has contributed to 10% of the nation’s GDP, with more than 759K vehicle units sold in 2021. This success has made the country the biggest automotive manufacturer in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the 10th largest car producer in the world. As the Automotive Hub of Asia, Thailand continuously positions itself as the next-generation automotive manufacturer with higher value-added manufacture and environmental protection policy.
The FSW-460V is an FSW processing machine that realizes high-speed, high-quality friction stir welding. In addition to the newly developed high-rpm and high-rigidity spindle, our original special-shaped tool is adopted, and the FSW tool’s constant thrust control and fracture detection enable high-speed and high-quality FSW machining. The automatic replacement function of the tool holder supports long-term continuous bonding, contributing to the mass production and improvement of production efficiency of EV-related parts such as motor cases and inverter cooling devices.
As the trend toward decarbonization accelerates, investment in mass production of Electric Vehicle (EV) is increasing around the world. There is an increasing need for production efficiency such as motors and inverters that make up EVs. Expectations for friction stir welding (FSW) are further increasing as a technology that leads to improved processing efficiency.
In 2014, we launched the industry’s first hybrid multi-tasking machine that combines FSW and cutting functions, and we have been striving to improve joining technology for about 10 years. During this time, we have developed and proposed FSW’s machining processes for various needs and have accumulated a track record of introduction mainly in the semiconductor and automobile industries. In response to the recent growing expectations for FSW, including in the EV industry, we have developed the FSW-460V based on the bonding know-how we have gained so far.
That dream of being an EV hub. Thailand is believed to be well-positioned to tackle these challenges and achieve EV commitment, provided it focuses on the identified challenges and develops targeted solutions. These criteria must be fulfilled for Thailand to realize its EV dream and emerge as a global powerhouse in EV, especially in the SEA region and emerging countries.
Article by: MEGA Tech & Mazak (Thailand) Co., Ltd.