Metallic Glue To Replace Soldering and Welding

[zboss]

New metallic glue could replace welding and soldering | ExtremeTech

[StuM]

OK, I can see that the two components of the glue itself will not separate.

But I wonder how strong the bond is between each glue component and the metal surface it is on? That will be the failure point.

Edit: the major advantage seems to be that it is an electrically conductive join, so I'd guess it will replace superglue rather than welding

[UNCIVILIZED]

I know that back in the day, before composites reached where they are now, the crsh tubs in Formula 1 race cars & the like: Were made out of aluminum, bonded together with epoxy. Where as of last check, they're fully composite.
The crash tubs being, the units which protected the driver, when he smacked into the wall @ 200mph, & the rest of the car melts into little pieces around him. Like tissue paper in a hard rain.

Also, there have been other aluminum bonding agents which are quite unique, dead simple to apply, & very strong. So I suppose that this is possible... and likely has been for quite a while. It's just that it's taken until now for it to both; be released from the skunkworks division, & for the general populace to be ready to accept it, would be my guess.

[zboss]

Originally Posted by StuM

OK, I can see that the two components of the glue itself will not separate.

But I wonder how strong the bond is between each glue component and the metal surface it is on? That will be the failure point.

Edit: the major advantage seems to be that it is an electrically conductive join, so I'd guess it will replace superglue rather than welding

They are claiming it was tested to be as strong as a normal weld - In the lab. That would probably mean perfectly clean metal and whatnot.

[Reefmagnet]

Glues to replace welding have been popping up since at least the early '80's. About the only ones that seem to have come to anything are the glues for car panels and such. This idea looks interesting although I couldn't see it extending beyond component and PCB manufacture from the information in the article although I think it would be nice as a glue and sealant for crimp connectors if it can be simplified in application.

[Red Herring]

Originally Posted by StuM

OK, I can see that the two components of the glue itself will not separate.

But I wonder how strong the bond is between each glue component and the metal surface it is on? That will be the failure point.

Edit: the major advantage seems to be that it is an electrically conductive join, so I'd guess it will replace superglue rather than welding

They didn't touch on the bonding ability to the metal surface at all. Isn't that what this is all about in the first place? How odd.

[zboss]

I suppose that if it doesn't turn out to be good for welding it will help make electronics smaller. This means lighter, less expensive devices, more reliable and efficient switches and circuit breakers, wires that don't need crimping or soldering, etc. all which we can benefit from - even if we can't build an arch with it.