ProjectDINAMITE II

In the aerospace sector, the drive for lighter, higher-performing and more energy-efficient structures is leading to growing use of hybrid metal/composite structures.

However, joining these very different materials remains a major challenge:

• incompatible mechanical and thermal behaviour
• complex adhesion between dissimilar materials
• high sensitivity of interfaces to the quality of surface treatments
• difficulty guaranteeing lasting performance under industrial conditions

The DINAMITE II project follows on from DINAMITE I and aims to go a step further by developing continuous multi-material joining solutions suited to aerospace production requirements.

The aim is to combine several technologies (laser, induction, ultrasound) and optimise the interfaces to obtain reliable, durable and industrially scalable joints.

3-year project, from January 2020 to December 2022

The DINAMITE II project aims to improve the performance and industrialisation of metal/composite joining processes.

Its main objectives are to:

• Broaden the range of material combinations studied for aerospace applications
• Explore and hybridise new surface treatments to optimise joint strength
• Develop continuous joining processes combining laser, induction and ultrasound
• Assess the mechanical performance and durability of multi-material joints
• Increase production rates to meet industrial cost and time constraints
• Validate the solutions developed through prototypes

In the DINAMITE II project, IREPA LASER works on surface preparation, productivity and validation of hybrid joints.

Optimising surface preparation
IREPA LASER develops high-productivity surface preparation solutions, notably using polygon scanners.
These technologies improve adhesion quality between metal and composite by optimising the surface condition before joining.

Contribution to metal/composite joining
The work focuses on understanding and improving the interfaces between materials to ensure:

• better mechanical strength of joints
• greater durability in service conditions
• process repeatability

Validation on industrial prototypes
IREPA LASER leads the validation of the technologies developed through representative demonstrators and prototypes, verifying process robustness under near-industrial conditions.

The DINAMITE II project is based on a consortium of complementary partners:

• Institut de Soudure – Project coordinator, expertise in induction welding and co-consolidation
• CIRTES – Machining and Stratoconception
• TJFU – Surface treatment
• ICAR – CM2T – Characterisation and surface preparation (cold spray)
• IREPA LASER – Technology validation and laser surface preparation

The project is funded under Région Grand Est and FEDER schemes:

• Total project cost: €366,361.45
• FEDER (ERDF) funding: €128,339
• Co-funding Région Grand Est + FEDER: ~70% of the budget

DINAMITE II brings significant advances in the industrialisation of hybrid metal/composite joints.

Improved joint performance
The new surface treatment and joining strategies produce stronger and more durable joints.

Faster industrial processes
Higher production rates directly address manufacturers’ cost and time constraints.

Wider choice of materials
Broadening the range of material combinations paves the way for new hybrid architectures in aeronautics.

Industrialisation of multi-technology processes
Combining laser, induction and ultrasound enables more flexible joining solutions suited to production lines.

Strengthening the competitiveness of the aerospace sector
The project helps develop lighter, higher-performing and more competitive solutions for next-generation aerostructures.