Metal-plastic composites (MPCs) have many advantages for producing lightweight structures. They are lighter than steel, yet very strong. They can be shaped using standard cold-forming processes. And, they are less expensive than aluminum alloys.
One problem that has prevented wider implementation of these materials has been a lack of technologies for joining MPCs with each other as well as with other materials, such as steel and aluminum. Conventional thermal joining techniques, such as arc welding or laser welding, are not applicable due to the presence of the polymer layer. Alternative technologies, such as clinching or blind riveting, cannot create high-quality joints.