HiFIT is a partner in MIDWEST (Mechanized post-weld treatment of welded structures for automotive and cargo applications) research project which aims to develop and implement mechanization solutions for important improvement methods (HFMI, Burr-grinding, and TIG dressing) for welded components and structures. This will enable increased fatigue life, improved load capacity and product quality, productivity, reduced scrapping, and more sustainable and efficient manufacturing when fully utilized in the Swedish vehicle and transport equipment industry. The project will provide a holistic understanding of the Life cycle cost (LCC) over a wide range of welded components from the automotive and cargo industry. These solutions will be important for wheel loaders and haulers, loader cranes, forklift and container trucks, and fatigue-loaded chassis components in cars. The results will also be interesting for other sectors in the Swedish manufacturing industry.
Funding is provided by Vinnova-FFI-Sustainable production. Project partners include Swerim Research Institute, Chalmers University of Technology, KTH, Volvo Construction Equipment, Toyota Material Handling, HIAB, Gestamp HardTech, SSAB, ABB, Robotdalen, HiFiT, Weld-Hit, and Winteria. The project duration is 3 years and started in November 2022.