Process

[ 01 / how it works ]

Thermal Direct Joining – The hyJOIN® Process

HYJOIN® thermal direct joining – also known as thermal hybrid joining – is our core IP and technology. It enables precise, durable, and recyclable connections between metal and plastic without adhesives or additional materials. By combining laser-based surface preparation, precise component fixation, electromagnetic induction, and controlled pressing, HYJOIN® delivers a fast, automated, and sustainable joining process that redefines the possibilities of lightweight design.

[ step 01 ]

Laser Remote Structuring of Metal Component

With laserTREAT®, the metal surface is prepared using laser remote structuring (LRS). This creates a defined microstructure that enhances bonding strength and ensures long-term stability. An integrated cleaning system guarantees optimal surface conditions before joining.

[ step 02 ]

Component Fixation

The plastic and metal components are precisely positioned in the varioJOIN® or giroJOIN® systems using dedicated part holders and joining tools. Secure fixation ensures reproducibility and allows flexible handling, either manually or fully automated with robotic systems.

[ step 03 ]

Electromagnetic Induction and Pressing

At the heart of the process is the coreJOIN® module in combination with coreSUPPLY® units. The inductor embedded in the joining die generates a concentrated electromagnetic field, inducing eddy currents in the metal. The metal heats rapidly and locally, softening the plastic at the interface. Controlled pressing ensures intimate contact and reliable bonding.

[ step 04 ]

Joined Component

After passive cooling, the result is a solid metal-plastic hybrid joint – strong, media-tight, and fully recyclable. The joined component can be directly removed from the system or passed on within a fully automated line such as atroJOIN®, enabling efficient series production.

[ 02 / specifications ]

Any metal joined with any plastic

HYJOIN® enables durable and recyclable hybrid connections across a broad material spectrum – from commodity plastics to high-performance polymers, and from lightweight metals to advanced alloys. Plastics can be applied in unreinforced, filled, or reinforced grades, while metals are available from various manufacturing processes such as extrusion, casting, forging, or additive manufacturing.

Performance Highlights

  • Strength: 15–30 MPa (tested according to DIN EN 1465)
  • Aging stability: confirmed according to PV1209 (commonly used in automotive validation)
  • Media tightness: up to 30 bar (depending on material combination)
Polymers
Metals
Forms
Metals can be produced via extrusion, casting, forging, 3D printing, or sintering, with properties tailored to specific applications.
Al, Fe, Ti, Mg, Brass, Cu, …
Unreinforced / Filled / Reinforced  Extrusion / Casting / 3D Printing, …

Plastics (ranked by performance level)

Category
Plastic Types (Thermoplastics)
High-performance / specialty polymers
PAEK, PPS, PPA, PC, TPU
Engineering polymers
PA6, PA6.6, PA12, PBT, POM
Commodity polymers
PP, PE

Each class can be used as unreinforced, filled, or reinforced, offering maximum flexibility in stiffness, thermal stability, and strength.

Metals (ranked by performance & lightweight potential)

Category
Metals & Alloys
Lightweight & high-performance
Titanium (Ti), Aluminum (Al)
Common structural metals
Iron / Steel (Fe), Magnesium (Mg)
Functional & conductive metals
Copper (Cu), Brass

Metals can be produced via extrusion, casting, forging, 3D printing, or sintering, with properties tailored to specific applications.

[ 03 / benefits ]

Key advantages

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High Performance Joining

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Media Tight Connections

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Cost Efficient Process

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Aging Resistance

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Lightweight Design

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Fully Recyclable

[ 04 / industries & applications ]

Your product with
our solution

Automotive & Mobility

Battery housings & modules (e-mobility), Body & structural components, Interior/exterior parts (handles, consoles, trims)

Consumer Goods & Household

Household appliances (coffee machines, refrigerators, washing machines), Power tools (drills, mixers, garden tools), Sports equipment (bicycle components, fitness gear, outdoor equipment)

Electronics

Connectors & interfaces, Sensor and actuator housings, Thermal management, and cooling solutions (heat sinks with plastic housings)

New Energy

Battery modules & packs, Hydrogen systems (tanks, valves, pipelines), PV & wind components (housings, structural elements)

Healthcare / Medical

Medical device housings (pumps, analyzers, scanners), Sterile instruments (reusable & recyclable), Implant-related components

Aerospace & Defense

Cabin & interior components, Structural parts (titanium-plastic hybrids), Electronic housings (avionics systems)

Industrial Solutions

Pumps & valves, Machine & drive housings, Functional modules for industrial systems

(Any) industry

These are just examples. Our solutions adapt to countless industries wherever plastic and metal need to be joined.

A machine used for thermal joining metal and plastic