Atlas betting on new automotive assembly technologies

Swedish engineer Atlas Copco invests in new technology assembly vehicles, and believes that strong adhesives and new rivets can be seen in the rapidly increasing demand of car manufacturers trying to reduce the weight of vehicles in order to achieve emission reduction targets.
After buying its SCA, a manufacturer of adhesive glue gear in 2011, Atlas Copco snapped up a professional self-piercing riveting firm of Henrob Company last month, adding one or more sheets of material together. Atlas Copco's head of industrial technology business told reporters that he is looking for more acquisitions to add new technologies. He said, "These technologies are attractive and powerful enough that we can consider adding to our product portfolio."
Atlas Copco's interest in new assembly technologies has prompted a trend for automakers to use more aluminum to reduce vehicle weight. Aluminum can be difficult to weld and car manufacturers are turning to alternatives, including strong adhesives and self-piercing rivets. According to a study conducted last year by the consultant companies Daktronics Global and the European Aluminum Association, each car in Europe between 1990 and 2012 almost doubled the amount of aluminum from 50 kg to 140 kg.