BRIN Develops Modern Welding Technology to Improve the Quality of National Aluminum Ships
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) continues to strengthen the maritime industry through the development of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) technology as an innovative solution to improve the quality of joints in aluminum ships. This research focuses on creating a prototype of a modern welding machine and testing its mechanical performance and corrosion resistance to address the challenges of welding 5083 series aluminum, which has long been sensitive to heat.
Head of BRIN’s Hydrodynamics Technology Research Center (PRTH), Teguh Muttaqie, explained that the demand for aluminum ships in Indonesia continues to increase due to their advantages of being lightweight and fuel-efficient. However, conventional welding methods often cause thermal distortion that affects the structural quality.
“Friction Stir Welding technology is present as a solid-state welding solution capable of producing high-quality joints with low thermal distortion,” said Teguh on Thursday (2/4).
BRIN, through PRTH, plays a role in the development of the design, assembly of the FSW machine prototype, and the preparation of technology standardization that can be applied to national strategic industry needs.
Young Expert Engineer at PRTH BRIN, Agus Sasmito, emphasized that this research does not only focus on the machine design aspect but also on comprehensive testing to ensure the technology’s performance.
“This research includes the manufacture of an FSW machine prototype, testing of mechanical performance parameters, and analysis of corrosion resistance on 5083 series aluminum joints. We want to ensure that this technology is ready to be applied in shipyard industries,” explained Agus.
He added that the research process was carried out systematically through preparation and implementation stages. The initial stage includes literature studies, analysis of industrial needs, and readiness of laboratory infrastructure and simulation equipment. Subsequently, the team carried out machine design using CAD modeling and numerical simulation to test the construction strength before entering the manufacturing stage.
Testing was conducted through laboratory-scale welding and specimen fabrication, which were then analyzed using Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods and corrosion tests. In addition, the FSW process optimization was carried out using a finite element simulation approach to predict temperature distribution, distortion, and residual stress.
“Through this simulation, we can control the welding parameters with precision so that the joint quality becomes more optimal,” he added.
The final stage of the research is directed toward implementation testing of the FSW machine prototype in the shipyard environment, with the capability to follow the contour of the ship’s hull simultaneously. This is an important step in ensuring the technology’s readiness for real-world application in the industry.
Through this research, BRIN aims to realize the independence of modern welding technology that can improve the competitiveness of the national shipbuilding industry, while also reducing dependence on imported technology. This research activity also involves collaboration with the Surabaya Shipbuilding State Polytechnic (PPNS), the Faculty of Engineering at the Islamic University of Kalimantan (FT UNISKA), and industry partner PT Surabaya Marine to support testing and field implementation of the technology.
