Metallic module and manufacturing process for such a metallic module.

The described manufacturing process addresses the challenges of residual stresses and deformations in metal assemblies by using localized brazing or welding with a compression step, resulting in a robust and cost-effective metal module.

FR3149529A1Active Publication Date: 2024-12-13SAFRAN SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023005654
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-06
Publication Date
2024-12-13
Estimated Expiration
2043-06-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for assembling metal parts through localized welding or brazing face issues with non-uniform temperature distribution, residual stresses, and deformation, leading to increased manufacturing time and cost due to required post-welding treatments.

Method used

A manufacturing process involving a supply step with a mold defining a receiving housing, placement of metal elements, localized brazing or welding, followed by a compression step to secure and release residual stresses, using friction stir welding with a stationary shoulder and optional preheating and cooling to minimize distortions.

Benefits of technology

The process results in a mechanically robust metal module with reduced distortions and residual stresses, achieved through localized welding and compression, enhancing mechanical properties and reducing manufacturing time and cost.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a final metal module (21) from a first metal element (11) and a second metal element (13). The manufacturing method comprises a step (E3) of placing the first metal element (11) and the second metal element (13) in an assembly mold (1) comprising a second mold part (5); a step (E4) of fixing the first metal element (11) and the second metal element (13) by brazing or welding, carried out locally at at least one through-hole (7) in the second mold part (5), thus forming an intermediate metal module (19); and a compression step (E5) in which the assembly mold (1) compresses the intermediate metal module (19) to form the final metal module (21). The invention also relates to a final metal module (21) obtained by such a manufacturing method. Figure 2
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Description

Title of the invention: Metal module and method of manufacturing such a metal module. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of methods for manufacturing metal modules.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to the manufacture of such metal modules by assembling two metal parts by welding or localized brazing. State of the art

[0003] To assemble two metal parts together, it is known from the state of the art to use localized brazing or welding methods. In this case, the two metal parts are arranged relative to each other, and the brazing or welding is carried out between two relatively close areas of each of the two parts. Generally, these parts are brought into contact with each other to achieve such a fastening by welding or brazing.

[0004] These methods have the advantage of guaranteeing good mechanical resistance of the metal assembly thus produced, while allowing the part to be welded or brazed only at a predetermined area. Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state welding process that involves joining two parts by locally bringing them to a pasty state using a rotating pin and shoulder. The welding system uses the heat generated by the pin and coaxial shoulder rotating at high speed on the contact line between the parts to be welded, which causes the materials to "soften" and become pasty. The pin then penetrates the joint plane and thoroughly mixes the materials in an operation similar to forging or extrusion. Complete assembly is achieved as the pin advances, gradually moving across the entire area to be welded.

[0006] Although this method is satisfactory in carrying out the weld, it cannot overcome the non-uniformity of the temperature distribution during welding and therefore the generation of residual stresses.

[0007] A reduction in the thermal gradient during welding can be achieved by stationary shoulder friction stir welding (SSFSW). The system consists of a rotating pin and a fixed shoulder. This fixed shoulder can absorb a large amount of heat, which reduces the formation of residual stresses, but does not completely eliminate their presence.

[0008] Thus, whatever the assembly method used, residual stresses persist, and generally lead to the formation of distortions in the metal which induce a deformation of the metallic module obtained.

[0009] To release these residual stresses, it is known in the state of the art to carry out post-welding operations, such as thermomechanical post-treatments. These post-treatments may be thermal or mechanical stress relief, surface treatment or post-welding rolling. These operations increase the total time required for manufacturing the metal module. There is therefore a need to propose a manufacturing method for forming a mechanically robust metal module more quickly and at lower cost.

[0010] Object of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to propose a solution which responds to all or part of the aforementioned problems.

[0012] This aim can be achieved by implementing a method for manufacturing a final metal module comprising: - a supply step in which a first metal element and a second metal element are supplied; - a provision step in which an assembly mold is provided, the assembly mold comprising a first mold part and a second mold part, the first mold part and the second mold part defining between them a receiving housing intended to receive the first metal element and the second metal element, the second mold part further comprising at least one through opening, arranged through said second mold part; - a positioning step in which the first metal element and the second metal element are positioned and contained in the receiving housing, the first metal element and the second metal element being held integral with each other by the first mold part and by the second mold part; - a fixing step implemented after the positioning step, in which the first metal element and the second metal element are secured to each other by brazing or welding, said brazing or welding being implemented locally at the level of the at least one through opening of the second mold part, so as to braze or weld together the first metal element and the second metal element on a fixing portion, thus forming an intermediate metal module; - a compression step in which the assembly mold compresses the intermediate metal module at least at the level of the fixing portion, the result of the compression step being the final metal modulus.

[0013] The arrangements described above make it possible to propose a method for manufacturing a final metal module having improved mechanical properties. The implementation of local brazing or welding when the first metal element and the second metal element are held integral with each other makes it possible to avoid the creation of distortions during the formation of the intermediate metal module. The implementation of the compression step also makes it possible to release the residual stresses formed locally around the fixing portion during the implementation of the welding or brazing.

[0014] The manufacturing method may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the receiving housing internally defines a cavity in which the first metal element and the second metal element are fully contained. Thus, the cavity defined by the receiving housing also defines the external envelope of the final metal module.

[0016] It is well understood that the fixing step is implemented when the first metal element and the second metal element are held integral with each other.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the fixing step is implemented after the positioning step.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the compression step is implemented after the fixing step.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the compression step is implemented during the fixing step.

[0020] According to one embodiment, during the provision step, the assembly mold is a single-piece mold.

[0021] In other words, the first mold part and the second mold part are part of the same part. For example, the assembly mold is a hollow mold internally defining the receiving housing.

[0022] In this way, the assembly mold has improved mechanical strength. According to this embodiment, the positioning step is implemented by inserting the first metal element and the second metal element inside the receiving housing.

[0023] According to one embodiment, during the provision step, the first mold part and the second mold part are two separate parts.

[0024] Thus, the assembly mold can hold the first metal element and the second metal element together when they have a complex shape.

[0025] According to one embodiment, during the provision step, the mold assembly includes metallic such as steel or stainless steel, or a ceramic or composite material.

[0026] In this way, it is possible to form a mold with high mechanical resistance, at lower cost.

[0027] According to one embodiment, during the provision step, the receiving housing has at least one curved portion.

[0028] In this way, the assembly mold is adapted to form a final metal module having at least one curved-shaped portion.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the fixing step is implemented by friction stir welding, or by friction stir welding with a stationary shoulder.

[0030] Advantageously, friction stir welding "FSW" according to the established Anglo-Saxon terminology, allows to obtain welds of excellent metallurgical and mechanical quality. Thus, and in a synergistic manner, the use of friction stir welding during the fixing stage after the installation stage allows to benefit from the quality of the welds, while limiting distortions in the parts. The compression stage also allows to release the high residual stresses generated by this type of welding.

[0031] The use of friction stir welding with a stationary shoulder or stationary shoulder friction stir welding "SSFSW" according to the established Anglo-Saxon terminology, makes it possible to benefit from the advantages linked to friction stir welding, while presenting a lower generation of residual stresses due to the presence of the stationary shoulder of the friction stir welding tool with a stationary shoulder.

[0032] According to one embodiment, during the attachment step, the stationary shoulder may comprise at least one preheating device configured to perform heating of the attachment portion after or during friction stir welding with a stationary shoulder.

[0033] According to one embodiment, said at least one preheating device comprises a heating coil arranged before the pin of the welding apparatus in the welding direction.

[0034] According to one embodiment, said at least one preheating device may comprise two heating coils arranged on either side of the pin of the welding apparatus.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the at least one preheating device is configured to apply a preheating temperature of between 150°C and 200°C. Such a preheating temperature is particularly suitable for 7000 series aluminum alloys, since the yield strength of these aluminum alloys is considerably reduced from this temperature level. The previously described provisions make it possible to reduce the maximum temperature generated by the friction of the pin, which effectively reduces distortions of the welded parts.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the fastening step may include a cooling step, in which a cooling device cools the fastening portion after welding has been performed. This helps minimize distortion problems.

[0037] According to one embodiment, during the positioning step, the first mold part and the second mold part are compressed against each other, so as to keep the first metal element and the second metal element secured to each other by compression.

[0038] For example, during the installation step, the first mold part and the second mold part are assembled together by screwing, bolting, or riveting, or any other means.

[0039] In this way, it is possible to guarantee effective retention of the first metal element and the second metal element, in particular if they have complex geometric shapes.

[0040] According to one embodiment, during the provision step, the assembly mold comprises a compression part, and during the compression step, said compression part is applied at the level of the fixing portion, so as to compress the intermediate metal module.

[0041] Generally, the compression part is distinct from the first mold part and / or the second mold part.

[0042] In this way, it is possible to carry out the compression step at the level of the fixing portion, around which the most residual stresses remain.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the compression step comprises removing the second mold part, then applying the compression part at least at the fixing portion, the compression step being implemented by compressing the compression part towards the first mold part.

[0044] The arrangements described above make it possible to use a compression part having a simpler geometry, for example a solid compression part. Thus, the manufacture of the assembly mold and in particular of the compression part is simple and economical.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the compression portion completely closes the receiving housing when it is applied towards the first mold portion during the compression step.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the compression portion has a compression zone having a shape complementary to the shape of the at least one opening tra pouring, the compression step being implemented by applying said compression zone at the level of the at least one through opening and by compressing the compression part, and the second mold part towards the first mold part.

[0047] It is therefore well understood that the compression zone of the compression part is inserted into the at least one through opening to carry out the compression of the fixing portion during the compression step.

[0048] Advantageously, the use of a compression part comprising a compression zone having a shape complementary to the at least one through opening makes it possible to limit the quantity of material used to produce the compression part.

[0049] According to one embodiment, during the compression step, the compression part compresses the intermediate metal module at the level of the fixing portion.

[0050] According to one embodiment, during the compression step, the compression part and / or the second mold part compresses the intermediate metal module at the level of the fixing portion.

[0051] The arrangements described above make it possible to carry out the compression step while the intermediate metal module is held in the receiving housing by the first mold part and the second mold part.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first metallic element and / or the second metallic element comprises aluminum.

[0053] In other words, this metallic element is made of aluminum or comprises an aluminum alloy.

[0054] More generally, said at least one metallic element is a metallic material having a low melting point. Thus, the step of fixing by welding is easy to carry out. By "low melting point" is meant a metallic material having a melting temperature less than or equal to 800°C and in particular between 600°C and 800°C.

[0055] In the case where the assembly mold is a ceramic mold, said at least one metallic element may comprise any metallic material suitable for the production of metallic parts.

[0056] According to one embodiment, said at least one metallic element comprises titanium, copper, nickel, magnesium, steel or stainless steel. However, said at least one metallic element may comprise any type of metal that can be welded or brazed locally.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the second metallic element may comprise a material different from that of the first metallic element.

[0058] According to one embodiment, during the installation step, the first metal element and the second metal element are arranged next to each other.

[0059] For example, the first metal element and the second metal element are arranged next to each other in at least one direction oriented transversely to a direction in which a thickness of the final metal module is defined.

[0060] Thus, during the fixing step, the first metal element and the second metal element are brazed or welded edge to edge.

[0061] According to one embodiment, during the installation step, the first metal element and the second metal element are at least partially superimposed.

[0062] Thus, during the fixing step, the first metal element and the second metal element are brazed or welded transparently. By "welding or brazing transparently", it is meant that the welding or brazing is carried out through the thickness of the first metal element and / or the second metal element.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the fixing step is implemented so that a weld thickness counted according to a thickness of a metal element chosen from the first metal element and the second metal element is slightly greater than half the thickness of said metal element. In this way, it is possible to reduce the thermal gradient in the direction of the thickness of the metal element, which makes it possible to reduce the distortions of said metal element. By "slightly" is meant "within 5%".

[0064] The aim of the invention can also be achieved by implementing a final metal module obtained by a manufacturing method as described above.

[0065] Brief description of the drawings

[0066] Other aspects, aims, advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better on reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0067] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of certain steps in the process of fa construction according to two particular embodiments of the invention.

[0068] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of certain steps of the manufacturing process according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0069] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of certain steps of the manufacturing process according to a particular embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0070] In the figures and in the remainder of the description, the same references represent identical or similar elements. In addition, the different elements are not re presented to scale in order to enhance the clarity of the figures. Furthermore, the different embodiments and variants are not mutually exclusive and can be combined with each other.

[0071] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a final metal module 21, such as a heat exchanger. The invention also relates to a final metal module 21 obtained by such a manufacturing method.

[0072] As can be seen in [Fig. 1], the manufacturing method firstly comprises a providing step E1 in which a first metal element 11 and a second metal element 13 are provided. By "metal element" is meant a metal part intended to be assembled with another metal part to form the final metal module 21. The first metal element 11 and / or the second metal element 13 may comprise a metal material having a low melting point, i.e. a material having a melting temperature below 800°C, or between 600°C and 800°C, such as for example aluminum. In other words, this metal element is made of aluminum or comprises an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, said metal element may comprise titanium, copper, nickel, magnesium, steel or stainless steel.In this way, welding or brazing as will be described later with reference to step E4 is easy to carry out. It is however well understood that the person skilled in the art can adapt the manufacturing method for any metallic element which comprises a type of metal which can be welded or brazed locally. In addition, the material of the second metallic element may be different from that of the first metallic element.

[0073] The manufacturing method also comprises a provision step E2 in which an assembly mold 1 is provided. For example, the assembly mold 1 may comprise a metallic material such as steel or stainless steel, but it may also comprise a ceramic or composite materials. In this way, it is possible to form an assembly mold 1 having high mechanical strength, at lower cost.

[0074] The assembly mold 1 comprises a first mold part 3 and a second mold part 5 which define between them a receiving housing 4 intended to receive the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13. In general, the receiving housing 4 internally defines a cavity in which the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 can be fully contained. Thus, the cavity defined by the receiving housing 4 also defines the external envelope of the final metal module 21.

[0075] According to a variant not shown, it is possible that the first mold part 3 and the second mold part 5 are part of the same part, so that the assembly mold 1 is a one-piece mold. For example, the assembly mold 1 may be a hollow mold internally defining the receiving housing 4. In this way, the assembly mold 1 has improved mechanical strength.

[0076] However, it may be advantageous for the first mold part 3 and the second mold part 5 to be two separate parts during the provision step E2. Thus, as we will see later, the assembly mold 1 can hold the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 together when they have a complex shape. [Fig. 1] also illustrates two separate embodiments having, on the one hand, an assembly mold 1 of relatively rectilinear prismatic shape, and, on the other hand, an assembly mold 1 having at least one curvature. According to this second embodiment shown, the first mold part 3 comprises a curved portion. It is also possible for the second mold part 5 to comprise a curved portion. Thus, the receiving housing 4 formed by the first mold part 3 and the second mold part 5 has at least one curved portion.The assembly mold 1 is thus capable of forming a final metal module 21 of curved shape.

[0077] As can be seen in the figures, the second mold part 5 comprises at least one through opening 7, arranged through said second mold part 5. This through opening 7 can define a passage through the material constituting the second mold part 5. According to the variant considered, it is possible for the second mold part 5 to comprise a single through opening 7, for example extending along a length of the final metal module 21. Alternatively, the second mold part 5 can comprise a plurality of through openings 7 corresponding to several distinct zones through which welding or brazing can be carried out.

[0078] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the manufacturing method comprises a positioning step E3 in which the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 are positioned and contained in the receiving housing 4.

[0079] Generally, during this installation step E3, the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 are arranged relative to each other in a position substantially identical to that taken when they will form the final metal module 21. Thus, depending on the type of final metal module 21 manufactured, during the installation step E3, the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 are arranged next to each other. For example, the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 are arranged next to each other in at least one direction oriented transversely to a direction in which a thickness of the final metal module 21 is defined. Alternatively, and as shown in Figures 2 and 3, during the placement step E3, the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 are at least partially superimposed.

[0080] During the positioning step E3, the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 are held integral with each other by the first mold part 3 and by the second mold part 5.

[0081] According to a variant where the assembly mold 1 is a single-piece mold, the positioning step E3 can be implemented by inserting the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 inside the receiving housing 4.

[0082] Alternatively, and as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, during the positioning step E3, the first mold part 3 and the second mold part 5 are compressed against each other, so as to hold the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 integral with each other by compression. For example, during the positioning step E3, the first mold part 3 and the second mold part 5 are assembled together by screwing, bolting, riveting or any other means. In this way, it is possible to guarantee effective holding of the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13, in particular if they have complex geometric shapes.

[0083] The manufacturing method then comprises a fixing step E4 implemented after the positioning step E3, in which the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 are secured to each other by brazing or welding. This brazing or welding is implemented locally at the at least one through opening 7 of the second mold part 5, so as to braze or weld together the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 on a fixing portion 15, thus forming an intermediate metal module 19. Depending on the type of final metal module 21 manufactured, it is possible for the fixing portion 15 to be continuous. However, it is also possible for the fixing portion 15 to comprise several separate fixing portions 15.Generally, the fixing portion(s) 15 correspond to areas of the first metal element 11, or of the second metal element 13 opposite some or each through opening of the second mold part 5. Advantageously, the fixing step E4 is implemented when the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 are held integral with each other.

[0084] According to a variant not shown in which the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 are arranged side by side during the step of placing in place E3, the fixing step E4 can be implemented so as to braze or weld the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 edge to edge. Alternatively, and as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, when the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 are superimposed during the positioning step E3, then during the fixing step E4, the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 can be brazed or welded transparently. By "welding or brazing transparently", it is meant that the welding or brazing is carried out through the thickness of the first metal element 11 and / or the second metal element 13.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the fixing step E4 can be implemented so that a weld thickness counted according to a thickness of a metal element chosen from the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 is slightly greater than half the thickness of said metal element. In this way, it is possible to reduce the thermal gradient in the direction of the thickness of the metal element, which makes it possible to reduce the distortions of said metal element. By “slightly” is meant “to within 5%”.

[0086] Advantageously, the fixing step E4 can be implemented by friction stir welding, or by friction stir welding with a stationary shoulder. Friction stir welding (FSW) according to the established Anglo-Saxon terminology, makes it possible to obtain welds of excellent metallurgical and mechanical quality. Thus, and in a synergistic manner, the use of friction stir welding during the fixing step E4 after the installation step E3 makes it possible to benefit from the quality of the welds, while limiting distortions in the parts.The use of friction stir welding with a stationary shoulder or stationary shoulder friction stir welding (SSFSW) according to the established Anglo-Saxon terminology, allows to benefit from the advantages linked to friction stir welding, while presenting a lower generation of residual stresses due to the presence of the stationary shoulder of the friction stir welding tool with a stationary shoulder.

[0087] According to one embodiment, during the fixing step E4, the stationary shoulder may comprise at least one preheating device configured to heat the fixing portion 15 after or during friction stir welding with a stationary shoulder. For example, said at least one preheating device comprises a heating coil arranged before the pin of the friction stir welding apparatus with a stationary shoulder in the welding direction. Alternatively, said at least one preheating device may comprise two heating coils arranged on either side of the pin of the friction stir welding apparatus with a stationary shoulder. Advantageously, it may be provided that the at least one preheating device is configured to apply a preheating temperature of between 150°C and 200°C which is a preheating temperature particularly suitable for 7000 series aluminum alloys. Indeed, the yield strength of these aluminum alloys is considerably reduced from this temperature level. The arrangements previously described make it possible to reduce the maximum temperature generated by the friction of the pin, which effectively reduces distortions of the welded parts.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the fixing step E4 may comprise a cooling step (not shown), in which a cooling device cools the fixing portion 15 once the welding has been carried out. This makes it possible to minimize distortion problems.

[0089] The manufacturing method finally comprises a compression step E5 implemented during or after the fixing step E4, in which the assembly mold 1 compresses the intermediate metal module 19 at least at the level of the fixing portion 15, the result of the compression step E5 being the final metal module 21. The arrangements previously described make it possible to carry out the compression step E5 while the intermediate metal module 19 is held in the receiving housing 4 by the first mold part 3 and the second mold part 5.

[0090] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the assembly mold 1 may comprise a compression part 17 generally distinct from the first mold part 3 and / or from the second mold part 5. Thus, during the compression step E5, said compression part 17 is applied at the level of the fixing portion 15, so as to compress the intermediate metal module 19. In other words, during the compression step E5, the compression part 17 compresses the intermediate metal module 19 at the level of the fixing portion 15. It is also possible that during the compression step E5, the compression part 17 and the second mold part 5 compress the intermediate metal module 19 at the level of the fixing portion 15. In this way, it is possible to carry out the compression step E5 at least at the level of the fixing portion 15, around which the most residual stresses remain.

[0091] According to the variant illustrated in [Fig.2], the compression part 17 has a compression zone having a shape complementary to the shape of the at least one through opening 7. In this case, the compression step E5 is implemented by applying said compression zone at the level of the at least one through opening 7, and by compressing the compression part 17 and the second mold part 5 towards the first mold part 3. It is therefore clearly understood that the compression zone compression of the compression part 17 is inserted into the at least one through opening 7 to compress the fixing portion 15 during the compression step E5. Advantageously, the use of a compression part 17 comprising a compression zone having a shape complementary to the at least one through opening 7 makes it possible to limit the quantity of material used to produce the compression part 17.

[0092] Alternatively, and as shown in [Fig. 3], the compression step E5 comprises the removal of the second mold part 5 and then the application of the compression part 17 at least at the level of the fixing portion 15. In this case, the compression step E5 is implemented by compressing the compression part 17 towards the first mold part 3. The arrangements previously described make it possible to use a compression part 17 having a simpler geometry, for example a solid compression part 17. The manufacture of the assembly mold 1, and in particular of the compression part 17, is simple and economical.

[0093] According to these two embodiments, it is possible for the compression part 17 to completely close the receiving housing 4 when it is applied towards the first mold part 3 during the compression step E5.

[0094] All of the arrangements previously described make it possible to propose a method for manufacturing a final metal module 21 having improved mechanical properties. The implementation of local brazing or welding when the first metal element 11 and the second metal element 13 are held integral with each other makes it possible to avoid the creation of distortions during the formation of the intermediate metal module 19. The implementation of the compression step E5 also makes it possible to release the residual stresses formed locally around the fixing portion 15 during the implementation of the welding or brazing.

Claims

1. Claims Method of manufacturing a final metal module (21) comprising: • a supply step (El) in which a first metal element (11) and a second metal element (13) are supplied; • a provision step (E2) in which an assembly mold (1) is provided, the assembly mold (1) comprising a first mold part (3) and a second mold part (5), the first mold part (3) and the second mold part (5) defining between them a receiving housing (4) intended to receive the first metal element (11) and the second metal element (13), the second mold part (5) further comprising at least one through opening (7), arranged through said second mold part (5); • a positioning step (E3) in which the first metal element (11) and the second metal element (13) are positioned and contained in the receiving housing (4), the first metal element (11) and the second metal element (13) being held integral with each other by the first mold part (3) and by the second mold part (5); • a fixing step (E4) implemented after the positioning step (E3), in which the first metal element (11) and the second metal element (13) are secured to each other by brazing or welding, said brazing or welding being implemented locally at the level of the at least one through opening (7) of the second mold part (5), so as to braze or weld together the first metal element (11) and the second metal element (13) on a fixing portion (15), thus forming an intermediate metal module (19); • a compression step (E5) in which the assembly mold (1) compresses the intermediate metal module (19) at least at the level of the fixing portion (15), the result of the compression step (E5) being the final metal module (21).

2. Manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein during the provision step (E2), the assembly mold (1) is a one-piece mold.

3. Manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein during the provision step (E2), the first mold part (3) and the second mold part (5) are two separate parts.

4. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein during the provision step (E2), the assembly mold (1) comprises steel or stainless steel.

5. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein during the provision step (E2), the receiving housing (4) has at least one curved portion.

6. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fixing step (E4) is carried out by friction stir welding, or by friction stir welding with a stationary shoulder.

7. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein during the positioning step (E3), the first mold part (3) and the second mold part (5) are compressed against each other, so as to keep the first metal element (11) and the second metal element (13) integral with each other by compression.

8. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein during the provision step (E2), the assembly mold (1) comprises a compression part (17), and wherein during the compression step (E5), said compression part (17) is applied at the level of the fixing portion (15), so as to compress the intermediate metal module (19).

9. A manufacturing method according to claim 8 and claim 3, wherein the compression step (E5) comprises removing the second mold part (5) and then applying the compression part (17) at least at the fixing portion (15), the compression step (E5) being implemented by compressing the compression part (17) towards the first mold part (3).

10. A manufacturing method according to claim 8, wherein the compression portion (17) has a compression zone having a shape complementary to the shape of the at least one through opening (7), the compression step (E5) being implemented by applying said compression zone at the level of the at least one through opening (7) and by compressing the compression part (17), and the second mold part (5) towards the first mold part (3).

11. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein during the positioning step (E3), the first metal element (11) and the second metal element (13) are arranged next to each other.

12. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein during the positioning step (E3), the first metal element (11) and the second metal element (13) are at least partially superimposed.

13. Final metal module (21) obtained by a manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Citation Information

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