The 03T will touch down in Mzansi later this year and requires a rigorous quality and durability testing program. This program is designed to mimic a variety of tough conditions, from extreme cold and heat to humidity, dust and rough terrain. According to iCaur, these tests assess everything from corrosion resistance and power system performance to sealing integrity, body rigidity and the long-term stability of materials.
What makes aluminium the pick?
The 03T’s design focuses on a robust aluminium body structure, crafted using a mix of MIG arc welding, self-piercing riveting (SPR), flow-drill screw (FDS) fastening and laser deep fusion welding. This structure is made from six-series aviation-grade aluminium, chosen for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion.
SPR technology is being used by all 237 critical structural connection points, which is a non-thermal joining method. This is because it enables aluminium and high-strength steel components to bond without any heat distortion. According to a Chinese carmaker, this approach improves long-term durability and corrosion resistance when compared to traditional spot welding.
With the support of the FDS fastening in crucial areas of the body, precision assembly has been achieved, like the roof structure, maintaining assembly tolerances as tight as 0.2mm. In order to bond the aluminium profiles with sheet metal components, the firm has made use of laser deep fusion welding at several automated stations. The inclusion of this technique is often found in the manufacturing of high-end vehicles.
