Abstract: A butt joint deep penetration laser welding method is used for joining facing end sections of flat steel products, each having a carbon content CS<0.02%. In order to improve such a method such that an improved weld quality in terms of geometry and strength is achievable with it, at least one carbon-containing carrier material is inserted into a butt joint gap between the end sections, the carbon content of which is CT?20·CS, preferably CT?100·CS, and/or carbon is inserted into the butt joint gap or applied to at least one end section, such that the volume of the carbon inserted into the butt joint gap corresponds to 1% to 20% of the volume of a melt produced by a butt joint deep penetration laser welding process.

Abstract: A butt joint deep penetration laser welding method is used for joining facing end sections of flat steel products, each having a carbon content CS<0.02%. In order to improve such a method such that an improved weld quality in terms of geometry and strength is achievable with it, at least one carbon-containing carrier material is inserted into a butt joint gap between the end sections, the carbon content of which is CT?20·CS, preferably CT?100·CS, and/or carbon is inserted into the butt joint gap or applied to at least one end section, such that the volume of the carbon inserted into the butt joint gap corresponds to 1% to 20% of the volume of a melt produced by a butt joint deep penetration laser welding process.

Abstract: A method includes producing sheet steel products, in which steel blanks or steel strips of different thicknesses and/or material grades are welded together along a joint formed by edges of the steel blanks or steel strips. In order that the welding seam of such a sheet steel product does not lose the hardened microstructure obtained by abrupt cooling during warm forming with heating to an austenization temperature, before the welding process, a viscous liquid, such as a paste, or a solid, pulverulent, or aerosol-like substance that contains at least one component that increases the strength of the weld seam that is to be produced, is applied to at least one weld edge of the steel blanks or steel strips that are to be welded together.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing a steering column to a cross member, in particular to a cockpit carrying member, of a motor vehicle, includes a steering column with retaining means. This arrangement makes it possible on the one hand with simple means to secure the steering column to the cross member of the motor vehicle and, on the other hand, with a further reduction in costs and weight, to enable a high degree of flexibility in relation to the use of the cross member and the steering column for different motor vehicles, by including a cross member that has, for securing the steering column, at least one hole running transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cross member for at least one securing means, and retaining means of the steering column wherein the retaining means are secured by at least one securing means to the cross member.

Abstract: A laser beam welding head for the welding of metal parts and method of use include at least one beam path for a welding beam and means for the optical acquisition of the position of the welding seam at a first measuring position, wherein the means for the optical acquisition of the position of the welding seam allow arrangement of the first measuring position in the welding direction running ahead of the welding position of the welding beam, and, at least as a function of a lateral deviation of the welding seam from a reference position, generate a correction signal for the correction of the welding position of the welding beam, as well as a corresponding use of the laser beam welding head.

Abstract: A hybrid cross bar is provided, such as for supporting a vehicle dash board. The cross bar is supported, directly or indirectly, on at least one body location of the vehicle by a deformation element. The deformation element has a first sub-region enclosed by a plastic encapsulation. A second sub-region of the deformation element has a deformation region outside of the plastic encapsulation.

Abstract: A support element for a cockpit structure of a motor vehicle with a body, as well as a cockpit structure of a motor vehicle, which is provided in the area between the A-columns of the body of a motor vehicle, includes at least one cockpit carrier and a support element. This cockpit structure which on the one hand is optimized in respect of the material consumption, and at the same time makes shorter manufacturing times possible, as well as, on the other hand, fulfills the safety requirements in the event of an offset and/or lateral impact, has a modular design and, by the use of different cockpit structure parts, in particular different cockpit carriers and/or support elements, can be adapted to the individual body concerned.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing a steering column to a cross member, in particular to a cockpit carrying member, of a motor vehicle, includes a steering column with retaining means. This arrangement makes it possible on the one hand with simple means to secure the steering column to the cross member of the motor vehicle and, on the other hand, with a further reduction in costs and weight, to enable a high degree of flexibility in relation to the use of the cross member and the steering column for different motor vehicles, by including a cross member that has, for securing the steering column, at least one hole running transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cross member for at least one securing means, and retaining means of the steering column wherein the retaining means are secured by at least one securing means to the cross member.

Abstract: A laser beam welding head for the welding of metal parts and method of use include at least one beam path for a welding beam and means for the optical acquisition of the position of the welding seam at a first measuring position, wherein the means for the optical acquisition of the position of the welding seam allow arrangement of the first measuring position in the welding direction running ahead of the welding position of the welding beam, and, at least as a function of a lateral deviation of the welding seam from a reference position, generate a correction signal for the correction of the welding position of the welding beam, as well as a corresponding use of the laser beam welding head.

Abstract: A hybrid cross bar is provided, such as for supporting a vehicle dash board. The cross bar is supported, directly or indirectly, on at least one body location of the vehicle by a deformation element. The deformation element has a first sub-region enclosed by a plastic encapsulation. A second sub-region of the deformation element has a deformation region outside of the plastic encapsulation.

Abstract: A vehicle component is provided for a motor vehicle, such as an interior fitting part, and particularly for a component of a vehicle cockpit. The component has a hybrid structure that includes a metal part and a polymeric component. The metal part is surrounded by the polymeric component in a first region. The metal part has a second region which is free from the polymeric component. The second region is connected to a metal reinforcement. The polymeric component may comprise glass fibers. The first region of the metal part may be frame-shaped, and the second region may be arranged in a central region of the metal part. The metal reinforcement may be permanently secured to the metal part, such as by welding, or by an interference or form fit. The metal part may be surrounded by the polymeric component by injection molding and/or shaping.