383

Vorsprung durch Technik www.audi.de Service Training

Audi TT Coupé ´07 - Body

Self-Study Programme 383

All rights reserved. Technical

specifications subject to
change without notice.

Copyright
AUDI AG
I/VK-35
Service.training@audi.de
Fax +49-841/89-36367

AUDI AG
D-85045 Ingolstadt
Technical status: 05/06

Printed in Germany
A06.5S00.28.20
Audi-Space-Frame ASF® of the Audi TT Coupé
The development targets for the bodyshell of the Audi TT

With a weight advantage of 48 % over a comparable all-steel bodyshell, in addition to an optimised weight
distribution, the new composite aluminium-steel spaceframe body of the Audi TT marks yet another mile-
stone in the development of modern Audi bodyshells.

Crash safety of the bodyshell is enhanced by means of load-bearing structures at the front end, sides and rear
end, with a heavy emphasis on pedestrian safety.

To ensure efficient volume bodyshell production, various new joining and production techniques are
employed.

The repair concept is based heavily on the well-known aluminium repair concept. However, of course, the
materials combination of aluminium and steel necessitated that new approaches be taken.

383_001
Contents

Audi Space Frame of the Audi TT

Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Technological concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Contact corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Combination of steel and aluminium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Comparison of ASF concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Joining techniques and production processes

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Punch riveting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Clinching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
MIG welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Resistance spot welding and MAG welding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Structural bonding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
New joining technique: solid punch riveting (Kerb-Konus riveting) . . . . . . . . . . 16
New joining technique: Flow Drill screwing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
New joining technique: aluminium laser welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Repair concept

Aluminium repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Steel repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Aluminium-steel repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Workshop equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Qualification of aluminium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Bodyshell safety concept

Head-on collision, side impact and rear collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Pedestrian safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Electromechanical rear spoiler

The self-study programme teaches the design and function of new vehicle models,
new automotive parts or new technologies. Reference Note

The self-study programme is not a repair manual!

All values given are intended as a guideline only and refer to the software version valid at the time of
preparation of the SSP.

For maintenance and repair work, always refer to the current technical literature.
 Audi Space Frame of the Audi TT

Dimensions

383_002

Audi TT Coupé ’ 07 2,0 3,2 quattro

Transmission Manual gearbox S tronic Manual gearbox S tronic

Kerb weight without driver in kg 1260 1280 1410 1430

Max. perm. gross weight in kg 1660 1680 1810 1830

cw (rear spoiler extended) 0.3 0.3 0.31

Boot capacity in l 290 (700*) 290 (700*)

Max. power output in kW 147 (200 bhp) 184 (250 bhp)

vmax in kph 240 250

Acceleration 0-100 kph in s 6.6 6.4 5.9 5.7

Fuel consumption in l/100 km 7.7 7.7 10.3 9.4

* with the rear-seat back folded forward

4
Technological concept
Sheet-steel parts are used for the first time in the Although the new TT has grown in size, the gross
ASF of the new Audi TT in addition to aluminium weight of the vehicle has been reduced through the
castings, aluminium extruded sections and alumin- use of the aluminium-steel bodyshell.
ium sheet-metal parts. Collectively, they make up
the body structure. Vehicle weight distribution has The body structure of the new Audi TT has higher
been optimised by using sheet-steel parts in the strength and 50 % higher torsional rigidity than its
rear body section. This has a direct bearing on predecessor.
sporting characteristics, such as driving dynamics
and acceleration as well as safety characteristics,
such as stopping distance and driving stability
In spite of the partial use of sheet-steel parts, the
total body weight of 277 kg, including attachments
such as doors and lids, is considerably less than
that of a comparable all-steel body.

Aluminium extruded sections

Sheet-aluminium parts

Aluminium castings

Sheet-steel parts

383_003

5
 Audi Space Frame of the Audi TT

Contact corrosion

Aluminium has a passivating oxide surface layer The greater the difference in potential, the greater
which protects the material underneath from corro- the contact corrosion. As aluminium is normally the
sion. This is why an unpainted aluminium part nor- lesser noble metal, it degrades.
mally does not corrode.

However, if there is contact between aluminium and

a metal higher up in the electrochemical series than
aluminium and if an electrolyte, such as salt water,
is present in this region, contact corrosion will
occur.

Contact corrosion

383_005 383_004

Schematic of contact corrosion with example

Contact corrosion can only be prevented by taking In the case of the Audi TT, the following anti-corro-
measures to stop the flow of electrical current sion measures have been taken:
induced by the potential difference between
the two metals. This is best achieved by painting the – coating of all steel screws and fasteners such as
surfaces. However, the risk of corrosion is high even self-piercing rivets
if a tiny amount of paint damage occurs. – Galvanising of all sheet-metal parts (zinc and alu-
minium have a smaller potential difference than
steel and aluminium)
– Insulation by means of adhesive
– Sealing of aluminium-steel joints

Reference

For detailed information on contact corrosion,

please refer to Self-Study Programme 239 "Audi
A2 - Body" .

6
Joining steel and aluminium
One of the challenges for the development of the Thermal joining processes such as MIG welding can
Audi TT bodyshell was the attachment of the sheet- be ruled out because it is not possible by these
steel rear-end parts to the aluminium body assem- means to make a joint which has the requisite struc-
blies. tural and dynamic strength and will not result in
contact corrosion.

Steel

Aluminium

383_011

Aluminium-steel connections

383_006

7
 Audi Space Frame of the Audi TT

Special requirements are made with regard to the This is ensured by non-thermal joining of parts
strength and corrosion protection of the joints using coated self-piercing rivets and special screws
between aluminium body parts and steel parts. in combination with bonding.

Adhesive

Adhesive

383_012

Aluminium and steel joints with faulty corrosion pro- Adhesive bonding is the basis for the corrosion pro-
tection can exhibit much higher corrosion rates than tection of corrosion-susceptible aluminium/galva-
all-aluminium joints or all-steel joints.When making nised steel joints in the bodyshell of the Audi TT.In
aluminium-steel joints, therefore, highest standards this way, the mating materials are superficially insu-
of quality must be maintained at all times during the lated, thus suppressing corrosion processes at the
production process and in the service workshop. point of contact. As a further measure, all compos-
ite joints either sealed with PVC or coated with wax
preservative after the cataphoretic dip coating (KTL)
process.

8
This illustration shows clearly what effects contact The aluminium sheet shown here exhibits severe
corrosion can have if adequate corrosion protection contact corrosion, which has resulted in mechanical
is not provided. A this joint, the flange was sealed in failure of the punch riveted joint.
the bodyshell without using adhesive.

Seal

Seal

383_007

By way of a comparison, this illustration shows the In this case, the aluminium sheet showed no dam-
same flange with an adhesive bond and sealing. age due to contact corrosion after exposure to iden-
tical environmental conditions.

Seal

Adhesive

Seal

383_008

9
 Audi Space Frame of the Audi TT

Comparison of ASF concepts

Audi A8 (2003 ➔)

Aluminium extruded sections

Sheet aluminium parts

Aluminium castings

383_013

383_014 383_017

Sill section Audi A8 A-post, Audi A8

Three-chamber extruded section Single-chamber extruded section

10
Audi TT (2006 ➔)

Aluminium extruded sections

Sheet aluminium parts

Aluminium castings

Sheet-steel parts

383_009

383_016 383_015
Sill section, Audi TT A-post, Audi TT
Four-chamber extruded section Sheet-aluminium sections (interior/exterior)

11
 Joining techniques and production processes

Overview
In addition to well-known processes such as MIG welding or punch riveting, the joining techniques of Flow
Drill screwing and Kerb-taper riveting are used for the first time on the Audi TT.
In the production process, a laser cleaning method is used for cleaning before the roof drip moulding is
attached by welding.

383_018
Riveted joint

383_019

Flow-Drill screw connection

383_020
Clean Laser

Technology Process Quantity per vehicle

Mechanical Punch riveting 1615 pce.

joining techniques Flow Drill screwing 229 pce.
Solid punch riveting (Kerb-Konus) 96 pce.
Clinching 164 pce.

Thermal MIG welding 21462 mm

joining techniques Laser welding 5309 mm
Resistance spot welding 1287 spots
MAG welding 809 mm
Stud welding 234 pce.

Bonding technology Bonding 97156 mm

Machining technology Milling 188 mm

Drilling 16 pce.
Thread cutting 8 pce.
Brushing 2300 mm
Roll seaming 26737 mm
Clean lasering 4000 mm

12
Punch riveting
Punch riveting is one of the principal joining techniques used on the bodyshell of the new Audi TT. This tech-
nique is used for joining aluminium body parts and for joining aluminium body parts to steel body parts.
The process has been in use since launch of the Audi A2. Self piercing rivets with two different diameters and
lengths are used in the Audi TT.

383_032
Punch riveting process

Applications of punch riveting

383_051

Clinching
With clinching, the metal sheets to be joined are clamped between a die and a blankholder. The sheets are
then pushed down into the die by a punch to form an interlocking joint. However, joints produced in this way
is not as strong as joints produced by punch riveting, for example.
In the Audi TT, this technology is used on attachments such as doors and lids. Several clinched joints are also
located in the area of the B-post and rear wheel arch. In this area, aluminium sheets as well as steel and alu-
minium sheets are clinched together.

383_052
Clinching process

Applications of clinching

383_053

13
 Joining techniques and production processes

MIG welding
Aluminium parts have largely been joined by means of metal inert gas welding since the launch of the Audi
aluminium bodyshell in the Audi A8 (1994) . This technique is principally used to make joints between castings
and extruded sections, as well as sheet-metal parts.
This joining technique is notable for producing high-strength joints, but it introduces a great deal of heat into
the joint and has a relatively slow process speed.

383_054

MIG welding process

Applications of MIG welding

383_055

Resistance spot welding and MAG welding

The usual techniques of resistance spot welding and, to a lesser extent, metal active gas welding (MAG weld-
ing) are used for joining sheet steel body parts in steel body manufacturing.

383_056

Resistance spot welding process

Applications of MAG welding

Applications of resistance spot welding

383_057

14
Structural bonding
In certain areas, adhesive bonding is used supplementary to clinched joints and punch riveted joints, solid
punch riveted joints, Flow Drill screw connections and resistance spot welds. This improves joint strength.
Adhesive bonding is also used for strengthening of seam joints, e.g. in the rear wheel arch. In other areas of
the body, adhesive beads are used for sealing and insulation between aluminium and steel sheets, as well as
for noise reduction.

383_058

Structural bonding process in production

383_059

Applications of structural adhesive

15
 Joining techniques and production processes

New joining technique: solid punch riveting (Kerb-Konus riveting)

Solid punch riveting or Kerb-Konus riveting involves the use of aluminium or coated stainless steel rivets. In
contrast to punch riveting, the rivet is punched through both sheets to be joined.
Unlike steel rivets, aluminium solid punch rivets can be reworked mechanically. This is the case with the joint
between the body side section and the drip moulding. However, the strength of solid punch riveted joints is
inferior to that of punch riveted joints.

383_060
Solid punch riveting process

383_061 383_073
Solid punch riveting process in production Micrograph of a solid punch riveted joint

Information on the repair concept

Aluminium solid punch rivets are used in the C-post drip moulding area, while coated stainless steel solid
punch rivets are used in the region of the roof frame. Stainless steel rivets must not be drilled out or ground,
due to the risk of corrosion.

Applications of solid punch riveting

383_048

16
New joining technique: Flow Drill screwing
Automatic direct screwing enables joints to be made between any materials, even if these materials can be
accessed from one side only. A special coated screw is driven under high surface pressure through a hole in
the outer part to be joined. The lower part is not predrilled. The pressure and rotational speed soften the
material and allow the screw to be inserted.

383_062
Flow Drill screwing process

Flow Drill
Screw

383_063 383_074

Screwing process in production Micrograph of a Flow Drill screw connection

Information on the repair concept

Flow Drill screws can be removed in the service workshop and replaced with new screws. In case of thread
damage, screws are also available in oversize (M6 instead of M5) . For use in new parts, it may be necessary to
predrill the material.

Applications of Flow Drill screwing

383_064

17
 Joining techniques and production processes

New joining technique: aluminium laser welding

(invisible roof seam)

Laser welding has been used for joining aluminium body parts since the launch of the Audi A2. In most cases,
sheet-metal parts are welded onto castings or extruded parts. The invisible joint in the roof area is joined
using a new joining technique: laser welding.

Laser beam

Evaporating metal vapour

Laser-induced plasma
Welding wire

Liquid melt zone

Vapour / plasma / channel

Solid melt zone

Direction of welding

383_065

383_066 383_025

Laser welding process in production Micrograph of the roof frame and roof panel joint

Applications of laser beam welding

Invisible roof seam
383_067
Applications of laser beam welding

18
To ensure consistent laser welding of aluminium parts, the parts to be welded must have a perfectly clean sur-
face. This is achieved either by washing the component parts followed by chemical pickling or by using the
new Laser Clean process.
A controlled laser beam removes all residues from the surface by heating it for a short time. Parts cleaned
using this method can be directly laser-welded.

383_069

383_068 383_075

Laser Clean process in production Micrograph of a laser-welded seam with

Laser Clean (above) and without cleaning (below)

The joint between the roof frame and roof panel is reworked and surface finished automatically in the produc-
tion line by means of a brushing process.

383_071

383_070
Brushing process in production

383_072
Laser weld seam before (above) and
after the brushing process (below)

19
 Repair concept

Aluminium repair
The repair concept for the all-aluminium body parts If the vehicle structure is damaged, beam 1 can also
is similar to that for the repair of previous Audi alu- be replaced by undoing the screw connection. All fur-
minium-bodied vehicles. ther damage to the vehicle front end can only be
repaired by welding suitable genuine parts into place.

The front end of the vehicle is designed in such a

way that the bumper beams and bolted crash boxes
can be replaced after minor collisions up to approx.
15 kph.

Bumper beam 1

Crash box

Bumper beam 2

Bumper beam Screw connections

383_023

383_024
Joint between beam 1 and beam 2

20
The four-chamber extruded section is located A dual-chamber genuine part developed specially
beneath the sill moulding.A special repair method for this repair solution is welded to the remainder of
was developed for damaged outer chambers. When the sill profile using a continuous MIG weld seam at
repair work is needed, the extruded section is split the top and bottom. In addition, the U-shaped chan-
vertically so that the two rear chambers including nel in the genuine part is filled with an adhesive
the centre ridge of the four-chamber profile remain. bead which provides additional strength and elimi-
nates noise transmission between the two sills.

Adhesive bead

New part

MIG weld seam

383_039

21
 Repair concept

Steel repairs
The rear end of the Audi TT is only area where it is This also applies to painted aluminium parts! Red
possible to carry out repair work involving only steel hot steel parts can damage the paintwork and steel
parts and where the aluminium-steel joint is fully particles can come into contact with the aluminium
intact. body parts, leading to contact corrosion on the
undamaged aluminium body.
This repair work can be carried out on the Therefore, the complete bodyshell must be pro-
tected carefully when carrying out steel repairs. This
– rear end section is done by using suitable protective covers and by
– rear side member (body side section undamaged) masking the body with masking tape. Furthermore,
– rear floorpan cutting work may only be performed using a body
saw. If grinding work is needed, this must be done
Basically, the repair procedure is the same as for all- using grinding discs which produce little or no fly-
steel-bodied vehicles. Due to the danger of contact ing sparks. The spot welding machine should be
corrosion in aluminium body parts, however, special used for welding work where possible, because it
safety precautions must be taken. Grinding dust of produces less weld spatter during the welding proc-
steel parts, particularly flying sparks caused by cut- ess.
ting or welding work, must not be allowed to drop
onto the aluminium parts.

Damage to be
repaired

383_040

body parts which must be covered when carrying out steel repairs

22
Aluminium-steel repairs
In the case of body side or rear-end damage, both Two-component car body adhesive DA 001 730 A1
aluminium and steel body parts may become dam- and rivets or screws are used for joining. As in
aged. This is the case, for example, when the body series production, an insulating layer is placed
side section (aluminium) and rear wheel arch (steel) between the two materials to prevent contact corro-
are damaged. After removing the damaged parts, sion. When welding steel body parts, the aluminium
the new genuine parts are installed in accordance parts must be carefully covered and masked!
with the repair procedures described in the previous
sections. Joining of steel and aluminium parts must
be carried out with the greatest care in order to
eliminate the possibility of future contact corrosion.

Reference

All body repair work must be performed in

accordance with the guidelines set out in the
current workshop literature!

23
 Repair concept

Workshop equipment
A special tool is required for repair work on alumin- In addition to the special equipment and machines
ium-bodied vehicles. The basis is work scope 2010. for stud welding, dent removal, bonding and rivet-
ing, the aluminium welding technology is of special
importance.

383_026 383_076

Aluminium body dent removal tools VAS 5196 and VAS 6049 Cordless punch riveter VAS 5279A

383_028 383_029

Aluminium inert gas welder V.A.G 2001B Aluminium inert gas welder VAS 6388

There are now two appliances with modern control

systems which
are ideal for welding work on the Audi aluminium
body.
The welding appliances, when used properly, pro-
Reference duce perfect aluminium welded joints which have
optimum strength.
For further information on the workshop equip-
ment for Audi aluminium-bodied vehicles, refer
to the workshop literature and the Audi Service
Net.

24
Qualification of aluminium
A special knowledge and special skills are required Particularly for welding work, certification of
to repair aluminium bodyshells. A prerequisite for employees according to international standard DIN
successful body repairs is participation in the rele- EN ISO 9606-2 is important.
vant training courses.

EX 351 EX 353

Welding Audi TT
Aluminium Certificate Aluminium technology
Repeat exam

AB 352

Aluminium technology

BT 350 BT 351 BT 352

Basics
Welding Basics Vehicle electrical
Aluminium technology Body systems for car body
Welding Certificate technology

BS 301 Occupant protection, airbags and belt ten-

sioners
BS 310 Selective use of technical information
BS 360 Vehicle diagnosis, testing and information
system VAS 5051

383_049

Reference

For further information on the qualifications in

aluminium technology, refer to the Audi Service
Net.

25
 Car body safety concept

Head-on collision, side impact and rear collision

Likewise, in terms of crash safety, the new TT makes The simulation provides information on the collision
no compromises. The front beams consist of alu- behaviour of the body structure at a very early stage
minium extruded sections and aluminium castings. in the development process. For this purpose, calcu-
In combination with the front beams and a sub- lations are done on the basis of the available car
frame, they reduce and distribute the forces which body data using the Finite Elements Method. The
act on the car body during a head-on collision. results are incorporated into the ongoing design
Large-sized beams in the rear end protect the occu- process, thus allowing the body structure design to
pant cell.High-strength aluminium beams in the be optimised in respect of the relevant crash loads.
doors provide side impact protection. The alumin-
ium bonnet is designed to all requirements for
pedestrian safety.

Simulation Euro NCAP head-on collision

383_031

26
To check the theoretical results and to meet statu- Various test conditions are simulated on the basis of
tory requirements, actual tests are conducted. the applicable standard.

383_041

Euro NCAP head-on collision (64 kph with partial overlap)

383_042
Euro NCAP side impact (50 kph)

383_043
ECE and Japan rear collision (50 kph)

27
 Car body safety concept

Pedestrian safety
Pedestrian safety is an increasingly important fac- When designing the bonnet, importance was
tor. Various measures were implemented in the new attached to a stable design which yields to absorb
Audi TT in order to meet the safety requirements. head impacts. This is achieved by the honeycomb-
like structure of the car body inner panelling.

383_034

The overall concept provides for deformation zones To reduce leg impact force at the front end, the
between the bonnet and the units or car body struc- bumper cover has been decoupled and an impact-
tural parts. absorbing foam part has been integrated between
the bumper beam and bumper cover.

383_044

28
The development tools "Simulation" and "Testing" were used for design.

Headform
(head impact)

Lower legform
(leg impact)

383_035

Head impact

To test the head impact a hemisphere which repre-

sents the head is catapulted onto the bonnet.
The relevant physical variables are determined, on
the basis of which conclusions are drawn regarding
impact loads.

383_036

Leg impact

Leg impact is simulated by means of a test configu-

ration in which a test body similar to the actual body
part impacts the vehicle bumper.

383_037

29
 Electromechanical rear spoiler

The new Audi TT has as standard an electrically The unit consisting of the rear spoiler module and
extendable rear spoiler. The extended rear spoiler the spoiler wing is integrated in the boot lid of the
significantly increases driving stability at high Audi TT. The rear spoiler module with drive unit,
speeds. The spoiler extends automatically at a input shaft and reversing mechanism (hinge) is
speed of 120 kph and retracts at a speed of 80 kph. bolted with self-adjusting elements to the sheet-
At speeds of less then 120 kph, the rear spoiler can steel spoiler wing painted in the body colour.
be actuated manually with a switch in the centre
console.

383_038

383_045

When repair work is needed, the spoiler wing can

be replaced separately. The rear spoiler module is
replaced completely in case of damage.

Reference

For further information on operation, function

and diagnosis, refer to Self-study
Programme 382 "Audi TT Coupé ‘07 -
Electrical and Infotainment Systems“.

30
 SSP 380 Audi TT Coupé ‘07

– Body
– Occupant protection
– Engine
– Suspension system
– Electrical system
– Air conditioning
– Infotainment

Order number: A06.5S00.25.20

SSP 381 Audi TT Coupé ‘07 - Suspension System

– Front axle
– Rear axle
– Shock absorber system
– Brake system

Order number: A06.5S00.26.20

SSP 382 Audi TT Coupé ‘07 -

Electrical and Infotainment Systems

– Networking
– Bus topology
– Convenience electronics
– Infotainment

Order number: A06.5S00.27.20

SSP 383 Audi TT Coupé ‘07 - Body

– Audi Space Frame of the Audi TT

– Joining techniques and production processes
– Repair concept
– Car body safety concept
– Electromechanical rear spoiler

Order number: A06.5S00.28.20

 383
Vorsprung durch Technik www.audi.de Service Training

Audi TT Coupé ´07 - Body

Self-Study Programme 383

All rights reserved. Technical

specifications subject to
change without notice.

Copyright
AUDI AG
I/VK-35
Service.training@audi.de
Fax +49-841/89-36367

AUDI AG
D-85045 Ingolstadt
Technical status: 05/06

Printed in Germany
A06.5S00.28.20