Abstract:
A method and apparatus for guiding the opposed edges of sheet metal into substantially abutting edge-to-edge relationship with one another and thereafter welding said edges by a high energy welding source to form a seam. The invention enables the continuous high speed butt welding of the sheet metal to form cylindrical bodies. The apparatus includes three elements which are cooperatively secured in assembled relationship and thereby form opposed and converging guide channels which converge into open relationship with one another along the length of the apparatus so that the opposing edges of sheet metal are guided into intimate abutting edge-to-edge relationship with one another. The elements extend to a point adjacent the weld zone in order to maintain the sheet metal edges in abutting relationship as they enter the weld zone.In another embodiment, two of the elements may include portions which extend into and beyond the weld zone. Such portions are provided with a tapered opening through which the high energy welding source may be continuously focused relative to the point of the weld.
Abstract:
Apparatus, for measuring the thickness of a welding seam produced by resistance welding between a resiliently mounted upper roll and a lower roll, comprises a source of light mounted laterally of the resiliently mounted roll and a light collector mounted to receive such light as is not eclipsed by the periphery of the roll so that variation in the amount of light received as the roll periphery interrupts the light is indicative of weld thickness. The light received is preferably converted by means to an electrical signal which is analyzed to discern the quality of the weld.
Abstract:
On a machine for welding the longitudinal edges (12,14) of rounded body blanks (10), two groups of movable guide elements (36), which exert radial guiding forces on the blanks (10), are arranged lying opposite one another with respect to the blanks. The guide elements (36) of each of the two groups are secured to an endless chain (38). Each of these chains (38) has a chain strand extending in the direction of movement (axis A) of the blanks (10), which strand is supported by a rail (52) at both sides of a welding plane (B) containing the welding zone and normal to the direction of movement of the blanks (10). The guide elements (36) move through the welding plane (B) with the blanks (10). As a result, shock-like actions on the blanks (10) in the vicinity of the welding plane (B) are avoided; consequently, the longitudinal edges (12,14) can be welded together particularly evenly, particularly by means of a laser beam.
Abstract:
A method for automatic manufacture of metal container box utilizing a welding machine with electrode rolls by stacking and rounding the blanks and moving the round bodies on two conveying systems toward the welding point, the speed of the round body being reduced before reaching the welding point and the round body being transferred to the second conveying system for its feed to the welding point, the speed of the first conveying system being substantially greater than the speed of the second conveying system.