Apparatus and method for manufacturing hollow shafts

摘要

A method and apparatus for welding a shaft having an open seam defined between opposed longitudinal edges, comprising passing the shaft along its longitudinal axis through an array of pressure rollers which contact the surface of the shaft at a plurality of discrete points and compressing the shaft by applying inwardly directed radial forces to the shaft. An electrical resistance welding assembly welds the seam while closed by said pressure rollers.