Sheet metal assembly and method to reduce weight

摘要

A sheet metal assembly includes first and second metal sheets having flanges extending from the sheets. The flanges overlap in parallel for a dimension. A shim is disposed between the flanges and extends to the outer edges thereof. A weld joins the metal sheets through the shim. The shim increases the mechanical strength of the assembly. The increase in mechanical strength from the shim allows for reductions to the flange width. As a result, a lighter assembly of equivalent strength is produced.