Welding process and clamping unit for steel reinforcement elements

摘要

An arc (4) is ignited by bringing apart the ends of the reinforcement elements (1, 2) which are joined to a current source, with a solder container (3) with a solder (31) located around the joint zone. The arc (4) melts solder in its vicinity, producing an electroslag puddle (311) and a hollow with a partial vacuum. The arc is extinguished by bringing the ends of the reinforcement elements into the electroslag puddle which becomes electrically conductive. A welding current circuit producing a temperature of approximately 2000 deg C is maintained to form a transition layer at the ends of the reinforcement elements. Finally the ends of these elements are pressed together to form a welded joint. The clamping unit incorporates two guide bars carrying a slidable and fixable clamping element for one of the reinforcements elements (1, 2). The clamping element for the other reinforcement element is fixed to the structure of the clamping unit. Displacement of the slidable clamping element is done using a handle, bevel gears and a screw-and-nut mechanism.