Method and apparatus for welding the longitudinal edge of a can shell

摘要

The invention discloses the use of the known process of laser beam welding for the mass production of shells to be welded of metal cans. The high requirements made of the accuracy of the weld are met by virtue of an accurate feed system for the welding machine comprising an X rail, a guide bar and resiliently mounted jaws of a caterpillar train. Any remaining inaccuracies are rendered innocuous by the fact that welding is carried out from both sides of the can shell and that less than the total thickness of the sheet is joined together by each weld.