| 摘要 |
<p>A method and apparatus for guiding the opposed edges of sheet metal (16) into substantially abutting edge-to-edge relationship with one another and thereafter welding said edges by a high energy welding source (17) 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 (24, 25, 26) which are cooperatively secured in assembled relationship and thereby form opposed and converging guide channels (46, 47) which converge into open relationship with one another along the length of the apparatus so that the opposing edges of sheet metal (16) are guided into intimate abutting edge-to-edge relationship with one another. The elements (24 - 26) extend to a point adjacent the weld zone (W) in order to maintain the sheet metal edges in abutting relationship as they enter the weld zone. In another embodiment, two of the elements (25, 26) may include portions (65) which extend into and beyond the weld zone (W). Such portions are provided with a tapered opening (68) through which the high energy welding source (17) may be continuously focused relative to the point of the weld.</p> |
