Apparatus and method for connecting metal workpieces

A welding tape for thermally connecting at least two metal workpieces by fusion, the welding tape comprising:

• a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, wherein the dimensions of the welding tape in the longitudinal direction are a multiple of the dimensions in the transverse direction which is arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction,
• an inner cover layer, which in a designated in-use position faces away from the parts of the workpieces which are to be directly connected,
• an outer cover layer, wherein the inner cover layer and the outer cover layer in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction close off the welding tape to the outside,
• at least one adhesive layer, which is provided in the transverse direction at least in side edge regions of the inner cover layer and by means of which the welding tape is fastenable to the workpieces to be connected,
• a self-combusting exothermic substance, which is provided in the interior of the cover layer and which during ignition provides the thermal energy which is required for the welding,
• a non-combustible heat shield, which is arranged exclusively between the exothermic substance and the outer cover layer, which withstands the burn-off temperature of the exothermic substance, and which counteracts the escape of heat to the outside, and
• a welding additive, which is provided between the exothermic substance and the inner cover layer, which melts during the burn off of the exothermic substance and is connectable to the workpieces to be connected.