Joining apparatus for sheet-like materials

A joining apparatus for sheet-like materials, the apparatus comprising:

• a fusing mechanism part configured to join end portions of two thermoplastic sheet-like materials by fusing to form joined end portions as the two thermoplastic sheet-like materials move in a feeding direction;
• a sticking mechanism part configured to stick an adhesive tape along the joined end portions of the two thermoplastic sheet-like materials after the fusing by the fusing mechanism part;
• a workbench having a placement surface along which the fusing mechanism part and the sticking mechanism part are disposed side by side, the placement surface configured to support the two thermoplastic sheet-like materials in an unfolded state;
• and
• a guide configured to align the end portions of the two thermoplastic sheet-like materials along a plane intersecting the placement surface, and to enable the end portions to overlap and join along the plane intersecting the placement surface to form the joined end portions during the fusing by the fusing mechanism part and while the two thermoplastic sheet-like materials are in the unfolded state on the placement surface.