Method for joining thin-walled workpieces

A method of joining first and second thin-walled workpieces, the method comprising:

• (a) positioning the first and second workpieces to locate respective first and second end segments thereof by a predetermined gap;
• (b) positioning at least one heating element proximate the first and second workpieces for heating at least one respective first or second heated portions to a hot working temperature, at which the first and second heated portions are at least plastically deformable;
• (c) energizing said at least one heating element, for heating the at least one respective first or second heated portions to the hot working temperature;
• (d) while the at least one respective first or second heated portions are at the hot working temperature, subjecting one or both of the workpieces to a translocation motion to engage the first and second workpieces;
• and
• (e) while the first and second heated portions are at the hot working temperature and engaged with each other, moving one or both of the first and second workpieces relative to the other, for at least partially subjecting the plastically deformable heated portions to shearing, to join the workpieces together.