Apparatus for cutting sheet metal disc from and welding sheet metal disc to sheet metal

Abstract

An apparatus for cutting sheet metal discs (31) from and welding sheet metal discs (31), or other smooth-contoured sheet metal pieces, to a sheet metal strip (20) or other workpiece, particularly an endless sheet metal strip, e.g., in a double-strip press. The apparatus has guide for securing a cutting apparatus (34), welding apparatus, and a machining apparatus. The guide can be positioned on or against the sheet metal workpiece (20). The apparatus has a backing (32) positioned to support the disc about a weld seam to be produced. The guide (8) are held against the sheet metal strip by at least one electromagnet (2), preferably a plurality of electromagnets (2), and/or at least one vacuum element (35a, 35b, 35b, 35c), preferably a plurality of vacuum elements. Holding elements (12, 13, 14) are provided to secure the cutting and/or welding apparatuses (34, 34), which are moveable along the guide (8) by action of a motor (3).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.