Aligning joint edges of flat plates prior to butt welding - where both edges can be accurately clamped together on welding rail below plasma burner

摘要

One plate (20a) is placed on a conveyor belt (10), and is driven horizontally over the welding line (16) onto a second conveyor belt (12). The direction of travel of belt (12) is then reversed, so plate (20a) meets a retractable limit stop (96) placed on line (16), and is clamped. Stop (96) is next swivelled out of the way while a second plate (20b) is lowered onto belt (10) and is driven so it butts against the edge of plate (20a) on line (16). Belt (10) is mounted on a slide driven transversely, i.e. at 90 deg. to the direction of travel of belt (10) to ensure alignment of plates (20a,20b). Plate (20b) is then clamped during butt welding; the single plate thus obtd. is removed via belts (10,12). Used e.g. when two or more plates are butt welded together and then rolled into a cylinder used to mfr. a vessel.