Patent ID: 8878100
Filing Date: 2014-11-04
Classification: B23K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for joining two panels by welding, comprising the steps of: (a) forming a first flange extending along a margin of a first panel, said first flange extending laterally from the first panel, said first flange comprising a first hem portion extending laterally from the first panel, and a first return portion overlapping the first hem portion away from the first panel; (b) forming a second flange extending along a margin of a second panel, said second flange extending laterally from the second panel; (c) positioning the first and second flanges adjacent each other in a face-to-face relationship defining an interface between a flat portion of the first return portion and a flat portion of the second flange, wherein the first and second panels are entirely abutting at the interface; and (d) welding the first and second flanges together with a welding tractor adapted to travel along the two face-to-face positioned flanges wherein the first panel and the second panel are not connected prior to welding.