Patent ID: 6188039
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B21D,B23K,B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for making a spacer assembly, comprising:providing a portion of sheet metal having a plurality of projections formed thereon and extending from an edge thereof;roll forming said portion of sheet metal into a tubular configuration with said plurality of projections extending from an end of said tubular configuration;positioning said roll formed portion of sheet metal and a metal base member to which said roll formed portion of sheet metal is to be welded in a discharge welding apparatus having a pair of electrodes so that the projections of said roll formed portion of sheet metal contact a surface of said metal base member;providing a force so that the projections are disposed in forcible engagement with the surface of said metal base member; andsupplying an electrical current between the pair of electrodes and through said roll formed portion of sheet metal and said metal base member to enable the projections to reach a molten metal stage and be subsequently solidified so that the roll formed portion of sheet metal is welded to said metal base member;said method characterized in that said plurality of projections are formed on said portion of sheet metal before said portion of sheet metal is roll formed into said tubular configuration.