Abstract: The object forming the basis of the present invention is attained if the apparatus disclosed by way of introduction is characterized in that the one support member is shiftably disposed and connected with an advancement device in order to execute an advancement movement for the sheets; that the second support member is stationary but connected to an adjustment arrangement, which is disposed to realise adjustment of the second support member in a direction substantially parallel with the direction of advancement; and that the welding device is movable towards and away from the joint region in a direction which is transversely directed to the direction of advancement.

Abstract: An apparatus for positionally aligning two metal sheets (4, 5) along a joint during welding has a table (2, 3) provided for each sheet (4, 5), and clamping jaws (7, 8) urgeable thereagainst. An abutment (6) is provided at the joint between the metal sheets (4, 5) and extends, in an active position, up over the tables (2, 3) so as to serve as an arrest on insertion of the sheets (4, 5). The abutment (6) is lowerable to a passive position. The tables (2, 3) are movable towards and away from one another in a relative advancement movement, and the clamping jaws (7, 8) are suspended in parallelogram guides (16, 17; 22, 23) so that they are movable towards and away from the tables (2, 3). At least the one parallelogram guide has an anchorage (14) in the frame (1) of the machine so that the associated clamping jaw (8) can accompany the advancement movement.