Abstract: A method for closing and/or joining a connecting joint or joining seam between two pieces of galvanized sheet metal, in which zinc or a zinc alloy whose melting point is similar to that of zinc is heated to melting temperature and is continuously introduced into the connecting joint, with the heating being performed by a plasma jet without reaching the melting temperature of the steel sheet. The use of a plasma jet allows processing zinc or, a zinc alloy without producing any disturbing zinc spatter. The zinc can be supplied as a wire, powder or granulate, whereby it is introduced under an inert-gas bell. This method can also be employed for post-galvanizing weld seams, with a second plasma jet welding set following a first one, it being mechanically coupled with the same and performing the galvanizing of the weld seam by the supply of zinc in wire form without melting the steel sheet anew. Tin foils are used in a special embodiment which are applied in the joining zone of a flanged edge.

Abstract: A device with a plasma torch with a rod-shaped non-consumable electrode which is held in a receiver, is connected with an electric connection and penetrates a nozzle which is in connection with a gas connection. In order to also enable the rapid and secure welding of difficult alloys it is provided that a further rod-shaped non-consumable electrode is disposed in the receiver which is made from an electrically non-conducting material, which further electrode also penetrates a nozzle which is in connection with a gas connection, with the two electrodes enclosing an acute angle and each being in connection with a separate voltage source supplying direct voltage pulses, the level of which exceeds at least the arc voltage of an arc between one of the electrodes and a counterelectrode which is associated with the same and connected with the same voltage source.

Abstract: A method for closing and/or joining a connecting joint or joining seam between two pieces of galvanized sheet metal, in which zinc or a zinc alloy whose melting point is similar to that of zinc is heated to melting temperature and is continuously introduced into the connecting joint, with the heating being performed by a plasma jet without reaching the melting temperature of the steel sheet. The use of a plasma jet allows processing zinc or a zinc alloy without producing any disturbing zinc spatter. The zinc can be supplied as a wire, powder or granulate, whereby it is introduced under an inert-gas bell. This method can also be employed for post-galvanizing weld seams, with a second plasma jet welding set following a first one, it being mechanically coupled with the same and performing the galvanizing of the weld seam by the supply of zinc in wire form without melting the steel sheet anew. Tin foils are used in a special embodiment which are applied in the joining zone of a flanged edge.

Abstract: A device with a plasma torch with a rod-shaped non-consumable electrode (3, 4) which is held in a receiver (1), is connected with an electric connection and penetrates a nozzle (9) which is in connection with a gas connection. In order to also enable the rapid and secure welding of difficult alloys it is provided that a further rod-shaped non-consumable electrode (3, 4) is disposed in the receiver (1) which is made from an electrically non-conducting material, which further electrode also penetrates a nozzle (9′) which is in connection with a gas connection, with the two electrodes (3, 4) enclosing an acute angle and each being in connection with a separate voltage source (31, 32) supplying direct voltage pulses, the level of which exceeds at least the arc voltage of an arc between one of the electrodes (3, 4) and a counterelectrode which is associated with the same and connected with the same voltage source (31, 32).