Abstract: An installation is provided for the precise mutual alignment and welding together of the main components of a vehicle body to form a complete body shell during production of the prototype thereof. The components of the prototype body are joined in precise position in a first tacking station, which can be closed in the manner of a cage, and tacked through the openings in the cage. In a subsequent welding station, the tacked sheet-metal parts of the body, which is now only supported on the underside, but otherwise freely accessible on all sides, are fully welded together. This division of the work makes prototype production efficient and ergonomically very favorable.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for locating sheet metal components includes a carrier plate and a clamping jaw swivel-mounted in relation to the carrier plate, the sheet metal components being clamped in contact areas between the carrier plate and the clamping jaw. The carrier plate is bolted to a support element, which is fixed to a base unit. Between the carrier plate and the support element there is an intermediate plate, which is positioned in relation to the carrier plate by a first set of locating pins and in relation to the support element by a second set of locating pins. The use of an intermediate plate with modified orientation of the locating pins may enable the carrier plate together with the component contact areas provided thereon to be displaced in relation to the support element.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for locating sheet metal components includes a carrier plate and a clamping jaw swivel-mounted in relation to the carrier plate, the sheet metal components being clamped in contact areas between the carrier plate and the clamping jaw. The carrier plate is bolted to a support element, which is fixed to a base unit. Between the carrier plate and the support element there is an intermediate plate, which is positioned in relation to the carrier plate by a first set of locating pins and in relation to the support element by a second set of locating pins. The use of an intermediate plate with modified orientation of the locating pins may enable the carrier plate together with the component contact areas provided thereon to be displaced in relation to the support element.