Abstract: A laser welding apparatus for use in industrial processing, which is operable to emit laser energy to weld blanks and the like together along a seamline. The emitted laser energy comprises a multiple beam of two or more coherent light sources. The apparatus is adapted to selectively reposition the orientation of the multiple beam relative to the seamline to compensate for gaps between the abutting portions of the workpieces to be joined.

Abstract: A laser welding apparatus for use in industrial processing, which is operable to emit laser energy to weld blanks and the like together along a seamline. The emitted laser energy comprises a multiple beam of two or more coherent light sources. The apparatus is adapted to selectively reposition the orientation of the multiple beam relative to the seamline to compensate for gaps between the abutting portions of the workpieces to be joined.

Abstract: A laser welding apparatus for use in industrial processing, which is operable to emit laser energy to weld blanks and the like together along a seamline. The emitted laser energy comprises a multiple beam of two or more coherent light sources. The apparatus is adapted to selectively reposition the orientation of the multiple beam relative to the seamline to compensate for gaps between the abutting portions of the workpieces to be joined.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for positioning, clamping and welding together proximal edge portions of two sheet blanks. The apparatus incorporates a high energy laser and sheet clamping mechanism used to clamp each sheet blank in place between an associated electromagnet and ferromagnetic clamping shoes. The shoes are positioned above a corresponding electromagnet and are vertically movable there towards on the activation of the electromagnet. In use, the sheets are held in place with the respective sheet blanks sandwiched between the associated electromagnets and shoes with the proximal edge portions of the sheets abutting. The high energy laser is movably provided in the apparatus to move an emitted laser beam along a predetermined path over the abutting proximal edge portions to perform welding operations.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed having one or more punching or stamping tools and a corresponding number of support tools for mating with each punching or stamping tool. The apparatus is adapted to form dimples, impressions, cuts, apertures or otherwise similarly modify the surface of a sheet metal blank, and in which the punching and support tools are both movably provided along a supporting structure formed from two elongated and parallel spaced beam members. Each beam member supports one of the punching tool, or stamping tool, and the support tool in a spaced relationship whereby the tools may be aligned and activated in punching or stamping operation to punch or stamp a portion of a blank positioned therebetween. A conveyer is provided to move the blank between the tools so that the portion of the blank to be modified is moved to a position intersecting the path of movement of the punching or stamping tool and the supporting tool.