Abstract: Automatic welding installation where a robot arm (1) is equipped so as to be able to seize one or other of several torches (20) serving to fulfil different tasks and positioned on a rack (21). Assembly means are provided for ensuring the continuity of all the functions without any external intervention. In particular there are connections for guiding the filler wire (8) and reversibly locking the torches to the assembly face (13) of the arm (1).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for friction welding two elements together are disclosed in which the areas of the two elements to be welded are heated by an induction heater. The induction heater may be used to heat the areas to be welded prior to contact between the elements, during such contact, and after the friction welding has been achieved in order to provide a heat treatment of the welded zone. The induction heater is generally annular in shape and may be dimensioned so as to be located around the elements at the welding zone, or to be placed between the surfaces of the elements to be welded together.