Abstract: The invention describes a process for producing a weld seam (1) in hardenable steel (2) having a material thickness (3) without secondary heating, comprising at least the following steps: a) positioning a welding electrode (4) with respect to a weld line (5); b) applying a voltage; c) supplying a plasma gas (6); d) forming an arc (7); e) melting the steel (2) in the vicinity of the weld line (5) over the entire material thickness (3). This process is preferably used to join components for torque transmission in motor vehicles.

Abstract: Process for producing a weld seam (1) in hardenable steel, comprising at least the following steps: a) positioning a laser beam (2) with respect to a weld line (3); b) heating subregions (4) of the steel by means of the laser beam (2), with the laser beam (2) being guided along a welding track (5) which is longer than the weld line (3); c) cooling the heated subregions (4) of the steel. This welding process produces crack-free welded joins without the need for secondary heating of the hardenable steel. A preferred application area for weld seams of this type is to join components of the drive train of automobiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fixing at least one balancing weight (1) to at least one point (2) on a hollow shaft (3), whereby the balancing weight(s) (1) is or are soldered to said point(s) (2). The invention also relates to hollow shafts (3) that have been produced according to said method and to a drive system (13) for a vehicle (14). The method facilitates the production of especially light, heavy-duty drive shafts for motor vehicles.