Abstract: A method of welding together two members placed with the edge surfaces to be joined in mutually facing relationship and separated by a weld gap. A weld material is endothermically heated to a molten state and flowed through the weld gap for heating the members to cause melting of the edge surfaces with the weld metal flow being continued for a time sufficient to provide a ratio of weld gap metal to total metal flowed of at least 1:50, and then the flow is terminated to provide for weld solidification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding together two members such as relatively thick metallic plates. The plates are positioned vertically in the same plane and are spaced apart by a gap which is equal to the desired width of the seam or joint. A moving current of molten metal is caused to flow horizontally through the gap, starting at the bottom of the gap, until the plates are heated to a welding temperature, and then the flow is ceased to allow for weld solidification. For welding plates when the length of the weld is greater than the depth of the molten metal stream, the plates are moved downwardly simultaneously while continuing the flow of molten metal through the gap. The plates are moved at a rate which will allow for solidification of the weld metal until the gap is filled.