Process for the production of thin-walled hollow profiles which are composed of nonferrous metals and have small diameters

US11772144B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NEXANS · FR

Inventors

• Ralf Egerer · Seesen, DE
• Olaf Petersen · Hannover, DE
• Steven Dinkel · Hannover, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 25, 2020
• Grant date: Oct 3, 2023
• Expiry date: Dec 3, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B23K2103/12
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A process is provided for the continuous production of thin-walled, radially closed hollow profiles composed of nonferrous metals and having a small cross section comprises supply of a flat strip of the metal to a forming apparatus at a first supply speed, the thickness of the strip corresponding to the wall thickness of the hollow profile. The forming apparatus continuous forms the flat strip into a shape corresponding to the hollow profile. After forming, two opposite edges of the flat strip rest flush against one another in a contact region and are continuously welded by means of a laser which emits light having a wavelength of less than 600 nm. The laser heats an area in a welding region having a diameter of less than 20% of the cross-sectional dimension of the hollow profile. The welded hollow profile is taken off from the welding region and taken up in an uptake device.