Automatic Seam Butt-Joint Centering and Positioning Device for Longitudinal Welding of Thin-Walled Cylinders

1. Application Background

2. Main Structure

1. Base plate: rigid load-bearing frame, integrated on the longitudinal seam welding machine;
2. Synchronous moving units: two modules connected by precision linear shafts to ensure fully synchronized feeding and straight alignment for long workpieces;
3. Tool holder assembly: upper connecting bracket and lower blade carrier plate;
4. Blade retraction mechanism: dual drives on both ends to lift or retract centering blades automatically;
5. Centering blades: sharp-edge guides to clamp cylinder edges and correct seam offset.

3. Working Principle

1. The rolled thin-walled cylinder is loaded onto the welding mandrel, with blades fully retracted to avoid collision;
2. The dual moving units advance synchronously to the longitudinal seam position;
3. Centering blades extend upward to insert into both sides of the joint, forcing full-length seam alignment and eliminating edge misalignment;
4. External pneumatic pressing clamps lock the cylinder, then the automatic longitudinal welding system starts operation;
5. After welding, blades retract and the whole unit resets for the next workpiece.

4. Key Advantages

1. Perfect synchronous centering for extra-long cylinders, effectively avoiding diagonal seam deviation;
2. Fully automatic operation without manual alignment, improving overall line automation;
3. Gentle clamping structure prevents indentation and deformation on thin sheet metal;
4. Modular design easy to integrate into automatic cylinder bending & welding production lines, compatible with TIG, plasma and laser welding systems;
5. Stable positioning tolerance guarantees consistent weld quality and reduces rework rate.

5. Application Scope