CA2094358A1

CA2094358A1 - Can seam coating process and apparatus

Info

Publication number: CA2094358A1
Application number: CA002094358A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Alfonso D'aniello; Matthias Frei; Gideon Levy; Hans-Jurg Nussbaumer
Original assignee: Elpatronic AG
Current assignee: Elpatronic AG
Priority date: 1992-12-24
Filing date: 1993-04-19
Publication date: 1994-06-25
Also published as: EP0603456B1; CN1088489A; ES2140423T3; BR9301651A; DE59309884D1; UY23580A1; NO931592L; CN1060972C; EP0603456A1; ATE186858T1; AU5691694A; WO1994014546A1; AU3704593A; FI931985A0; PL301310A1; FI931985A; JPH06206045A; BG97832A; IL105589A0; NO931592D0

Abstract

CAN SEAM COATING PROCESS AND APPARATUS
ABSTRACT
In a can body coating machine 2, the invention makes it possible to reduce the space needed for the post-treatment stage according to the state of the art, by using a coating material which hardens rapidly. In addition, the can body coating machine 2 is itself greatly simplified, as the coating material is handled in its untreated, basic form until just before the preparation unit 41, and only then is converted into a fluid state for coating.
(Fig. 3)

Description

~Q~3~

~i~
AN 8~AM COATIN~ Pt~OC~ N3 AP~rUS
~.
r~-nt lnv~ntlon r~l~t~ to ~ p~ 8~7J ltor the oc,Atl~ o~ w~ld ~o~m~ Or can bodlo~, phn~ ot~
v~hlol~ f~31 t~n~ and ~thor m~t~l pl~t~ or motal ~'co 5 ~nd to ~ co~ting ~pp~rætu~ ~or ~uoh w~l~od p~t~ .
M~t~l pl~o~ rs~m ~ ividu~ o~ ~lv~r~4 ~lloyt~ ~n~or ~g. ~ e~nt ~hlc~n~a~ r~ ~ld~ t~
~aoh ~th~r to ~orm a n~w ~a~el or ~truct~re, ~otlon~ o~
whloh h~v~ H~ r m~ri~l p~ rtl0~. ~houl~ ~uch 10 n~w ~ mbly o~ ~lB~ th~n b~ ~oep~lr~wn, ~
~! ~gtr~o~ llY~ o~ Wl~h ~ b~CllU4~ OP ~Ch~ dl~ Qnt m~or~.al ~rop~r~l~D ) pro~6to2-mi no~, alte~d pr~p~rtle~
ov~r lto difnhn~lol~. In thl0 w~y lo~ yln5; n~mb~rlY, for exa~npl produ~d 1~ utomo~lla ln~u~t~y ~hlo~
15 ~xhiblt da~lno~ pro~rti~ ln the av~ntu~lity o ~ o~oh ~n~l ~hu~ ~:hur~ 1~ n~d ~ th~ ~a~lr~d ~rm6tl~ of : ~rumpl~ ~Cnfl~.
~ utomo~ u~l t~nk~ n~truct~ e~. from fl~p-~r~wr, h~l~a~ o~ ln~ h ~h~ir nnd w~ld~d ~0 to~th~r ~lon~ thelr ~d~ rc~ ne. C~lrr~3ntly t t lI;d oono~lv~blQ ths-t, to b~ abl~ to t~ke adv~n~
factor~ in tho ln~t~ tlon, th~ w~ld ~am runs not ln pl~n~ but ~ lon~ ~ thr~Rlm~n~ l co~
D~fe:rent m~tal pa~ for r~ "~ kn~wr~ ln the ~5 ~ W~1dQ~d t~ether al~o, in ord~r to ~a~ fy new d0mand~ . ' ~" ~ 2Q~3~
Comm~n ~o elll the~e ~ax~nlyloo 1~ thst, ~i~t1sr the w~ gr~c~s, ~opealally by roll ~aln wo~dln~, th~ wol~ -s~ y b~ prote~ted to ~om~ ~'cant by ~ , but 1 oth~:rwlt~ ~om~ w, un~ro~oted ~nd th;3r~y pr~ne ~c~
5 c~rrc)~lon. If ~ pro~ o~tinS;I i~ not ~ovl~o~9, lt 18 ~1~
rul~a holE~ful to bru~h ~n8 ~r~D~hly p~odu~d W~ m, ~o romove th~ 9, ~nd to ~pt~ly oll ~o it.
~Cc~ nClly~ lt i~ ~n ob~e::t 0~ th~ nt inv~ntlon to provld~ 8 m~tno~ an~ p~tlr~tul~ wlth whlc~r~
10 w~ldl ~0~ c~n be co~te~ ~ an ~t~ blo ~ost, tho~y to bQ pro~c~ct:~d.
Wn~r~ in tha ollowint~ ~o~ th~ o o f clarl~y r~ rOnc~ l ~ ma~ to oan ~oeltlng app~tul~ or 'cho oo~ln~

of weld ~mo 0~ o~n ~dio~, thl~ 1~ done to ~lm~llfy tho 15 ~o~cr~ption, Th~ lnv~ntlo~ h~w~vor 1~ not llm~t~ ln ~ t~
A~pll~tion to th~ ~o~in~ o~ ~an w~ld aenm~ vL~w o~
ti~

M~ oet~ which ~r~ lnt~nd$~ ~o b~ ma~l~ into metal c~n~ln~ n ~D ~t~ n~ ~r pro~v~ tln~ ~or ~0 ~x~mplo ~r~ ;at ooat~ or l~uorod on ~h~ c which lo to ~o~m the lnt~id~ of l~h~ oon~ln~. ThoO~ mot~l ~h~t~
~r~ ~h~ln ~c r exampl~ b~nt or ~old~d lnt~ ~h~p~ to fo~ th~
cont~ln~r, Th~ end ~dg~a~ of ~h~ b~n~ or ~1dæ~ m~t~l ~haets flre. J~ln6~1 up ~nd ~or ox~m~l~ 8e~l-W~ to~athe~r 25 ~5~ m~nn~ ~ f ~ c~n w~ld~n~ ~vlo~, but the oo~tin~ 1 ~3eseroy~ and ~movlad by ~he ~uslon p~oCo~ ln5;1 th~
w~ld ~t~Am ~x~o~ed. ~hltJ ~4kos th~ w~l.d ~m ~tl4~E~ptlble to co~ro6ion, and lt ~hsr~0ra n~ ~o b~ cover~ and~o~
.......
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~ ` 3 %~3~3~
~:~ co~ted wit~l ~ gl~lt~ble co~tin~ mo~ium ~ft~r w~ldln~, r~nC~wn ~ontlnuou~ c~n ~e~ o~tll~ m~oh~ n~o ln~lud~ ma~ ln~8 mounte~ on ~ ldin;a arm ~nd op~at~n~
down4tro~m of a w~l~!lino unl~. lrh~ haYe ~ cloatlng S m~csh~n~a, which Co~ thq ~n ~n by ~pplyin~ ~ W~C
S~3 l~q~l~r ~r a ~wd~r ~or ~x~m~l-, mounto~ ~own~ m, ln the ~roc~ing dlroo~lon, o~ wol~ln~ h~ald, ~nd on tho ~me ~rot~e~in~ ~rm.
`' 1 ~h~e co~tlns; mz~h~n~ to bo d~ n~a to 10 4~bl~ handling th~ n~wl y w~ d o~n bo~ u ~ t ~n ~vos~ pe~d of 50 metr~ 3r ~l nut~i an~ a hl~h ~ d o~
100 motr4~ p~r mlnut~3. For th~ lmn~dl~ Utu~, a hl~h ~p~ sng~ ~ 130 m~tr~ p~dr mlnute 1~ ~n~iolpe~d, ~n4 ~lF~y r,h~ r~ init~ ~ndia~tion~ ~h~ tlll ~s~ r 15 ~po0~ wi~ l b~ ~uq~ . 'rhl~i mo~nsi th~t ~ voxy ~Q~ion~
v~ tr~tmen~ tlm~ r tho ooelt1 o~ th~ cian seam, thQ
e io~ting ~chine nee~dæ ~o h~v~ ~ len~th o~ 1 to 2 metre6 ~r mor~ .
l~h~ u~e of w~t l~cquor, ~or ox~m~plo, 1~ known.
20 A ~ r ~hl~h has it~ low~r pQrt tus~nln~ ln ~ uor b.ath 1~ rl~Sd3~ ov~r ~ tho t~p by l;h~ n body, at ~h6 ~eld, ~o tha~ ths l~c~ p~Gk~d Up ~nd tr~nr~~srr~Dd b~ th~

rollQr from b~low i9 d~o~it~g~ o~ th~ wold ~e~m ~ove.
The p~o~ whlch ~ri~s with thl~ prc~c~ C~ be o~torQom~
25 albeit ~ lrly ~lt~h o~ul~m~nt co~t: at all l~vontll, t~
ame~Jnt of ~p;~ce requlr~ ~o~ ~h~ ~pt~ tion proocss 1 ~ol~tlvely mod~t. E~y cont~t, the onouin~ dryln~ ~a~
req~ s ~ n~id~grabl~ ~p~oe, ~ he fr~hly ~ ?llad . ...

. ' . ' .

lf,ac~u~r h~ tc~ b~ drle~ loy ~fl~ n~ ~hroulJh ~ h~lnSI
st~g~. Th~ l~cq~er cnn b~ u~lc~ ntlY ~1~ wlthln ~bout 1~ 0eoonaA~ wh~oh lmpll~4 ~ ~o~-tr~tm0~t ~t5~0 o~
o 30 m~tr~ ln l~ th. Furth~r~, obn~do~b q.l~n~itl ~ o~ olv~r~t~ ~ro ç;lv~n o~ nD~ re ervlronm~n~lly h~m~ul ~nd r~qu:lr~ o~ rllnyom~nt~
~or d l 0~0~
~ lmllar ~n~ltlon~ p~v~ll wh~n pbw~OE3r i~ u~d o~ting m~te~ h~ psw~ ototl~ har~ nd ppl~l to the c~n E~e~n~ 2t th~ ~:o~ti~n~J ota~lon. ~r~ -~lbo~ ~4 ~lth w~t lAcquo~ ~o~ln~ uito ~n41do23blt outl~y on ~qu~pm~nt i~ n~@q~ he powder mu~t b~ ~p~
cool ~o~ ~nd ~JrinU ~pl~oatlon, to pr~avant olumpln~.
Al~o, th~ ~t~lc t;helr~lng ~wt b~ p~ormod ~ o ~5 p~ovido e oorrec:t dirtribu~ion o~ th~ ~ow~or on t~s~ 03n ~e~m. ~h~ ~nt~e o~ on s~uiro~ ~I mol~ t~no~phor~
owln~ tO the ~p~Qi~i~ p~o~o~ GiE th~ pow~l~r . M4~0v~r, po~t-tr~tn-ent iZltH57til c~! o1; l~t 20 to ~0 m~tre~ 1~
n~ln r~q~ ec~ cau~ ~ho poW~e~ whiah hd~ ~e~n ~ppl~od 0 aold, l~a~ ~o ~e ho~t~d in tho po~t-tra~tm~rlt et~ to ond it.~ m~ltln~ t, ~o ~llow 1~ ~o ll~uoi~y. Pow~
ooa~lnçl~ ~190 havo th~ dr~w~ck s:~ b~ng ~ola~ toly thl~k, whloh, in vlt3w of 'ch~ v~t ~u~n~ltl~e o~ a~n~ pro~u~e~d, m~y 1~ B tl~oislv~ fact~r. ~or o~mpl~ OA~ brlo~lon llne op6l~tin~ Bt 500 can~ per mtnut~ wo ~hlfta, w~l~
n out we.ll c~ver h~l~ a n~ n aan~ ~r ~y.
ay ~nd lar~, on~ o~n oc~nclude ~h~t p~ nt~d~y ~n 6eam C~a~ a m~ohin~ h~ve th~ lnherent dl~advant~

.

' ~ 5 2~3~
o ~tln~ c,omy~ ~3x ~nd cctntly aquip~ent, a~peclally ~t th~
~p~llo~t~ot-l polnt, ~nd of r~q~lirlng an extrom~Dly lon~
post-~4~..ment ~t~e, whioh i~ unda~lrable in ~ ~r~uctlon lln~. ~d~ nnlly, el~:h~r harm~ 301v~nt~ arQ t,~ivon o f in o~on~ rnblll quan~ r ~ a~ lly in th~ 4 powd~r, ~ l~r~ omoun~ ~f m~rlal ~ oon~u3nDd.
It 1~ ~h~r~or~ ~n ob~ct 02 th~ t~ont tn~rontlon to prt~po~ roo~ n~ ~ d~ or oo~tln~
~` t~n ~4ms in wh~oh poo~-~r~t~on~ a~t~r ~h~ oa~ln~
3 10 o~er~tlon OAI'~ b~, ~t le~ lar~ly, ~llmlnato~ and/or th~
po~ r~es~me~nt htaD~ can bo ~h~rt~nod to ~ mlnlm~lm o~
f-w m3tr~ ln lt~nclth. Aooo~ing t~ the lnv~ntlt~n, thi~ 1~
n~ompllsh~ b~ ~ ~roc,u~ wlth 'ch~ far~tur-,~ o ol~ nd a d~lo~ wlth ~cho ~atur~ ol~lm~ 13, ~4, 15, 1~ or 20.
~h~ u~a o~ t~ l wh~c~h ~t l~ t ~o~o ~t~ortly ~ftqlr ~he ~ ing ~ hel ~n ~m h4~ b4s~n ~ .
oomplatod m~keE it unnec~ ry to u~s~ a po~t~ts~o~ffl~nt uni~ ~acordin~ to th~ ~t~te o~ th~ nrt. 'rhi~ l~llow~
con~ e~A~ nce l;o b~ d~ ln tho dl~ign of can 2~ wold~nsJ lin~, xn~ o ~ tly ~lm~lifi~o ~h~ Q~h ooot~n~
~y~m lt~ . Ont:~ ~h~ ~o~tin~ h~ n~ ~ull hz~rd~nln~ till req~llr~d ) c~n ta~ pl5~1;11 I!ln rout~ to the n~xt c~n body machinln~ atlb~
- I f the c~atin~ i~ mad~ with ~ hot mel~ m~t~rlal ~5 o~ m~lt b~n~1n~ n~ in th~3 ~mbo~lm~n~ ~a~din~ to claimo 2 or 3, the ~v~ntage i~ yalned ~ b~ th~

elttalnmen~ of th~ initial ob~oot - that th~ po~t~treeltn-ent st~ge. ~nn bo who~ly ~ n~e~ wlth- ~uc~h h~t m~lt . ..
", " ' ': ' . ' .. ' ' . . . . ..
: , : .' ' ' '~ ' . ' ' .i ' ~
6 2~3~8 m~t~lal~. ~il90 known ~1~ h~t m~lt oompound~ or m~lt '~ ~on~lng ager t~ . ~'h~y ~ro krlow~ ln p~rk~cul~r ~om ~h~ .v~ tQch~olo~1y, wher~ ~h~y ~ u~d ~r ~luin~ or Jo~nln~ two ~rt~ to~th~r. ~uoh hot m~lt ~at~r~ ro S U~d ~p~ l ly in th~ mot~r ~r~hlol~ in~uut~y an~ ~100 ln .
th~ t~xtll0~ and D~ok~n~ ln~u~t~y l!c~ an ~a~tr~m~ly wl~
r~ e of ~ 1V~ ~ppli~lon~.
'rh~ ho~ ~nol~ m~t0r~ lio~ ~o ~ o~n w~
h~r~n~ on aoolln~ whiah t~k~3 pl~co x~pl~ly ~ ~h~ mlat~l 10 bo~y o~ th~ 04n ~ond~ k~ he~t ew~y ~om tho w~ on~
wlthir~ so~ond~. A~ol~ oo~ln~ nn~ao~ ry, ~nd th~
n~d ~or ~ t-'cr~tm~nl~ a~ r~
~ v~n ln a~ wh~ro ~lr~h~r ~p~ htlon of hoat i~ dlcl~c~a, ~0 . ~to ~omot~ ~ol ymos~ ti~n o~ ~ho Qoa~lng 15 q.~plled o~ to ~low th~ ooollng r~ h~tln~ Qf no'C mor~ ~hqn ~ fow m~t~ ln lon~th 1~ ou~lc:i~nt, whl~h ~ not ~ompa~obl~ wlth th~ t~n~ of the ln~t~llation n~ n ln th~ ~t~a o~ th~ ~rt.
~ no~h~sr ~mbodl~ont a~oorclln~ to claim 3 ~llowo 20 the ~omplexity o~ th~ m~n~ h~ ooatln~ polnt to b~
~ub~ tiillly r~duo~ tha oo~tln7 m~e~ l la b~ou~ht to thA ~pplio~tion point in a non~o~ t~ ba~lo o~m.
Ho~ m~t~l mat~riell ln parti¢ul~r, or t:h~ ~ndlvld?,~l ~n~ Ubtl~ 0~ ~ mu~lp~ o~tln6~ n~t~rla~ o 25 tr~nE~porteA, ~os~ an~ h~n~o~ ln tholr basic forn w 1 thou t ~ ny prob 1 em, Th~ ~tv~t~ th~n ~in~d, be~de~ the all~ ol~ of ~he Lnl~l~l ob~t, that no 8pel0~
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~ 2~9~3~

~r~o~utlons n~d to bo ~ak~n t~ pr~ve-l~ p~rtl~l h~rdalning o~ lo~mln~ of l~o~ , or olumE~ln~ owd~r ha~ts.~
pr~paratlon. unit ~n~ tho loc8tion il~ ~hl~h 1~ pll~d.
A140, t:h~ u~e o~ hot m~lt n~ta~rlhl i~or e~ m~ lt 5 unn~c~ ry t:o t8kc ~hsP m~tcri~l to tho ~ppll~l.on loceltlon tll~ou~h ~ h~t~l h~ , thu~ 01 lmlna'cln~ rl~ke r~r~in~ h~rd~ r~ n~ ln ~h~ ~a~rl~l ou~llot. ~h~
danS1~-^ of clumplnç~ OI~ h~ hin~ Q~ pl~rtl~ul~rly durl~
m~lnten~n~.~ op~rll~lon~ on th~- C~ m coatin~ m~Qhln~
10 ~nd/ox on th~ cen w~ldln~ oh~r.o up~ e~m o~ lt, bo~0lu~
lt mu~t ~ ~xp~c:r~d ~h~t th~ p~alpar~lon unl~ ~n~ th~ .
~pp~ st~orl lo~atlon ~r~ ~ev~rHl m~t~ p~rt.
Th~ lnv~n~ion ~111 now 1~ d~3~ dl Wlth rbferenc~ to ~nbodlment~ ~iv~n by w~y o~ ox~
Th~ nlbodim~n~ aonaorn the co~in~ o~ n ~m~. Mo~ifl~f~tlon o~ th~ d~v1cs~4 ~or th~ co~tlr~
ho~ov4~ not n~x~ded, o:l~ lx nq~d~ only t~ 8 mlnor ~xt~nt, in oxd~r to be ablo to be ~mployad ~o~ kh~ cc~tln~ o~ w~l~
oeamo o~ pan~lo or ~ omobil~ tank~. Th~ rn~ln ao m~lf lc~t~i on~ th~n ln ~oh Oh8la oona~rr, th~ ~r~ port ~rr~n~m~,nt f or tha work~l~o~ll to b~ co~t~d . 8uoh ~rana~ort ~rrnny~ment~ known lr~ th~ ~rt ~ it 1 ~nAlogouo to tho hsl~fllin~ rq~ulred i~o~ bru~hin~ w~ldi ~ams, lr, whl~h 'ct~le b~ul3hln~ st~tlr~n lo ~pl~c~l by e as ~C~ot~ Ation ~ ordin~ to th~ pr~ent ln~rontion.
In ~h~ ~r~wing~:
~1~. 1 dl~ nnm~tlc~lly ~ihow~ ~ ao~tin~ m~hLnf~
a ::oo~d~r~g to ~ o~bodlmon~, in whioh ~h~ a~ atlon . _ .... .

.
, , . . ;
.
i . . .. . . .

~ `2 ~
. ~ ..
'j un~t }~ a rQ~vol~ ~or m~lari~l in the fluid l~tl~
r~i~. 2 dl~ mm~t~o~lly ~how~ o~tln~ me~hln~ -~C~or~ g to 1~ n~!l ombo~m~ n wl~ich th~ co~tlnl7 -unlt onl~ ndl~ tln~ ma~t~rl~l ~
5 oppl lc:~t l on Fl~. 3~ r~ tlc~ily ~how~ ~o~tln~ m~hlt~
~ooording ~;o a thlrd ~m~o~lmont, ln whloh th~ oooltln~ u~ lt ~pp~ t.l~ cc~ln~ m~ o t~t~ a~n g~m, ~n~ tha 3 ~luld otel,t~ ob~E~lnlDd ln 8~tu on th~ 3s~m.
F~g. 3~ ~hc~w~ tho aro~s~ tle~n ~Lon~ tho llrl~ A
of F15~. 3~.
Fl~. 1 di~ mm~ lly ~howo ~ w~ldin~ m~hlne 1 cotlpl6~d to Q cem l~o~y ~oa~.~n~ mnahln~ 2 d ~ho w~l~ln~ maohln~ 1 h~ r~m~ 3 ~n~ n~o~
1~ th~r~on a roundl~ unlt 4, e~ w-l~ln~ ~m 5 ~nd w~ln51 roll~o 6 4n~ 7. ~h~ v~rtic~lly dl~pl~a~ mo~r~tln~ of th~ up~-r wal~lnU r~llor 6 s~n bn Jl~n in ~h~ win~.
Tho d.rawln~ al~o ~h~wo tho OYOr~ d BUppt:~'t 8 ~ th~
wclld1 n~ nr~m S, f~nd a Z-r~il g, A can bod~r 10 whloh ha~
ao Jll~t b~en round~d ~nd 1~ ~tl~l op~n i~ loo~ted ~n tl~
roun4in~ unit ~ a onn bo~y 11 ~ppro~ohln~ th~ w~l~ing unit 1~ xunnln~ on the~ ~-r~ . Tlo c~n bo~y l2 ~ ln ~h~
w~l~llng po~ltlon.
~h6~ c~n l~o~y ~o~tln~ m~ohln~ ~ h~o ~ ~r~
oupport~d on a p~3d~t~l 20, th~ ~r~m~ 21 b~in~ flxo~ by on~ ~nd 22 to th~ w~ld.in~ arm 5 . A oonv~yor ~y~t~m ~3 ~or th~ welcl~fi c:~n bodl~ rr~n~d bn the fI~m~
The conveyor ~y~t~m 23 h~B 4~1t c~nv~yor~ 24,~
.
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J.l 2~9~3~
., g and 2~ fo~ ~onvuylng ~h~ d c~n botl~ h~ belt .~ c~nve~or!~ ~.4,25 ~n~ 26 ar~ ~on~ ru~t~ twln conv~yor b.Dlt~ ~r3:~n~d p~rall~l wlth ~aoh ~'ch~r ~o that tho w~
~am ~4 o~ th~ can body 12, whi~h, o~ t~ t th~
5 top oi' ~h~ c~n, 11~ botw~nn th~ lly ~n~ln.~
~ar~ l b~l~s of ooch conv~yox 24, 2~ an~ 26 . On th0 ~ conv~yo~ 2~,~6, ~ho ~on ~t~ on to~ ~ t~ ~lt~1 on ~h~
31 oonv~y-~ 25, lt i~ ~u~p~nd~d, ~ - h~ m~n~tlo lo~c~, from ~;ho t:wo p~r~ l b~lt~. :
lC~ A ho~t~r 2~ eln~ ~ hl~3t~r 29 aræ ~l~o provl~o~ on ~ho fl~me ~.l. Th~3 h~t~r ~ lo ~ lem~nt~ry ho~t~r ni'c . E~oth h~t~rs 2~, 29 wt lrA p~rtloular on tho wol~
i4 o~ l,h~ c~n ~o~
For th~a ~al~s~ o~ rlty, ~ ~rlvQ ~nlt and 15 ~on'crol l~nit for tho v~ou~ men~s o4 ~ho o~ll oo~tln~
m~ah~nç~ h~v~ n oml~cl from ~h~ d~awin~. Th~ ~rivcl ulllt ~n~ ~ontr~l unlt ~r~ o~ nv~ntional ~o~tru~iorl ~n~l ~ro mo~nt~ on ~h~ ~r~
Coa~ln~ m~ l 3~ m~de u~ e~ A ~mi- ~inloh~
20 p~o~tJct :Ln th~ S~n of ~ wlr~ 1~ wo~ nl~l on ~ 1 31~ p, dall~ syst~m 35 ~c~r th~ ~o~n~ m~ ompri~o~
rollar~ 36 for ~ho wlrQ 30. To stv n~ ~h~ ~so~ln n3te~rle~ h~ ~liv~y ~y~tam 3~ o h~ driv~ roll~r~
37 po~iti~e~ ~he~ ln ~ho dir~¢t~on ~ ~o~d ~ ~n ~5 ~pplication unl~ 40 ~or ~h~ o~tln~ m~teri~ no~de th~
2~ h~ion unlt 40 i~ ~ prep~ra~lon ur~lt 41 wlth a r~i~ervolr ~2 ~0~ ~o~tlny m~t~rl~l Ln fluld ~t8t~1.
An applic~tor ln th~ ~o~m o:~ ~ tpr~ay no2%1~ 43 . . _ , _ .. ~

. , , . ' ' ' ' ` - ~' o 2~
1~ connect~d ~o th~ r~o~rvolr 4~! vl~ ~ pump whlc;h h~ bc~n omi~ ead to ~v~:ld c:on~u~lon ln tho d~lng .
A y~riablell pr4~0uro ah~mb6~r 3g ~rAn~d ~
pre~Yu~ en~or i~ po~ltlsn~ ov~ ctlon ~ I.n :~:
7 S op~r4tiv~9 cc~n~3atlon srlth ~ho oon~t~ o~ th~ orv~l~ 42 snd una~ th~ oontrol c~ ~ho unl~ ~, to m~k~ lt ~o~lbltl to m~int~ln the pr~our~ h~ ro~rvoir ln th~ ~oq~ir~d range. For ~t~ pAr~ th~ con~oi ~o~ ln oonJuno~tlon w~th of l:h~ ~pr~y no~le 43.
~: ~0 ~ 4hows th~ maa c:~n bl~dy aostln~ m~cshino ~, a~ . 1, but ln ~hl~ h~ pr~p~ra~lo~ u~it ol h~3 ~oon nlod l f i ~d .
Th~ p~o~sr~lon unl~ 41 ha~ a ~r~piar~tlon chl~mb~ 44 ln whloh th~ t~ng m~ l w~o 30 ~ f~
'1~ ~lr~o~ly ~y thQ~ drlve rolJ.or~ 37. ThlR c~ mb~ h~sto~
by a h~tor i~S, whloh t~ tho form of an ~l~ot~l~
h~t~r, mlo~o~v~ r~dl~or, ~co. A ~cr~w conv~yo~
~hown ~ r~mm~ lly, 1~ lgnsd t~ conv~y the a~Atln~
m~t~rlal .into th~ ~rlly noz~l~ 4~ und~ ~h~ o~s~ry 2~ ~rs~ re.
Tn~ llcrQw ~onvoyor ther~y ~p~t~ p~np ~os ~ pply of ~o ao~tin~ m~tor~lal . ~rhQ m~ xln~
proo~ o~ mul~ o~mpon~n~ t~ , or the In~ltin~
procea~ for mr.t:4rl~ vlr~s ~ th~gmopl~ls~ic a~nt~r t, t~l~e~ pl~ce ln 3p~elC1~ ~4. Cc~rr~p~ndln~ly, ~o~
pto~r~4~,e mlx~ hnd mol~ proc~s~ or to ~ncr0a~ tr~
prb~Ure lt i~ po~ibl~ hon~ th~ m~ter o~ th~
~or~ e.l' x and/or lta ~plndl~ body, ~n~ he . .

~, J
,~ 2~9~3~
., 1 1 8t~pn~ of th~ hQIlix.
,~
P~ how~ th~s a~n bod.y ~oDtln~ m~hln~ ~
~htl~n in Fls;~ U'C ln thl~ 0~ do ~ho pr~ ra~ n unlt ~ >~an n~b~l1 S Th4 p~par~lon unlt ~1 tl~ ~n ~sndl~ b~lt . ~
nnln5~ ~3round two pr~p~Qtlon r~llo~ SO,51 wh~i~h bolt .
~o~m4 ~n ~rrhn~mOr~t 6t~ ~or l~dl~ tho oo~ln~ t~rial to tl~e w~ldln~ ~0~ tlon 54 . trh~ pr~ tion ~oll~r 50 ~n~l ~ ~oll~r ~3 co~p~r~ing wlth lt ~ot ~o drl~ rollo~
~ropellin~ th~ oo~ltlng m~ 1 wla~ 30 ~n~ dln~ lt on to the endl~ el~ ~2. At th~ ~mo tlm~, a pr~-pro~lln~
o~ th~ co~tln~ m~ lal c~n ~ ~ro~uoa~ by th~ rollor~ -50, 53. ~h~ prq~p~etlGn rt~ 51 pro~ tha~ co~tln~J
mot~ l 30 n~inot th~ n~n b~y 55 whloh 1~ b~in~
~onv~ytlld p~t lt, whll~ th~ ~ody ~or ~t~ p~t i~ DuZp~ort~d ~ n~t ~nl o preusure by 8 s~ppo~t roller 56 . Th~ ~oat~n~
m~t~r~al wlr~ 30 1~ pro~ d 4~0~in~ . 3b~.
F15,~. ~b ~h~w~ ~ oro~ otl~Jn th~ou~h thq ~upport rol lar 5~ ~n~ ths appllo2tlon ~ollor 51 ~t ~h~
~ ~0 common ~oin~ o~ ontact~ ~hQ drawin~ ~how~ tl~ wold~
~oan~ 57, the prol~ d w~ r~ oY ~oatin~ ma~lal 30, ~nd th~
r~rol~ .g er)dl~sR bo~t 52.
Ow~n ;7 ~co th~ ov~rl~p~ o~ th~ w~ d~3 o~
the cAn ~ re 1~ ap 5~ whioh h~4 ~ b~ cov~ d ~y ,'; 25 wc~mul~3tlon 0~ co~tln~ t~ri~l 30, a~ r phy~ic~l 1 r~o~n~, t~re ~ ~ tend~ncy ln th~ lique~aotlon ~rooe~
i~ ~o~ the c~tin~l m~t~rl~l to run lat~r~lly ~wsy frc~m ~ho ed~o ~9 of the E1~0p 5~ vln~ 1~ axpooed.
. ~
~.
.

12 2 ~ ~ ~3 ~ 8 ~h~n th~ woldln~ m~ohln~ ln c)p~rat~ on th~ :
shaet m~t~l bl~nks p~ss ln~o ~h~ ro~lndln6~ unlt 4 whnra th3y flre rr~un~ o l~o~m ~ c~n ~y 10. Th~ nowly roun~
o~n bc)(9y Wrfips~ roun~l tho ooatlrl~ ml~t~rlol wlr~ 3P r~nnln~
S ovor t,h~ ro~ 36~ ~ o~r, body ~onv~or ~vlo~ not ~hown ir~ th~ drnw1 n~ ~ro~ h~ n~ly ~ nd~ body 10 ~urth~r ~n lt~ w~ nd th~ o~ th~ ~ar, bDdy t now ~oplo~
th~ c~n bo~;y 11 ln Fl~. 1 ) r~n on to ~h~ Z-r~ll 9 . Th~
body 11 ~ u th~ ove~rha~d ~u~port 13 o~ ~h~ w~sldlng ~rm 10 5, and contlnu~ ~lon~ th~ wol~ S untll, o~ ~ho bo~y 1~, thel ~bon~ i~ wal~ by th~ w~eldt ns~ roll~x~ 5, 7 .
Tho b~dy 12 ~111 ou~I~oun~ atlno nl~t~rl~ 9r tho waldln~ ~rm ~, bu~ ~ ~ no~q ol~s~ u~ in ~1 ~yllndrl~al oen ~h~ ollowiny th~ w~l~in~ E~rot:~o.
~ nswly w~ o~n bo~ 18 e~t~ad from ~h~
~ldinq ma~hln~ 1 ~nd 1~ plc~k0d u~ by tho 1~ c~n~yor 2 o~ ~h~ C~n body ~:04~1n~ m~ohin~ h~ ~n ~ody 12 ~ ~
now a ~lo~d cylind~r, ~11 p~r~ tln~ t~n th~ w~ll O tha c~ onl insl~ ln~ ding tl~o~ tin~ on th~ ~n ~o~m 2~ from lnoldo mu~t ~2 locat~a~ in ~ ion of ~h~ ~ramo 21, the end 22 o~ wh.~h i~ ~0rman~ntl~ conneat~d to th~
w~ldlng Drn~ 5. A~ th~ body 1~ ove~ tho convoyo~
24, lr 1~ k~pt ho~ by a h~t~r 2B. ~ ntl~lly thi~ m0an~
~h~ ~h~ w~ld~d ~m, whlah wollld o~h~rwlQ~ ~ool down 25 followln51 th~ w~sldln~ r~t~on, 1~ kept ~ lo~lvoly hlgh t~mperat-lre. Th~ o~n body 1~ 1~ thrn t~ken over by tho con~re~or 25, whloh tron~ort~ the bo~y ~t t~
flppl~ tion u~l i; 40 . ~h~ tln~ m~terl~l io now p$~9p~
._ , . . .
: . , ~ , .
. . . .. ..
., 13 ~ 3~8 ln th~ pr~sS; 3r~tlon unl~ ~1 to~ c~o~tir~ the c!~n ~ m, ~ :
f ~
ho coatln~ m~t~rl~l 30 in lt~ form ~ a 1ni~h~ produo~ ~ ~ unwO~ f~onl tl~ o~l 31 ~nd la 5 ~rawn ~t l~sall~ partly by m~t~no o~ th~ d3~ivery y~tem 35 ~ith thl~ aid ~ th~ r~ r0 3~5 onCI thq ~ivo r~ 37 tO
th~ pr~rAtloh ~n~ t ~ rhi~ ~r~tl~n o~ n~ th~
co~lng m~t~rl~l 30 ln 1~ form 1~- v~ t~al~htn foI~w~rd and req~lire~ no ~ddltlon~l ~q~ m~snt. Sn th~
10 ~V~F~t o ~he ~n ~ody ooo~in~ me~hin~ 2 h~vln~ to ~
151~ Rt!ld ~ m th~ w~ldlnt ~ 5 f~r m~int~ 0 ~u~OO~, thz cootln~ m~t;eriRl wira a~n ~imply b~ r~d. ~Jhon i~h~
n bo~ oo~lng m~chine 2 l~ put b~ c in~t~ o~sll~ion, th~
t~o loo~ nd~ Ar~ ~lm~ly ~olne~ ~. wlth ~ ~cld~rln~
l~on. Compl~x ~nd a~tly pollution oontrol or ~p~lal trs~Atm~nt of t~G c:onv~yol~ path ~P th~ ~allv~y oyotDm 35 ar~ en~ ~ r~ly unn~ sa~y Ar~d c~n b~ di~p~n~d wlth .
~h0 ~o~ting n~t~ri~l 30 1~ pu~h~d by th~ drlv~
roJ ler~ 3~ into th~ pr~ tlon unlt 41, where lt h0at~d to 'ch~ f luit . ~t~t~ ~u~blæ ~or ~o~tln~ .
~n th~ o of ~ mul tlp~rt ao~tlr,~ m~torial, thla ~te la ol~t~ y bl~n~ln~ th~ oonstitu~nt~ n Sho p~op~r~tion ch~m~e~ 40, of ~h~ prepsratlon ur\lt 41. I~
tl 0 ao~tin~ tarl~l ~t lo~t cont~n~ a ~t melt, t~i~
25 hc~t m~lt i~ h~atod to a ~1U~ ~t~t~ by me~n~ of tl~ o~r 45 . ~h~ pum~ ~ omitt~tg r~m ~h~ i~igur~D ~ tho e~ko of clarity ) then pump~ th~ ~o~tln~ m~t~rlal, I?repfi~ for c~clng, ~n tlle s~ervol~ 42 ln~o ~he sprey no~zl~ 43 of . `' ' "I . ..
' -~ 2~ ~3~

~3 the ~?pllc,~or. ~o l~ tho v~lve 47 og ttl~ ~pr~y 'i no~zle ~3 ~e~ op6-n, tho fl~lld m~ l, r~y ~r aoatlng, ~uppllbd by the pulnp ls ~p~ rQm tho sp~y noz~ 43 tio th~ o~r~ bady 12 bo~ n51 oonv~yl-~ p~t tllo unit ,3 ~ by th~ b~.~t aor~v~yor ~. Th~a driv~ uni~ (o;altt~ otn th~
1~ur~ or th~s 3~k~ o~ ol~rlt:y ~ o~ ~ho oan ~dy ooatin~
m~hin~ 2, to~h~ wi th ~h~ cion~ir3l 4y~ m ( llkowl~
om~tod) o t~lo ~o~tin~l mn~ihlne 2, coq~ln~ th~
3 oper~on o~ ~h~ ~pr~y no~ Q 43 with th~ tranelllt 0~ th~
~n bodio~ 12 ~nd ~loo th~ p~ opor~tln~ ln th~
pr~ n ~,hAmb~ 4 an~ ~h~ ~C'Cion o~ h ~y~tom 35 p~rforn~ed by th~ d~lv~ r~ 37.
The ov~r~ll p~oa~, th-n, aon~l~t~ o~ ~ro~ln~
~h~ b~lC mnt~rl~ dl~toly ~h~ og ~ho ooe~tln~ po~nt ln ~ tAta 6ui~ble~ ~o~ o~ nC~ ~n~ o~ ~pplyln~ 1 ln~un~ h~ n ~ m~ K~ ln~ tl~ Q~n ~m ho~ ~y me~.Qns o~ tho h~t~sr 2Q ~ ltt~t~ DS ~rml~ th~ 1 low3 0 th3 fr~hly ~ d ~oo~ln~ m~ hould ~hl~ h~v~ ~o~l~
ap~ un~v~nl~ ~ty ~h~ ~pr~y no~zl~ 43, o~ hav~ b~
2 ~ pli~d ill soll~ ~t~t~ tO th~ w~ll 0~ th~ can body ~f ont~ t ~2.
Pref~r~bly, th~ ~pr~y no~lo ~3 lo al~o h~t~d ~o tho~ hot m~l t m~t~rl~ nnot olldlfy 1 ~o~ n lo lnt~r I`Upt~d .
The n~wl~ coæ~e~ ~n l~o~y ~ thsn t~ n oV~ y the ~ c c~nv~y~ 26 ~nd con~ey~ t ~n eafter-h~t~r 2g.
Thi~ aft~r-h~er 1~ no~ ~rio~ly nec~bar~. How~ r, ~
rapidly ct)nduc~d ~w~y ~om ~he weld~d ~e~m ~y th6 , . .. . . . .
l .
... . .
. . . '.,'. , ' .' '',.. ' . .

. 2~ ~3~
met~l w~ o4 ~h~ n, th~ hot m~lt m~kerl~l whl~h h~o ~a~n eppllH~ solldl~ vory r~pidly~ Aft~-h~t1n~ i~
ap~ d fo~ aeisthetlc re~aon~, tc) ~lv~ ~ bFi~ht~s~ tin~h o~ th~ ~aam co~tln~.
~ hl~o ~o~Lbl~ ~o provid~ a~r~heatlnQ
wh~ h~t mg~rl~l h&- ~to po~ ri;b~aJ ~ ~olym~lrlz~t~on p~ooo~ ~111 uoually 1~3t ~am~wh~lt :lonl~r t~n th~
,' ai~or~d by th~ n~ursl ooolln~ c~f th0 w~ald ~e~m.
Th~ ~o~t~n~ p~oo~s bo~in~ on ~ ~aa'cln~
mDt~ial lq ~ppll~d to th~ o~n ~ m, ~n~ 1~ co~Hpl~t~d soon ~ diYtribatlon of mlst~rlal ov~r tho w~lt a~m h3 bo~n c::~mple~sly ~orm~d. ~hn ~ n~à mak~rl~l h~d~n~
whl~ e lh the roglon o~ th~ ~slt o~nv3yo~ 26 . ~ny ~ 03~
~4con~arv hard~ni n~ which oc~ur~ ompl~t:od wlthou~ ~ny post-tr2s~,ment while th~ o~n body i8 on rollt~ to the ngxt m~c~ ln~ ~t~ ion.
An odvan~ g~ln~d wlth th4 ~n boay ~tlny ~ahlne ~hlch h~ boe~ otrl~t~fl 1~ th~t ~ho ~30h~n~
lt~el~ oc~o~ples only ~. n thlrd or ~ qu~t~ c~ ~ho lMns;th, which mu~t be r~to~ a~ a m~Jo~ b~n~s~lt ln ~h~
~y~ of th~ ~7r~d~lo~n lln~ a~ ~ whole. P~10~3DV~ th~ ~
~o~n o ~ oan c~oAtln~ m~chinb 1~ it~ tly ~lmpllf~ad a~ th~ c~n ~tLn~ m~t~rl~l 30 o~n bo ~tor~, ~nd h~dled up to ~e polnt o~ ~ppll~at~or~, in ie~ b~io ~r~ ml-finl~h~d ~rodu~t. Compl~ ~n~ oo~ly ln~t~ tiOnb o~. to ~ molt~n m~tori~l ~rom th6a rallor 31 ~hrough haat~d ho~e~ fr~n~ th~ ~Pun~ln~ ~nlt ~ v~ ~ th~
wol~ing arm S to the pr~pçlratlon unlt 4~ ~an bs~
, ........ __ ..... ---' ', ' .' ' "' ''', " -- ' ': ' ' ~, ' ,''' ' '. ' , ' I` ` 2~'L35 ~llml~l~te~ ~b csn ps~o~ o~ p~r~lal h~rd~r~Ln~ o~
m~ln~ o~ co~tlny m~t~rlal ~uoh ao ~owd~ or l~u~ar ~uppll~d ~1- thl~
Nc~ o~lA ~ppar~tu~ ~3rmlte ~m~llor o~n 5 dl8m~-t~r~ o~n b~ obt~ln~d.
Th~o ~dv~nta~ ro ~l~o ~X~or~d hy ~n ombo~ n~ ~o~o~ln~ to ~ . 3~ and 3~.
.3 Tha oontln~ mat~rl~l ~0 ~uppl~ed ln ~ r~ ~orm ( whloh cn~ ell~o b~ ln ~trl~ f~rm or ~o~ c~th~ ~ro~3~
lt) saetl~n ) 1~ p~ sd ~y ~o roll~r~ ~0, 33 to th~ pr~pn~t~on unit 41, ~rh~r~ lt p~ n to tho ondl~s b~lt and ~q.~ od, and pro~ Dd, h60twoon tho a~pllo~tlon roll~
an~ ~ho c~n body ~S. Th~ o~n l4c3dy 1~ hot ~w~n~ h~
acti~n o~ th~ heAt~ , 00 th~ th~ 50e~tln~ matari~l 30 lS ~hir:h Jl~ t cont~n~ ~ hc~t m~t ~tart~ to llqu~y ln~medlat~ly. It ls po~olbl~ to m~ on th~ ao~tln~
m~ rl~l 30 by m~n~ o~ an ~ua~ ry h~t~r 61 ~ th~
lmmo~ ly adh~ar~ the ~An ~o~ly ~5 wlthou~ ~ny problo~n. It .1.~ ~1BO ~ lbl~ to ll~u-~y ~h~ tln~
20 ma~eri~l fr~m the lnt~ r outwos~, 20r ~hicah ~orrospon~in~ m~n~ ~Q~ ba prnvl~a~ n~xt to ti o ~c)ll~r 5~, ~ n~ ~dv~nt~a of ~hl~ ~oflll~ l8 that ~n pt1mum ~.~istrlbu~lon o th~ o~tln~ mato~l~l 30 ~v4r th~
w~ld ~m ~n b~ obt0in~d without m~r t~hni 25 cc~mplex~ ty and ~xpen~s, ~ a~n b~ n ~som ~. 3b th~
~n ~ccumul~tl~n of m~terial ~rms ov~r th~ ed~ 59 o~ the st~p 5~ in tha ov~rl~pplng ~h~t ~dgt~ o~ the w~ d 80 thet whe.n llque~ion oc~ur~ th6~ ~n6l~tl~v6s Qd~ S!~ 1 _ . . , . ' '.
.' , '' ~' ,, ;l `` 2~3~

ol~ o~v~r~â ln ~11 f,~E~}ilellb, ~n~th~r ad~ te.~ o~ thl~ bc~ en~ 1~ th~t ther~ o n~d ~or a h~a~t~ n~ ~ump ~c)r fluld ao~t~n~
m~t~ l in ~ o~ndltl~n ro~dy ~o~ os~t~nl~; nor, of CC~U~JI~, 9 Xor t~ np~ely r~o~zli3 4~.
Thla ~mbo~im6~n~ l~rovl~o~ a ~oun~ c:o~tln~l, en~
~an~bl~ ~hsll compl~xlt~ of tho aqul~mont o~ ~h~ a~n ooatin~
nle~ohin63 2 tf.~ b~ l~op'c to ~ mlnlmwn.
l~h~ ~Upp~t roll~r 5~ h~ lon~l gunotl~n bo~ld~ ~hat of ~a~lng t:h~ o~n body ~5. ~y m~n~ 0~ ~
~lm~ cJnt~ol, thla c~n ~odiell ~on ~ conv~y~d by th~ ~lt conveyoI~ 24, 25, ~6 ~t const~nt, mlnimum interv~ . Thl~
mean~ ~h~ wh~n co~tlng 1~ r~ln~ co~ tlnuoufily ~h~
~u~ost roll~r ~6 i~ lt~ol~ c:o~ d wha~na~ror no ~z~n l~y S~
i~ ~re~ont batw~aslrl it ~nd th4 b~pll~t~on roller Sl. A
~r~p~r 57 ~lrnply ~o~p~ o~f the unw~n~od ~o~t~ncl m~t~
Thls fun~tion c~ th~ soi~r ~ o~n, o~ ~our~, ~l~o ~a por~orme~ ln th~ pr~ uilly do~ib~d ~mbod~m~nt~.
~0 ~ ca~ not illu~trAtQ~ ln ~h~ i~u~ wh4~0 not ~ u~t one but ~e~r~l ~c>n~t~ tu~nt~ o the ao~tln5J
ma~er~ l 30 ~ p~p~o~ ln the preps~4tic~n unlt 41. lrhl~
llo~q~ vnrio~l~ con~titu~nt4 o~ oo~tln~ t~rlol ~o b~
llh~d~
2 5 sho~ hs c~ tln~ m~terl~l ~0 b~ ~ut c~n th~
rb~l 31 ln a ~emi- f l~iah~d o~ wlth ~ n~n op~mol CI`O~
tl~a~lon, a ~ro11in~ p c~n be pravidQd, ~or ~3m~1 emp.l~yin~ the roller6 50, 53.
.... .....
- ' ' ' ~: . . ' ' . ' 1~ , poo~lbl~ to 1~ the ondlo~ b~ B~
on ~ur~:her gu~e el~m~nt~ into ~ lon or ~l~otlon ~h~
of ~ho ~F)llce~ion po~ltlan ~ ~or th~ pr~r~tion of th~
ooAt~n~ m~t6~rial.. ~p~ Oh may ln~ d~ h~nt~n~ ~or s ~o~t~nln~ ~ch~3 u~p~r ~ur~a~, ~r tl -l provl~lon throu~h ributl~n unlt o~ a ~ur~ch~r ooa~on-nt o~ tho oo~ln~
rn~tQri ~1, or ~ unit 40r ~ddin~ t~ninC1 a~nt.
In~ d o~ th~ ~aq~n~ 01 ~vio~æ ~ho~q~ ln th3 ur~o (drlv~ mbAn~ 35, pr~pe~r~$on unlt 4i, ~ lon ~0 40 ) th~ n b~ ros~r~n~d, ~o that th~- ~p~ay ho~d 43 1 pl~ood lmm~dlat-lly ~d~c~n~ kh~ lns~ s~oll~r~ ~, 7.
r~ult, th~ h~ r a~ c~n b6~ p~n~ea wl~h . ~h~ ~v~tlng m~t~rial o~n ~h-an 4~. b~ ~lrot ~o~ p~t th~ d~vlc~
elnd over ~ gui~e roll~r ~o~ltlon~d ro~rmo~ ln th~
dlr~c:tion ~f ~r~v~l o~ th~ to b~ o~rr~ o~ b~aok ~ ln~
the ~r~#l diraotlon ~nd ~up~ d t~ th~ pr~ reltion u~lt.
3 Althou~h the ~x~mpltlry ~mbodilm41n~ o~ ~o~tln~
appar~tu~ ~hc:w ~h~ oo~tln~ o~ ~n ~ , tho l~v~4ntlon i~
no~ llmit~d t~ th~ ooa~ln~ og c~n ~m~.
The pro~ 4 ~ tho ~r~3~sn~ linvontior, o~n ~1~o bo employ~d in p~rtioul~r Po~ tho ~o~t1n~ of m~lt~l pan~l~ eg.
d~D~p-dr~n p~n~l~. Tho ob~ nd th~ ~iolu~1on ~ Lr~
~o~-ntl~lly tho osm~.

. .,..~
' ' : ' . '`, . i ~ `: `, i: . . . '`

Claims

1. Process for coating weld seams of can bodies, panels, automobile tanks and other sheet-metal or metal parts with a coating material which is liquid during coating, characterised in that this material is made up of one or more constituents and at least sets shortly after the coating is applied, and fully hardens without further treatment.

2. Process according to claim 1, characterised in that the coating material at least comprises a thermoplastic material, preferably a hot melt material or hot melt compound or a melt bonding agent.

3. Process according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, immediately before or upon application, the coating material is transformed from its basic state into the fluid state suitable for coating, with melting of at least a thermoplastic constituent in said material.

4. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the coating material is fed into a machine (2) for coating weld seams, characterised in that the coating material (30) is supplied preferably with its basic state essentially unchanged immediately upstream of an application unit (40) to a preparation unit (41) of the machine (2), where it is transformed into a fluid state suitable for coating, involving melting of thermoplastic constituents and/or blending with other constituents, in that the fluid material is stored in this state in a reservoir (42) and is applied as required to a weld seam by the application unit (40), with a control arrangement immediately replenishing the reservoir (42) to replace the material applied so that the quantity of material stored in the reservoir (42) is minimal.

5. Process according to claim 3 in which the coating material is fed into a machine for coating weld seams, characterised in that the coating material is supplied with its basic state essentially unchanged immediately upstream of an application unit (40) of the machine (2), where it is transformed into a fluid state suitable for coating, involving melting of thermoplastic constituents and/or blending with other constituents, and in that the melting, blending and pumping the fluid material at least partly coincide in a single process step, the said single process step continuing so long as coating material is being applied to the can body or panel, automobile tank or other sheet-metal or metal part or to an element (52) bridging the interval between the workpieces.

6. Process according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the coating material (30), preferably preformed into an intermediate cross-section upstream of the point of application, and transported to an application position in its basic form, is deformed at the point of application into a cross-section one side of which matches the profile of the welded part, in particular the can profile, at the weld and the thickness of which approximately corresponds to the desired distribution of coating material over the weld seam (38, 59).

7. Process according to claim 6, characterised in that at the weld position the coating material is laid onto the can, the panel, the automobile tank or other sheet-metal or metal part in rod, wire or strip form and is transformed into a fluid state thereon by the action of heat.

8. Process according to claim 7, characterised in that the action of heat is at least partly obtained by keeping the welded part, in particular the can body, hot.

9. Process according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that, for better adhesion of the coating material to the welded part, in particular the can body, at least the surface of the coating material which is in contact with the welded parts, in particular the can wall, is softened upstream of the point of application preferably by the action of heat and/or addition of another constituent.

10. Process according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterised in that the welded part, in particular the can body, is kept hot upstream of or at the point of application.

11. Process according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterised in that at least one constituent of the coating material (30) is fed in the form of a semi-finished product, in particular as a wire which is preferably drawable, to a preparation unit (41) provided in the machine, the semi-finished product being drawn to the said preparation unit at least partly by delivery means (35) upstream of the said preparation unit.

12. Process according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the hot melt powder to be applied is in rod, flat wire or strip form and/or in that the hot melt is an essentially thermoplastic polymer and/or in that the hot melt is a polyester or copolyester and/or in that the hot melt is a PVC, polyethylene, polyamide or copolyamide and/or in that the thermoplastic polymer used is at least partly cross-linkable and/or in that the hot melt contains at least one additive such as a bonding agent to improve adhesion to the metal surface and/or a flow enhancer to improve the fluidity of the hot melt on the seam of the welded part, in particular the can seam.

13. Apparatus for carrying out the process according to anyone of claims 1 to 12.

14. Apparatus for carrying out the process according to any one of claim 1 to 12 or 13, with a frame (21), a drive unit, a control system, a conveyor system (24,25,26) for welded parts such as panels, automobile tanks, and other sheet-metal or metal parts, in particular for can bodies and an application unit (40) for coating material, characterised in that it possesses a delivery system (35) for coating material (30) presented in its basic form, in particular as a semi-finished product and/or in solid or non-solid constituents, and a preparation unit (41) for preparing the coating material in a state suitable for coating, the preparation unit (41) being located immediately ahead of the position (48) at which the coating material is applied to the can seam (54).

15. Apparatus for carrying out the process according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or according to claim 12 or 13, having a frame (21), a drive unit, a control system, a conveyor system (24,25,26) for welded parts such as panels, automobile tanks, and other sheet-metal or metal parts, in particular for can bodies, a delivery system (35) for coating material and an application unit (40) for the coating material (30), characterized in that it has a reservoir (42) for fluid coating material arranged immediately upstream of the application unit, and, cooperating with the reservoir (42), a heater (45) for melting thermoplastic material and/or a mixer unit for blending constituents of the coating material.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterised in that the reservoir (42) is of closed construction and its filling level is detected by a sensor preferably in the form of a pressure sensor (38).

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterised in that the sensor (38) is constructed in the form of a chamber (39) preferably with a volume varying according to pressure, cooperating with the contents of the reservoir and in that the pressure in the reservoir is detected by the volume of the sensor chamber (39).

18. Apparatus for carrying out the process according to any one of claims 1 to 12, having a frame (21), a drive unit, a control system, a conveyor system (24,25,26) for welded parts such as panels, automobile tanks, and other sheet-metal or metal parts, in particular for can bodies, a delivery system (35) for coating material and an application unit (40) for the coating material, characterised in that it has a preparation unit (41) for preparation of fluid coating material arranged immediately upstream of the application unit (40), the preparation unit (41) comprising a heater (45) and a preferably heated pumping unit (46) acting on the same chamber of the preparation unit (41).

19. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterised in that the pumping unit is in the form of a single or multiple ended screw conveyor with diameter and/or pitch increasing in the pumping direction and in that the pumping unit is itself arranged to be heated.

20. Apparatus for carrying out the process according to any one of claims 1 to 12, having a frame (21), a drive unit, a control system, a conveyor system (24,25,26) for welded parts such as panels, automobile tanks and other sheet-metal or metal parts, in particular for can bodies, a delivery system (35) for coating material and an application unit (40) for the coating material, characterised in that the application unit (40) comprises a device (40) for the supply of coating material in its basic form to the weld position (54) of the can body (12) with preferably means for keeping the coating material in place at the weld position until the material is in fluid state.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterised in that it comprises at least upstream of the point of application (48) of the coating material in the conveying direction of the welded workpieces, a heater (61) acting on the can seam to fuse the coating material (30) onto the seam.

22. Apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, characterised in that the application unit has a heater which is arranged to act on the coating material in position on the wall and/or upstream of the point of application on the side of the coating material facing the welded workpiece.

23. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 21, characterised in that means (50,53) are preferably provided to profile the coating material (30) upstream of the application unit (40) and in that the application unit has means (52) for imparting a predetermined cross-section (62) to the coating material at the welding position (54).

24. Apparatus according to claim 23, characterised in that the means for imparting the predetermined cross-section (62) comprise a profiling roller cooperating with the individual welded workpieces to impart a profile to the coating material to be applied to the workpieces.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24, characterised in that the means for imparting the predetermined cross-section (62) comprise a profiling endless belt (52) running around rollers and cooperating with the individual welded workpiece to impart a profile to the coating material to be applied to the workpieces, the profiling belt (52) being located in a region close to means for pre-treating coating material lying on the belt.

26. Coating material for executing the method according to the claim 1, 2, 5, 7 or 8.

27. Coating material for an apparatus according to claim 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24 or 25.

28. Coating material according to claim 26, characterized in that it is formed as a wound semi-product.

29. Coating material according to the claim 26, characterized in that it is made of more than one component and that at least one component, in the basic form of the material is separated from the other components.

30. Coating material according to claim 28, characterized in that it is made of more than one component, in the basic form of the material.

31. Coating material according to claim 30, characterized in that the wound semi-product is wire shaped.