Seam Welders & Seam Welding Equipment

Seam welding is a welding process that involves the joining of two metal sheets or components along a continuous seam. The seam can be a straight line or follow a specific contour, a lap joint or butt joint, depending on the application.

Seam welding works by applying heat and pressure along a continuous seam between two metal sheets, creating a strong and continuous weld. There are two primary methods of seam welding: resistance seam welding and arc seam welding. Both are typically automated or semi-automated processes, allowing for high-speed, consistent production.

Seam welding is used for fuel tanks, exhaust systems, and body panels in the automotive industry, a variety of aircraft components, and pipe and tube manufacturing. As well as appliance manufacturing including the likes of water tanks, pressure vessels and LPG tanks, and HVAC system ductwork.

Seam welding and spot welding are both welding processes used in metal fabrication, but they differ in terms of the type of joints they create and the applications for which they are best suited. Seam welding creates a continuous weld along a seam, whereas spot welding creates localised welds at specific points. Multiple spot welds can be used to weld a seam.

Which you choose would depend on the application, strength of weld required, material and thickness, as well as production volume.

Some of the key advantages of seam welding include the ability to product a continuous weld and leak-proof joint, it's fast and efficient characteristics, and the consistent quality.

Disadvantages include equipment complexity and cost, less versatile when compared with spot welding, and limitations in joint design and welding position.

The seam welding process is definitely worth considering if you need a continuous, leak free weld, and joint integrity is critical. It's also advantageous for applications with a high production volume, needing quality and consistency. If you have the initial investment costs, seam welding will offer you a reliable, consistent solution for longitudinal welding.

Read our comprehensive guide if you need some more information.

Seam welding is considered a strong joint, primarily due to more of the base material being fused, with a larger surface area compared to other processes like stitch welding.

We would recommend a machine based on your needs and requirements, but some examples are listed below:

• For longitudinal welding of cylindrical componenets like steel cans, ducting, and vessels, the new ProArc LS range like the LS-18, are a great value option with all current technology to optimise your seam welding process.
• If you need a resistance seam welder, we usually carry various Meritus and Sciaky roll seam welders, ideal for both longitudinal and circumferential welding applications.
• Our most popular used seam welders include those made by British manufacturer Bode, as well as USA manufacturer Jetline, and Sciaky resistance seam welders.
• If you're looking for an automatic seam welder, this term usually covers longitudinal seam welders that have an "automated", digitally controlled welding carriage, moving the torch along the weld seam. We carry used options made by Bode, as well as new and used machines from ProArc. We would also recommend automated seam welders manufactured by Jetline, SAF and ESAB.