Method of manufacturing a welding support for a motor vehicle structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a support for welding stamped sheet metal, in particular for a primary structure of a motor vehicle. The manufacturing method comprises the steps: a) providing or producing (100) a base; b) fixing (102), on the base, a holding pillar with a holding surface; c) manufacturing (104) a clamp for holding stamped sheet metal against the holding surface, step c) manufacturing (104) comprising the sub-steps: c1) producing (106) a main body; c2) producing (108) a holding block produced by additive manufacturing in layers, said holding block being intended to hold the first stamped sheet metal against the holding surface; c3) fixing (110) the holding block to the main body. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Method for manufacturing a welding support for a motor vehicle structure

[0001] The invention relates to a support for holding sheets for assembly. The invention is part of the process of designing a tool for ironwork, particularly in the automotive field. The invention relates more specifically to a method of manufacturing a welding support. The invention also relates to a support for welding stamped sheets.

[0002] The manufacturing process of a motor vehicle is complex. In particular, its primary structure; also called body-in-white; comprises several sub-assemblies of sheet metal parts stamped in a stamping workshop; then assembled by electric spot welding (ESW). The geometry of the parts must be within predefined tolerances, in accordance with the quotation chain. The geometric dispersions of the stamped and assembled parts generated by the stamping and ironwork processes must be controlled. This ensures assembly in the primary structure and guarantees its conformity.

[0003] Today, ahead of the launch phase for a new vehicle, the design and geometry of stamped or other parts are defined to meet specifications. These specifications meet in particular style and structural performance requirements. An initial study on the possibility of stamping the parts is carried out. Then, a second study is conducted on the ironwork process. This focuses on the feasibility of assembling the parts to be joined, taking into account isostatisms, position retention, location and the chronology of the electrical welding points. Robot trajectories are also taken into consideration.

[0004] Therefore, during the design study of the motor vehicle, all the hardware parts are designed and sized to meet the style and structural performance needs. Then, the stamping tools are created which will be used to stamp the first parts. Unfortunately, during the assembly of the first subassemblies or assemblies with the hardware process means, there are deviations in geometry linked to constraints and deformations caused by certain parameters. These influential parameters include the definition of the parts, their material, the thicknesses. They also include thermal constraints, the order of making the assemblies, the order of tightening to immobilize the subassemblies.

[0005] In a context of reduction of factory surfaces, it is necessary to optimize the processes, by reducing the number of assembly operations. This opti This leads to the creation of more complex multi-part assemblies with higher degrees of hyperstaticity. This further complicates the practical implementation of welding tools.

[0006] The use of digital simulation is not sufficiently advanced to predict in advance the behavior of the geometry of the subassemblies or sets of parts to be assembled. The design and production of series ironwork tools therefore requires physical tests in real conditions. Several iterations are generally necessary, making corrections based on feedback. They allow for the progressive optimization of parts and assembly processes, in order to converge towards a solution providing a satisfactory compromise.

[0007] These test phases remain complex, long and costly. Indeed, welding tools for large series are sized to produce a large quantity of sub-assemblies or sets of parts for the life of the motor vehicle. They cannot be reused because of their unsuitable geometry. Furthermore, the test phases require immobilization of production lines.

[0008] Document CN102672382A discloses a flexible welding jig device for an automobile body. The welding jig device has a guide shaft which is fixed on a seat of an X-direction adjustable seat component and a positioning pin hole is opened on the seat. A sliding seat of a Y-direction adjustable sliding seat component is sleeved on the guide shaft of the X-direction adjustable seat component and connected to the seat via a locking bolt. A supporting seat of a Z-direction adjustable supporting seat component is sleeved on the guide shaft of the Y-direction adjustable sliding seat component, and is connected to the sliding seat via a locking bolt.A rectangular hole system with an interval of 100 mm is arranged on a hole system seat panel, and a flexible and adjustable bracket is connected to the seat panel in a locating mode through the hole system.

[0009] The welding jig device helps to shorten the design and production period of the welding jig for automobile bodywork. However, this device does not provide firm holding of the sheets during their welding.

[0010] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the holding of a sheet in the ironwork tooling. The invention also aims to optimize the holding, production time and cost of a welding support. The invention also aims to optimize the development time and conformity of a series welding support.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a method of manufacturing a support welding a first stamped sheet to a second stamped sheet; the manufacturing method comprising the steps: a) providing or producing a base; b) fixing a holding pillar on the base, said holding pillar comprising a holding surface; remarkable in that the method comprises a step c) manufacturing a holding clamp intended to hold the first stamped sheet against the holding surface, step c) manufacturing comprising the sub-steps: cl) producing a main body; c2) producing a holding block produced by additive manufacturing in layers, said holding block being adapted to bear against at least one of the holding pillar and the first stamped sheet in order to hold the first stamped sheet against the holding surface; c3) fixing the holding block to the main body.

[0012] The invention provides a holding clamp specific to the first stamped sheet metal. By being produced by additive manufacturing, the holding block is rigid, custom-made, and produced quickly after its design. The design and then testing phase of the holding block is shortened. Finally, this holding block is fixed to the body of the clamp. This allows, on the one hand, to produce them in different materials, and to make the main body reusable. Thus, production times and manufacturing costs are optimized.

[0013] Preferably, the manufacturing method further comprises a step d) arrangement of a force sensor against the holding clamp, said force sensor being adapted to measure a clamping force.

[0014] Preferably, in sub-step c3) fixing of the holding block, the holding block is pivotally fixed to the main body.

[0015] Preferably, the main body comprises two plates and a gap between the two plates, the retaining pillar being able to extend into said gap.

[0016] Preferably, in sub-step cl) production of the main body, said main body is produced by water jet cutting.

[0017] Preferably, at the end of sub-step c2) production of the holding block, said holding block comprises fixing means; the method further comprises a step e) fixing the holding clamp to the holding pillar.

[0018] Preferably, the method further comprises a step e) fixing the holding clamp to the holding pillar using said fixing means.

[0019] Preferably, the manufacturing method further comprises a step f) production of a centering pad by additive manufacturing in layers.

[0020] Preferably, the holding clamp comprises two lateral branches and a junction connecting the lateral branches; in sub-step c3) fixing of the holding block, the holding block is fixed to one of the two lateral branches.

[0021] Preferably, the holding clamp comprises remote clamping means of the holding block.

[0022] Preferably, the holding block is metallic.

[0023] Preferably, the holding block is made in one piece.

[0024] Preferably, in step e) fixing the holding clamp, the holding clamp has a recess between the lateral branches, the retaining pillar extending at the level of said recess.

[0025] Preferably, in step e) fixing the holding clamp to the holding pillar, the holding clamp is fixed to the holding pillar with reversible assembly means.

[0026] Preferably, the retaining pillar comprises a first width, the two plates comprise a spacing greater than said first width.

[0027] Preferably, the holding block comprises a second width less than or equal to the first width.

[0028] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method for welding a first stamped sheet to a second stamped sheet in a welding support; remarkable in that the welding support is manufactured according to the invention, and in that the welding method comprises a step g) placing the first stamped sheet against the holding surface, placing the second stamped sheet in the welding support; a step h) blocking the first stamped sheet against the holding surface with the holding clamp by pushing the first stamped sheet against the holding surface with the holding block; a step i) welding the first stamped sheet to the second stamped sheet.

[0029] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a support for welding a first stamped sheet to a second stamped sheet, the welding support comprising a base; a holding pillar fixed on the base, said holding pillar comprising a holding surface; remarkable in that the welding support further comprises a holding clamp intended to hold the first stamped sheet against the holding surface, the holding clamp comprising a main body; a holding block produced by additive manufacturing in layers and fixed to the main body of the holding clamp; said holding block being adapted to bear against at least one of the holding pillar and the first stamped sheet in order to hold the first stamped sheet against the holding surface.

[0030] Preferably, the welding support comprises a sheet metal guide extending vertically.

[0031] According to another aspect, the invention provides a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement the control method according to the invention.

[0032] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferentially” given in relationship to one aspect of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

[0033] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the following description, given with reference to the appended figures and listed below.

[0034] [Fig.l] is an isometric view of a welding support for a set of stamped sheets according to the invention.

[0035] [Fig.2] is an isometric view of a set of stamped sheets held on holding pillars of a welding support according to the invention.

[0036] [Fig. 3] shows clamps for holding a stamped sheet on holding pillars of a welding support according to the invention.

[0037] [Fig.4] illustrates a holding block connected to a main body of a holding clamp of a welding support according to the invention receiving a stamped sheet.

[0038] [Fig.5] is a diagram of a motor vehicle assembly method according to the invention.

[0039] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows for the presence of other elements in the mounting bracket or other steps in the manufacturing process to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of".

[0040] In the present description, the ranges of values include the limits which delimit them.

[0041] In the present description, the equalities between the values are not to be understood in the strict sense insofar as each equality authorizes a variation of at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 2%, between these values.

[0042] In the present description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

[0043] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the mounting bracket, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0044] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0045] [Fig.l] represents a welding support 10 according to the invention for a set of stamped sheets. This set of stamped sheets makes it possible to partially form a central side member of the primary structure of a motor vehicle.

[0046] The primary structure forms an outer body, or even a main frame of the motor vehicle. The primary structure is formed from an assembly of sheets stamped and welded together. According to one option of the invention, the stamped sheets are also glued. The primary structure connects different parts of the motor vehicle including the openings. The primary structure forms a mounting support for the powertrain, suspension systems, steering system, braking systems.

[0047] The set of stamped sheets comprises at least a first stamped sheet 12 and a second stamped sheet 14. The first stamped sheet 12 is for example a half-spar, while the second stamped sheet 14 is an elbow extending from the half-spar. The set of stamped sheets optionally comprises reinforcements (not shown) inside the first stamped sheet 12 and the second stamped sheet 14.

[0048] The welding support 10 is a tool for holding a set of stamped sheets during their fixing; at least by welding. The welding support 10 is capable of blocking each stamped sheet despite the forces linked to the expansion caused by the welding.

[0049] The welding support 10 is part of a fitting tool also including a welding apparatus 16. The welding apparatus 16 welds the first stamped sheet 12 to the second stamped sheet 14. The welding apparatus 16 is for example a spot welding apparatus. According to an alternative, the welding apparatus produces weld beads.

[0050] The welding support 10 comprises a base 18. The base 18 is horizontal. It has a mesh of fixing holes. It is also referred to as a marble. It can be mounted on feet. It forms a modular base.

[0051] The welding support 10 also comprises at least one holding pillar 20, preferably several holding pillars 20 fixed to the base 18. Each holding pillar 20 comprises a holding surface, capable of receiving and positioning the stamped sheets with a view to their assembly so as to form an assembly or a sub-assembly of the primary structure.

[0052] The welding support 10 further comprises at least one holding clamp 22 intended to hold the first stamped sheet 12 against the holding surface of the holding clamp 22. The holding clamps 22 are distributed along all of the stamped sheets.

[0053] The invention uses at least one holding clamp 22 with a custom-made holding block to wedge the first stamped sheet against the holding surface. In the design phase of the ironwork tooling, the invention makes it possible to converge from a prescriptive digital simulation model to a large-scale version via a testing and validation process on modular prototype-type tooling. The welding support makes it possible to validate certain subassemblies and assemblies in the process. complex in view of their compatibility with the ironwork tooling as a whole. This offers a technical and economic gain on the product and manufacturing process pair.

[0054] In parallel, the invention allows validation of the stamping operations carried out upstream. It allows validation of the digital stamping simulations, adaptation of the stamping tools, and the overhangs of the raw sheets undergoing stamping.

[0055] According to one option of the invention, the welding support 10 comprises a sheet metal guide (not shown) extending vertically. The sheet metal guide is fixed to one of the holding pillars 20. It allows each stamped sheet metal to be led to its assembly position by gravity.

[0056] [Fig. 2] partially shows a welding support 10. The welding support 10 may correspond to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1]. The base is omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0057] The first stamped sheet 12 and the second stamped sheet 14 are carried by the welding support 10. The holding clamps 22 immobilize them against the holding surfaces of the holding pillars 20. Beams 24 optionally connect the holding pillars 20. The holding pillars 20 like the beams 24 form profiles with mounting means such as orifices.

[0058] Each holding clamp 22 comprises a main body 26. The main body 26 has a shape of the letter “C” or the letter “U”. Each main body 26 is formed of at least one plate, or two plates. Each holding clamp 22 also comprises a holding block produced by additive manufacturing in layers. One block is metallic, and preferably made in one piece. A holding block makes it possible to hold the first stamped sheet 12, or the second stamped sheet 14 against the holding surface of the holding pillar. The holding block is fixed to the main body 26.

[0059] The welding support 10 also comprises at least one centering pad 28. The centering pad 28 passes through the first stamped sheet 12. It extends vertically. For this purpose, the first stamped sheet 12 has a centering orifice surrounding the centering pad 28. The centering orifice is adjusted to the centering pad 28, for example with a mechanical adjustment of 0.20 mm. It is optionally connected to one of the holding pillars 20. The centering pad 28 is produced by additive manufacturing in layers. It is fixed to one of the holding pillars, possibly via an intermediate profile. By being produced by additive manufacturing in layers, the centering pad 28 is produced quickly after its design phase, with a view to validating the welding support.

[0060] [Fig.3] shows an upper part of welding support 10 on which a first stamped sheet 12 is held before, during and after its welding with a second stamped sheet (not shown). The welding support 10 may correspond to that presented in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2. The first stamped sheet 12 and the second stamped sheet may correspond to those presented in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2.

[0061] The welding support 10 comprises parallel holding pillars 20 fixed to the base (not shown). Each holding pillar 20 has at least one holding surface 30. Each holding surface 30 cooperates with a mating surface of the first stamped sheet 12; or more generally of the associated stamped sheet. Each holding surface 30 is formed on the profile of the holding pillar 20, or on an added block. The added block can be manufactured by additive manufacturing.

[0062] The welding support 10 comprises a plurality of holding clamps 22 for temporarily immobilizing the stamped sheets, by pressing them against the holding surfaces 30. Each holding clamp 22 comprises a main body 26 and a holding block 32.

[0063] In the remainder of the description, for the sake of brevity, reference will be made to one of the representative holding clips 22, unless otherwise specified. Each feature described in relation to the representative holding clip 22 applies to each holding clip 22.

[0064] The holding block 32 is produced by layered additive manufacturing. The additive manufacturing method is a manufacturing method using a filler material that is solidified in superimposed layers. After manufacturing, these layers remain detectable, from the outside or by cutting the holding block. The filler material may be in the form of a powder bed, or in the form of a wire. The filler material is solidified by laser or plasma. It may comprise metal. The metal is, for example, aluminum, steel, titanium. Other metals and alloys are envisaged.

[0065] The holding block 32 is adapted to bear against the holding pillar 20 and / or the first stamped sheet 12 in order to hold the latter against the holding surface 30. The holding block 32 is capable of transmitting a holding force between the holding pillar 20 and the first stamped sheet 12.

[0066] The welding support 10 also comprises a force sensor 34. The force sensor 34 is capable of measuring a clamping force. It is arranged in the holding clamp 22. The force sensor 34 is against the first stamped sheet 12. It is connected to a computer capable of analyzing an electrical signal coming from the force sensor 34 in order to calculate the clamping force. It may comprise a piezoelectric element or a resistive gauge. Other types are envisaged.

[0067] The holding block 32 is pivotally attached to the main body 26. The pivoting aspect helps reduce internal stresses and control hyperstaticity. The holding clamp 22 includes a pivoting joint 36, such as a pivoting axle, connecting the holding block 32 to the main body 26.

[0068] The holding clamp 22 comprises two lateral branches 38 and a junction 40 connecting the lateral branches 38. The holding block 32 is fixed to one of the two lateral branches 38.

[0069] The holding clamp 22 further comprises clamping means 42. The clamping means 42 are at a distance from the holding block 32, for example opposite. One of the lateral branches 38 receives the clamping means 42, and the other the holding block 32. The holding pillar 20, the first stamped sheet 12 and the optional force sensor 34 are between the holding block 32 and the clamping means 42. The clamping means 42 comprise, for example, a threaded rod engaging a tapped block 54.

[0070] [Fig. 4] shows a portion of first stamped sheet 12 held by several holding clamps 22 of a welding support 10 (partially shown). The welding support 10 may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0071] The first stamped sheet 12 has orifices and bosses. It has a recess. It has a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 3.00 mm, preferably between 0.65 mm and 1.5 mm; more preferably between 0.85 mm and 1.2 mm. The first stamped sheet 12 is made of steel or aluminum alloy.

[0072] The holding blocks 32 have different shapes. They are pivotally attached to the main bodies 26, at the end of the lateral branch 38. One of the holding blocks 32 comprises fixing means 44, such as orifices. The corresponding holding clamp 22 is fixed via its fixing means 44 and by means of reversible assembly means, such as one or more screws. Thus, the holding block 32 can extend a holding surface 30.

[0073] The main body 26 comprises two plates 46 and a gap 48 between the two plates 46. The holding pillar 20 is able to extend between the two plates 46. The holding pillar 20 is configured to be able to be inserted into the gap 48 between the plates. The holding pillar 20 comprises a first width 50. The gap 48 is greater than said first width 50. The holding block 32 comprises a second width 52 less than or equal to the first width 50.

[0074] The spacing 48, the first width 50 and the second width 52 are measured perpendicular to the plates 46. Each holding clamp 22 has a main plane. According to an alternative or an option, the spacing 48, the first width 50 and the second width 52 are measured perpendicular to said main plane.

[0075] The differences in thickness make it possible to cross the holding clamps 22, and in particular to reach a holding pillar 20 with a holding clamp 22 through another holding clamp 22. This improves the holding of the first stamped sheet 12.

[0076] The main body 26 is produced by water jet cutting. This cutting method leaves typical cutting lines on the edge of the main body. It allows the main body to be produced quickly according to a predefined model. It is suitable for the manufacture of a holding clamp 22 serving as a prototype. This makes it possible to optimize manufacturing costs and production time. The water jet cutting can be with an abrasive water jet.

[0077] [Fig. 5] shows a diagram of a method for manufacturing a welding support for stamped sheets. The stamped sheets can form a primary structure of a motor vehicle. The welding support can correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4.

[0078] The manufacturing process comprises the following steps:

[0079] a) supply or production 100 of a base;

[0080] b) fixing 102 of a holding pillar on the base, said holding pillar comprising a holding surface;

[0081] c) manufacturing 104 of a holding clamp intended to hold a stamped sheet against the holding surface; step c) manufacturing comprising the sub-steps:

[0082] cl) production 106 of a main body;

[0083] c2) production 108 of a holding block by additive manufacturing in layers, said holding block being adapted to bear against the holding pillar or the first stamped sheet in order to hold the first stamped sheet against the holding surface;

[0084] c3) fixing 110 of the holding block to the main body;

[0085] d) arrangement 112 of a force sensor against and / or the holding clamp, and intended to measure a sheet metal clamping force;

[0086] e) fixing 114 of the holding clamp to the holding pillar;

[0087] f) production 116 of a centering pad by additive manufacturing in layers.

[0088] Steps b) fixing 102 of the holding pillar and c) manufacturing 104 of the holding clamp are carried out several times in order to have several holding pillars and several holding clamps.

[0089] In sub-step cl) production 106 of the main body, said main body is produced by cutting with a water jet, preferably an abrasive water jet.

[0090] At the end of sub-step c2) production 108 of the holding block, said holding block comprises fixing means. In step e) fixing 114 of the holding clamp, the latter is fixed using said fixing means.

[0091] In sub-step c3) fixing 110 of the holding block, the holding block is pivotally fixed to the main body. The holding block is fixed to one of the two lateral branches. The clamping means are fixed to the other of the two lateral branches.

[0092] In step e) fixing 114 of the holding clamp, the holding clamp is fixed to the holding pillar with reversible assembly means, which allows reuse of the holding pillar during another stamped sheet welding test.

[0093] The manufacturing process (surrounded by the dotted rectangle) of the welding support can be integrated into a welding process. The welding process further comprises the following steps, which are carried out after the manufacturing process:

[0094] g) placing 118 of the first stamped sheet against the holding surface, and placing of the second stamped sheet in the welding support, optionally on another holding surface;

[0095] h) locking 120 of the first stamped sheet against the holding surface with the holding clamp by pushing the first stamped sheet against the holding surface via the holding block;

[0096] i) welding 122 of the first stamped sheet to the second stamped sheet.

[0097] The subassembly formed by the joining of the first stamped sheet metal and the The second stamped sheet is then checked. This allows us to validate whether the subassembly meets its specifications, and whether the stamping of the sheets is compliant. This also allows us to validate whether the arrangement of the welding points and their welding sequence allows us to meet the specifications.

[0098] Thus, the manufacturing method according to the invention makes it possible to produce a prototype welding support similar to that used in large series. Its manufacturing method optimizes the speed of production and the realism of its behavior. Its reaction during welding is close to that of large series. Design times and costs are reduced, while allowing anomalies to be precisely detected.

[0099] According to one option of the invention, a computer simulation of the welding process is carried out upstream of said welding process serving as a full-scale test.

[0100] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

[0101] Figures 1 to 4 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a welding support (10) from a first stamped sheet (12) to a second stamped sheet (14); the manufacturing method comprising the steps: • a) providing or producing (100) a base (18); • b) fixing (102) a holding pillar (20) on the base (18), said holding pillar (20) comprising a holding surface (30); characterized in that the method comprises a step • c) manufacturing (104) a holding clamp (22) intended to hold the first stamped sheet (12) against the holding surface (30), step c) manufacturing (104) comprising the sub-steps: • cl) producing (106) a main body (26);• c2) production (108) of a holding block (32) produced by additive manufacturing in layers, said holding block (32) being adapted to bear against at least one of the holding pillar (20) and the first stamped sheet (12) in order to hold the first stamped sheet (12) against the holding surface (30); • c3) fixing (110) of the holding block (32) to the main body (26).;

2. Manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the manufacturing method further comprises a step d) arrangement (112) of a force sensor (34) against the holding clamp (22), said force sensor (34) being adapted to measure a clamping force.

3. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that in sub-step c3) fixing (110) of the holding block (32), the holding block (32) is pivotally fixed to the main body (26).

4. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main body (26) comprises two plates (46) and a spacer (48) between the two plates (46), the holding pillar (20) being able to extend into said gap (48).

5. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in sub-step cl) production (106) of the main body (26), said main body (26) is produced by water jet cutting.

6. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at the end of sub-step c2) production (108) of the holding block (32), said holding block (32) comprises fixing means (44); the method further comprises a step e) fixing (114) of the holding clamp (22) to the holding pillar (20); preferably using said fixing means (44).

7. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the manufacturing method further comprises a step f) production (116) of a centering pad (28) by additive manufacturing in layers.

8. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding clamp (22) comprises two lateral branches (38) and a junction (40) connecting the lateral branches (38); in sub-step c3) fixing (110) of the holding block (32), the holding block (32) is fixed to one of the two lateral branches (38).

9. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the holding clamp (22) comprises clamping means (42) at a distance from the holding block (32).

10. Welding support (10) of a first stamped sheet (12) to a second stamped sheet (14), the welding support (10) comprising a base (18); a holding pillar (20) fixed on the base (18), said holding pillar (20) comprising a holding surface (30); characterized in that the welding support (10) further comprises a holding clamp (22) intended to hold the first stamped sheet (12) against the holding surface (30), the holding clamp (22) comprising a main body (26); a holding block (32) produced by additive manufacturing in layers and fixed to the main body (26) of the holding clamp (22); said holding block (32) being adapted to bear against at least one of the holding pillar (20) and the first stamped sheet (12) in order to hold the first stamped sheet (12) against the holding surface (30).

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