Method for manufacturing a welding support for an automotive vehicle structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a welding support for stamped sheet metal, particularly for a primary structure of a motor vehicle. The manufacturing method comprises the steps: a) supplying or producing (100) a base; b) attaching (102) a retaining pillar with a retaining surface to the base; c) manufacturing (104) a clamp for holding the stamped sheet metal against the retaining surface, step c) manufacturing (104) comprising the substeps: c1) producing (106) a main body; c2) producing (108) a retaining block manufactured by additive layer manufacturing, said retaining block being intended to hold the first stamped sheet metal against the retaining surface; c3) attaching (110) the retaining block to the main body. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: 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 sheet metal for assembly. The invention is part of the design process for metalworking tooling, particularly in the automotive sector. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a welding support. The invention also relates to a welding support for stamped sheet metal.

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

[0003] Today, in the early stages of launching a new vehicle, the design and geometry of stamped and other parts are defined to meet specifications. These specifications address, in particular, requirements for style and structural performance. An initial study on the feasibility of stamping the parts is carried out. Subsequently, a second study is conducted on the assembly process. This study focuses on the feasibility of joining the parts, taking into account isostaticity, positioning, and the location and timing of the electrical welding points. Robot trajectories are also considered.

[0004] Therefore, during the design phase of the motor vehicle, all the body parts are designed and dimensioned to meet the stylistic and structural performance requirements. Next, the stamping dies are created to be used for stamping the first parts. Unfortunately, during the assembly of the first sub-assemblies or assemblies using the body-in-assembly process, geometric deviations are observed due to stresses and deformations caused by certain parameters. These influential parameters include the part specifications, their material, and their thicknesses. They also include thermal stresses, the assembly sequence, and the tightening sequence for securing the sub-assemblies.

[0005] In a context of reduced factory floor space, it is necessary to optimize processes by reducing the number of assembly operations. This optimization This increased complexity leads to the creation of more complex multi-part assemblies with higher degrees of static indeterminacy. This further complicates the practical application of welding tools.

[0006] The use of numerical simulation is not yet sufficiently advanced to predict, in the preliminary design phase, the behavior of the geometry of sub-assemblies or assemblies of parts to be fitted. The design and production of assembly tooling therefore requires physical testing under real-world conditions. Several iterations are generally necessary, incorporating corrections based on feedback from experience. These iterations allow for the progressive optimization of the parts and assembly processes, in order to converge towards a solution that provides a satisfactory compromise.

[0007] These testing phases remain complex, lengthy, and costly. Indeed, high-volume welding tooling is designed to produce a large quantity of sub-assemblies or assemblies of parts for the lifetime of the vehicle. It cannot be reused due to its unsuitable geometry. Furthermore, the testing phases require production line downtime.

[0008] Document CN102672382A describes a flexible welding jig device for an automotive body. The welding jig device has a guide shaft that is fixed to a seat of an adjustable seat component in the X direction, and a positioning pin hole is opened in the seat. A sliding seat of an adjustable sliding seat component in the Y direction is fitted onto the guide shaft of the adjustable seat component in the X direction and connected to the seat via a locking bolt. A support seat of an adjustable support seat component in the Z direction is fitted onto the guide shaft of the adjustable sliding seat component in the Y direction and is connected to the sliding seat via a locking bolt.A system of rectangular holes with a 100 mm interval is arranged on a seat panel with a hole system, and a flexible and adjustable support is connected to the seat panel in a positioning mode through the hole system.

[0009] The welding jig device helps to shorten the design and production time of the welding jig for automotive bodies. However, this device does not provide firm support for the sheet metal during 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 retention of a sheet metal object in the forging tooling. The invention also aims to optimize the retention, manufacturing time, and cost of a welding support. The invention further aims to optimize the development time and conformity of a standardized welding support.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a method for manufacturing a support of welding a first stamped sheet to a second stamped sheet; the manufacturing process comprising the steps: a) supplying or making a base; b) fixing a retaining pillar on the base, said retaining pillar comprising a retaining surface; notable in that the process includes a step c) manufacturing a retaining clamp intended to hold the first stamped sheet against the retaining surface, step c) manufacturing comprising the substeps: c1) making a main body; c2) making a retaining block produced by additive manufacturing layer by layer, said retaining block being adapted to bear against at least one of the retaining pillar and the first stamped sheet in order to hold the first stamped sheet against the retaining surface; c3) fixing the retaining block to the main body.

[0012] The invention provides a specific retaining clamp for the first stamped sheet metal. Because it is manufactured using additive manufacturing, the retaining block is rigid, custom-made, and produced quickly after its design. The design and testing phases of the retaining block are shortened. Finally, this retaining block is attached to the clamp body. This allows, on the one hand, for the clamps to be made from different materials, and on the other hand, for the main body to be reusable. Thus, production time and manufacturing costs are optimized.

[0013] Preferably, the manufacturing process further includes a step d) arranging a force sensor against the retaining clamp, said force sensor being adapted to measure a clamping force.

[0014] Preferably, in substep c3) fixing the retaining block, the retaining block is pivotally fixed to the main body.

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

[0016] Preferably, in sub-step cl) realization of the main body, said main body is made by waterjet cutting.

[0017] Preferably, at the end of substep c2) realization of the retaining block, said retaining block includes fixing means; the method further includes a step e) fixing of the retaining clamp to the retaining pillar.

[0018] Preferably, the method further includes a step e) fixing the retaining clamp to the retaining pillar by means of said fixing means.

[0019] Preferably, the manufacturing process further includes a step f) production of a centering block by additive manufacturing by layers.

[0020] Preferably, the retaining clamp comprises two lateral arms and a junction connecting the lateral arms; in substep c3) fixing the retaining block, the retaining block is fixed to one of the two lateral arms.

[0021] Preferably, the retaining clamp includes remote clamping means of the support block.

[0022] Preferably, the retaining block is metallic.

[0023] Preferably, the retaining block came from material.

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

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

[0026] Preferably, the support pillar includes a first width, the two plates include a spacing greater than said first width.

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

[0028] According to another aspect, the invention proposes 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 process 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 provides a welding support for a first stamped sheet to a second stamped sheet, the welding support comprising a base; a retaining pillar fixed on the base, said retaining pillar comprising a retaining surface; notable in that the welding support further comprises a retaining clamp intended to hold the first stamped sheet against the retaining surface, the retaining clamp comprising a main body; a retaining block produced by additive layer manufacturing and fixed to the main body of the retaining clamp; said retaining block being adapted to bear against at least one of the retaining pillar and the first stamped sheet in order to hold the first stamped sheet against the retaining surface.

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

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

[0032] Each characteristic introduced by the expression "preferably" given in relation 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 become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.

[0034] Fig. 1 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 support pillars of a welding support according to the invention.

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

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

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

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

[0040] In this description, the ranges of values ​​include the bounds that delimit them.

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

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

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

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

[0045] Figure 1 represents a welding support 10 according to the invention for an assembly of stamped sheets. This assembly of stamped sheets makes it possible to partially form a central longitudinal member of the primary structure of a motor vehicle.

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

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

[0048] The welding support 10 is a tool for holding a set of stamped sheet metal parts together during their fastening; at least by welding. The welding support 10 is capable of holding each stamped sheet metal part in place despite the stresses related to expansion caused by the welding.

[0049] The welding support 10 is part of a metalworking tooling that also includes a welding device 16. The welding device 16 welds the first stamped sheet 12 to the second stamped sheet 14. The welding device 16 is, for example, a spot welding device. Alternatively, the welding device produces weld beads.

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

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

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

[0053] The invention employs at least one holding clamp 22 with a custom-made holding block to secure the first stamped sheet metal against the holding surface. During the tooling design phase, the invention allows for the convergence of a prescriptive numerical simulation model towards a mass-production version through a testing and validation process on a modular prototype tooling. The welding support also allows for the validation of certain sub-assemblies and assemblies. complex due to their compatibility with the overall forging tooling. This offers a technical and economic advantage for the product and manufacturing process combination.

[0054] In parallel, the invention allows for the validation of upstream stamping operations. It allows for the validation of numerical stamping simulations, the adaptation of 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 support pillars 20. It allows each stamped sheet metal to be guided to its assembly position by gravity.

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

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

[0058] Each retaining clamp 22 comprises a main body 26. The main body 26 is C-shaped or U-shaped. Each main body 26 is formed of at least one plate, or two plates. Each retaining clamp 22 also comprises a retaining block produced by additive layer manufacturing. A block is metallic, and preferably made from a material. A retaining block holds the first stamped sheet 12, or the second stamped sheet 14, against the retaining surface of the retaining pillar. The retaining block is fixed to the main body 26.

[0059] The welding support 10 also includes at least one centering pin 28. The centering pin 28 passes through the first stamped plate 12. It extends vertically. For this purpose, the first stamped plate 12 has a centering hole surrounding the centering pin 28. The centering hole is fitted to the centering pin 28, for example, with a mechanical adjustment of 0.20 mm. It is optionally connected to one of the support pillars 20. The centering pin 28 is produced by additive manufacturing layer by layer. It is fixed to one of the support pillars, possibly via an intermediate profile. By being produced by additive manufacturing layer by layer, the centering pin 28 is manufactured quickly after its design phase, for the purpose of validating the welding support.

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

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

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

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

[0064] The retaining block 32 is produced by additive manufacturing layer by layer. The additive manufacturing process is a manufacturing process that uses a filler material which is solidified in superimposed layers. After manufacturing, these layers remain detectable, either from the outside or by cutting the retaining block. The filler material can be in the form of a powder bed or a wire. The filler material is solidified by laser or plasma. It can include metal. The metal is, for example, aluminum, steel, or titanium. Other metals and alloys are also considered.

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

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

[0067] The retaining block 32 is pivotally fixed to the main body 26. This pivoting feature reduces internal stresses and controls over-constraint. The retaining clamp 22 includes a pivoting joint 36, such as a pivot axis, connecting the retaining block 32 to the main body 26.

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

[0069] The retaining clamp 22 further includes clamping means 42. The clamping means 42 are located at a distance from the retaining block 32, for example, on the opposite side. One of the lateral arms 38 receives the clamping means 42, and the other receives the retaining block 32. The retaining pillar 20, the first stamped plate 12, and the optional force sensor 34 are located between the retaining block 32 and the clamping means 42. The clamping means 42 include, for example, a threaded rod engaging a threaded block 54.

[0070] Figure 4 shows a portion of the first stamped sheet 12 held by several retaining clips 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 holes 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 retaining blocks 32 have different shapes. They are pivotally attached to the main bodies 26 at the end of the lateral arm 38. One of the retaining blocks 32 includes fastening means 44, such as holes. The corresponding retaining clamp 22 is fixed via its fastening means 44 and by means of reversible assembly means, such as one or more screws. Thus, the retaining block 32 can extend a retaining surface 30.

[0073] The main body 26 comprises two plates 46 and a gap 48 between the two plates 46. The support pillar 20 is adapted to extend between the two plates 46. The support pillar 20 is configured to be inserted into the gap 48 between the plates. The support pillar 20 comprises a first width 50. The gap 48 is greater than said first width 50. The support 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 retaining clamp 22 has a principal plane. According to an alternative or option, the spacing 48, the first width 50, and the second width 52 are measured perpendicular to said principal plane.

[0075] The differences in thickness allow the retaining clips 22 to cross, and in particular to reach a retaining pillar 20 with a retaining clip 22 through another retaining clip 22. This improves the retention of the first stamped sheet 12.

[0076] The main body 26 is produced by waterjet cutting. This cutting method leaves typical cut lines on the edge of the main body. It allows for the rapid production of the main body according to a predefined model. It is suitable for manufacturing a holding clamp 22 to serve as a prototype. This optimizes manufacturing costs and production time. The waterjet cutting can be done with an abrasive waterjet.

[0077] Figure 5 shows a diagram of a manufacturing process for a welding support for stamped sheet metal. The stamped sheet metal 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 support pillar on the base, said support pillar comprising a support surface;

[0081] c) manufacturing 104 of a retaining clamp intended to hold a stamped sheet metal against the retaining surface; step c) manufacturing comprising the substeps:

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

[0083] c2) fabrication 108 of a retaining block by additive layer manufacturing, said retaining block being adapted to be supported against the retaining pillar or the first stamped sheet in order to hold the first stamped sheet against the retaining surface;

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

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

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

[0087] f) realization 116 of a centering block by additive manufacturing by layers.

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

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

[0090] At the end of substep c2) fabrication 108 of the retaining block, said retaining block includes fastening means. In step e) fastening 114 of the retaining clamp, the latter is fixed by means of said fastening means.

[0091] In substep c3) fixing 110 of the retaining block, the retaining block is pivotally fixed to the main body. The retaining block is fixed to one of the two lateral arms. The clamping means are fixed to the other of the two lateral arms.

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

[0093] The manufacturing process (enclosed in the dashed rectangle) of the welding support can be integrated into a welding process. The welding process includes, among other things, the following steps, which are carried out after the manufacturing process:

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

[0095] h) blocking 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 joining the first stamped sheet metal and the The second stamped sheet metal part is then inspected. This verifies whether the subassembly meets its specifications and whether the stamping of the sheets is compliant. It also verifies whether the weld placement and welding sequence meet the specifications.

[0098] Thus, the manufacturing process according to the invention makes it possible to produce a prototype welding support similar to that used in mass production. Its manufacturing method optimizes the speed of production and the realism of its behavior. Its reaction during welding is close to that of mass-produced products. Design time and costs are reduced, while still allowing for the precise detection of anomalies.

[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

Demands

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

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

3. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that in substep c3) fixing (110) of the retaining block (32), the retaining block (32) is pivotally fixed to the main body (26).

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

5. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in substep cl) fabrication (106) of the main body (26), said main body (26) is produced by waterjet cutting.

6. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at the end of substep c2) fabrication (108) of the retaining block (32), said retaining block (32) includes fastening means (44); the method further comprises a step e) fastening (114) of the retaining clamp (22) to the retaining pillar (20); preferably by means of said fastening means (44).

7. A manufacturing process according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the manufacturing process further comprises a step f) production (116) of a centering block (28) by additive layer manufacturing.

8. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the retaining clip (22) comprises two lateral arms (38) and a junction (40) connecting the lateral arms (38); in substep c3) fixing (110) of the retaining block (32), the retaining block (32) is fixed to one of the two lateral arms (38).

9. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the retaining clamp (22) comprises clamping means (42) at a distance from the retaining 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 retaining pillar (20) fixed to the base (18), said retaining pillar (20) comprising a retaining surface (30); characterized in that the welding support (10) further comprises a retaining clamp (22) for holding the first stamped sheet (12) against the retaining surface (30), the retaining clamp (22) comprising a main body (26); a retaining block (32) produced by additive layer manufacturing and fixed to the main body (26) of the retaining clamp (22); said retaining block (32) being adapted to bear against at least one of the retaining pillar (20) and the first stamped plate (12) in order to retain the first stamped plate (12) against the retaining surface (30).

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