Metal Joiner Systems, Related Methods, and Products

Abstract

The metal joiner system includes a power source and a metal joiner. The metal joiner includes a cleaning header, a cutting header, a joining header, and a joint finisher, each of which is communicatively coupled to the power source. The cutting header and the cleaning header are configured to direct a first laser beam to prepare a joining area, and the joining header is configured to direct a second laser beam to form a joint in the joining area. A method for joining metal substrates includes forming a joining area in abutting metal substrates, directing a first laser beam at the joining area in a joint preparation phase, and directing a second laser beam at the joining area to form a weld. The weld, which is one product of the metal joiner, has a weld start and a portion of the weld metal removed at the weld crater area.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 705,580, filed July 6, 2020, entitled "METAL JOINER SYSTEM, ASSOCIATED METHODS, AND PRODUCTS," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This application relates to metal processing, and more particularly, to systems and methods for joining metal substrates. [Background technology]

[0003] Metal processing may involve joining two (or more) metal substrates at a joint. As an example, a joining process may be used to join two coils of metal sheet together. Such joining processes may be mechanical joining processes in continuous aluminum coil processing, including overlapping sheets, localized sheet cutting, bending, and placing a metal insert between adjacent edges of two metal sheets to join the metal sheets. In such processes, it may be difficult to join thin gauge sheets together due to the size of the metal insert or strength without the insert. Similarly, it may be difficult to join thicker gauge sheets together because the insert may come off during subsequent processing. For example, the cut edges of the insert may stick to nearby rollers, adversely affecting the surface quality of the metal sheets. If the mechanical joint undergoes chemical processing for surface preparation, hidden chemical residues left in the gaps of the mechanical joint may adversely affect the surface quality of the sheets. Additionally, the metal insert increases the thickness of the metal at the joint, and equipment processing the joint downstream may need to be adjusted later to account for the increased metal thickness. For example, if a joint of increased thickness passes through the tension leveller roll, the tension level roll may need to be lifted to allow the thicker joint to pass through the tension leveller and closed after the joint has passed through the tension leveller. In such a scenario, the length of the metal substrate not processed by the tension level roller (because it has been lifted) may need to be cut off to ensure the required quality of the metal substrate is met. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, and not by this Summary. This Summary is a high level overview of various embodiments and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the "Implementing the Invention" section below. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used independently to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and appropriate portions of each claim.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a metal joiner system includes a power source and a metal joiner. The metal joiner includes a cutting header and a splice header coupled to the cutting header such that the splice header moves with the cutting header. The cutting header is communicatively coupled to the power source and prepares the joint area for formation of a joint by directing a first laser beam from the metal joiner to the joint area. The splice header is communicatively coupled to the power source and forms a joint in the joint area by directing a second laser beam from the metal joiner to the joint area. In some embodiments, at least one characteristic of the second laser beam is different from the first laser beam.

[0006] In some embodiments, the metal joiner may also include a cleaning header and / or a joint finisher. The cleaning header may be positioned at the bottom of the metal substrate to remove contaminants from the bottom, including but not limited to oil, lubricants, dust, dirt, etc. In certain examples, the cutting header is positioned on the top of the metal substrate. In various examples, the cleaning header and the cutting header may operate or run separately to prepare the joint area. The joint finisher may be positioned to remove a portion of the weld metal at the weld start, weld crater, and / or other weld defects.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, a metal joiner for a metal joiner system includes a cutting header and a splice header coupled to the cutting header such that the splice header moves with the cutting header. The cutting header prepares a joint area for forming a joint by directing a first laser beam from the metal joiner onto the joint area. The splice header forms a joint in the joint area by directing a second laser beam from the metal joiner onto the joint area. In some examples, at least one characteristic of the second laser beam differs from the first laser beam.

[0008] In various embodiments, the metal joiner may also include a cleaning header and / or a joint finisher. In certain instances, the leading cleaning header may be coupled to both the cutting header and the trailing joining header and travel at the same travel speed. In such embodiments, the cleaning header, cutting header, and joining header may travel simultaneously at the same travel speed. In some embodiments, the cutting header with the leading cleaning header attached prepares the joining area. The joint finisher may be positioned to remove a portion of the weld metal at the weld start, weld crater, and / or other weld defects.

[0009] According to some embodiments, a metal joiner for a metal joiner system includes a cutting header that prepares a joint area for forming a joint by directing a first laser beam from the metal joiner onto the joint area. The metal joiner also includes a joining header that forms a joint in the joint area by directing a second laser beam from the metal joiner onto the joint area. In some embodiments, at least one characteristic of the second laser beam is different from the first laser beam. In various examples, the metal joiner is movable along a travel path during the metal joining process, and the joining header is coupled to the cutting header such that the joining header is downstream of the cutting header along the travel path.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the metal joiner also includes a cleaning header that removes contaminants from the bottom of the metal substrate, including but not limited to oil, lubricants, dust, dirt, etc. In some embodiments, the cutting header is positioned on top of the metal substrate. In some aspects, the cleaning header may be the leading component and the cutting header may be the trailing component, and the leading cleaning header and the trailing cutting header may run simultaneously at the same travel speed.

[0011] According to various embodiments, the method includes aligning an edge of a first metal substrate with a starting edge of a second metal substrate such that an edge surface of the edge of the starting edge abuts an edge surface of the starting edge of the second metal substrate. In certain embodiments, the alignment is optionally no greater than 10% of the thickness of the metal substrate. As a non-limiting example, a 2 mm thick metal substrate may have an alignment within 0.2 mm. In various embodiments, the bottom surfaces of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate are optionally aligned substantially horizontally when aligned (e.g., within 10% of the minimum gauge).

[0012] The aligned edge and the starting edge together define a joint area. The method includes preparing the joint area for joining by directing a first laser beam to the joint area with a cutting head. The method also includes directing a second laser beam to the joint area with the joint header to form a weld. At least one characteristic of the first laser beam is different from the second laser beam. Forming the weld joins the first metal substrate with the second metal substrate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method may also include directing a cleaning process to the bond area with a cleaning header location on the bottom of the metal substrate. The method may also include preparing the bond area for bonding by directing a first laser beam from the cut header location onto a top of the metal substrate. The method may also include directing a bond finisher to the bond area to remove a portion of the weld start, weld crater, and / or other weld defects.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the weld joins a first metal substrate to a second metal substrate. The weld includes a top weld surface and a bottom weld surface. In some examples, the top weld surface is recessed relative to a top surface of the first metal substrate and a top surface of the second metal substrate, and the bottom weld surface is recessed relative to a bottom surface of the first metal substrate and a bottom surface of the second metal substrate.

[0015] In various embodiments, the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate can have the same thickness or different thicknesses. In certain embodiments, the weld joins the first metal substrate to the second metal substrate. The weld includes a top weld surface and a bottom weld surface. In some examples, the top weld surface is thicker relative to the top surface of the first metal substrate and the top surface of the second metal substrate, and the bottom weld surface is thicker relative to the bottom surface of the first metal substrate and the bottom surface of the second metal substrate. The thickness of the excess weld metal beyond the top surface of the first metal substrate and the top surface of the second metal substrate is optionally 0.2 mm or less and / or 10% or less of the thickness of both the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate. The thickness of the excess weld metal beyond the bottom surface of the first metal substrate and the bottom surface of the second metal substrate is optionally 0.2 mm or less and / or 10% or less of the thickness of both the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate.

[0016] According to some embodiments, a weld joins a first metal substrate with a second metal substrate. The weld includes a weld thickness, the weld thickness varying from a thickness of the first metal substrate to a thickness of the second metal substrate. In some embodiments, the weld thickness is optionally less than at least one of a thickness of the first metal substrate or a thickness of the second metal substrate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate have the same or different thicknesses. In various embodiments, the weld thickness is optionally greater than one of the thickness of the first metal substrate or the thickness of the second metal substrate. In certain embodiments, the weld joins the first metal substrate with the second metal substrate, whether their gauges are the same or different. In some examples, a portion of the weld metal is removed at the location of the weld start, weld crater, and / or other weld metal defects.

[0018] The various embodiments described herein may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages that may not necessarily be explicitly disclosed herein, but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. All such systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

[0019] This specification refers to the following accompanying figures, in which the use of like reference numbers in different figures is intended to indicate the same or similar components. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a metal joiner system including a metal joiner having a cutting header and a joining header, according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 shows the metal joiner system of FIG. 1 prior to a joining process with the metal joiner; [Diagram 3] 2 illustrates a metal joiner of the processing system of FIG. 1 during a preparation stage of a joining process, according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 illustrates the metal joiner of FIG. 1 during a joining stage of a joining process, according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 2 is a flowchart of a method of joining metal substrates using the metal joiner system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment. [Figure 6]1 illustrates a metal joiner system having a cleaner head, a holder, and a metal-cutting header, according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart of a method of joining metal substrates using the metal joiner system of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is an end view of a metal substrate during an input stage of the method of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 8 is an end view of the metal joiner system of FIG. 6 during a fastening stage of the method of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 8 is a side view of the metal joiner system of FIG. 6 during a joint preparation stage of the method of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 7 is a side view of a cleaner head of the metal joiner system of FIG. 6 during a joint preparation stage according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the cleaner head of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 8 is an end view of the metal joiner system of FIG. 6 during a joint formation stage of the method of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 8 is a top view of a metal substrate during a bond formation stage of the method of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] 8 is an end view of the metal joiner system of FIG. 6 during a weld formation stage of the method of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] 7 is an end view of a weld formed by the metal joiner system of FIG. 6 with metal substrates having the same gauge, according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] 7A-7C are end views of welds formed in metal substrates by the metal joiner system of FIG. 6 having metal substrates with different gauges, according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] 8 is a side view of the metal joiner system of FIG. 6 during a joint formation stage of the method of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] 8 is a top view of a metal substrate during a weld finishing stage of the method of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. [Figure 20]8A-8C are end and top views of joined metal substrates having the same gauge and during the output stage of the method of FIG. [Figure 21] 8A-8C are end and top views of joined metal substrates having different gauges and during the output stage of the method of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 8 is a top view of the joined metal substrates during the output stage of the method of FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 8 is a top view of the joined metal substrates during the output stage of the method of FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 8 is a top view of the joined metal substrates during the output stage of the method of FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 8 is a top view of the joined metal substrates during the output stage of the method of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Although the subject matter of the embodiments has been described herein with specificity to meet statutory requirements, this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be construed as implying a particular order or arrangement among or between the various steps or elements, unless the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. References to directions such as "top", "bottom", "upper", "bottom", "left", "right", "front", and "rear" are intended to refer to the orientations shown and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions refer, among other things.

[0022] This description refers to alloys identified by aluminum industry designations such as "series" or "7xxx." For an understanding of the numbering systems most commonly used in naming and identifying aluminum and its alloys, please refer to "International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys" or "Registration Record of Aluminum Association Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot," both published by the Aluminum Association.

[0023] Described herein is a metal joiner system for joining two (or more) metal substrates together. In some embodiments, the metal substrates may be subjected to shear cutting or mechanical cutting prior to the metal joiner system. The metal joiner system may be used to join any suitable metal substrates, but may be particularly useful for joining metal substrates that are aluminum and / or aluminum alloys, as well as steel and / or steel alloys. In various non-limiting examples, the metal substrates may include aluminum and aluminum alloys, including but not limited to 1xxx series aluminum alloys, 2xxx series aluminum alloys, 3xxx series aluminum alloys, 4xxx series aluminum alloys, 5xxx series aluminum alloys, 6xxx series aluminum alloys, 7xxx series aluminum alloys, or 8xxx series aluminum alloys. As another non-limiting example, in certain embodiments, the metal substrates may include high strength steels used in the automotive industry, including but not limited to steel, carbon steel, duplex steels, and / or advanced high strength steels. In certain non-limiting examples, the gauge or thickness of each metal substrate may be between 0.3 mm and 6 mm, although various other gauges within or outside this range may be utilized. The metal substrates may be the same material (e.g., the same aluminum alloy) or different materials (e.g., two different aluminum alloys). The metal substrates may have the same gauge or different gauges as needed so that welds or joints can be formed between metal substrates having the same or different thicknesses. In some embodiments, the metal substrate may be a metal sheet, but in other examples may not be a sheet. In some non-limiting examples, a metal joiner system may be utilized to join two metal coils.

[0024] The metal joiner system includes a metal joiner having a cutting header and a joining header. The metal joiner may also include a cleaning header and / or a joint finisher. The metal joiner system may include a power source communicatively coupled to the cutting header and the joining header. The metal joiner system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner and capable of controlling the metal joiner during a joining process including a preparation phase, a joining phase, and / or a weld finishing phase. In various aspects, the joiner header is coupled to the cutting header such that the joining header moves with the cutting header during the joining process. In various aspects, the cutting header is coupled to the cleaning header such that the joining header moves with the cutting header during the cutting process in the preparation phase, but may not be coupled in other examples.

[0025] In certain examples, during a preparation stage of the joining process, the cutting header can prepare the joining area for forming the joint by directing a first laser beam to the joining area. In some examples, the controller controls the cutting header during the preparation stage such that the first laser beam forms a gap between the joining edge of the first metal substrate and the joining edge of the second metal substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the controller can also control the cutting header during the preparation stage such that the first laser beam is directed to the top and bottom surfaces of the first and second metal substrates to remove contaminants such as lubricants, grease, fingerprints, etc., and / or otherwise prepare the top and bottom surfaces for forming the joint.

[0026] In various examples, during the bonding stage of the bonding process, the bonding header can form a bond (also referred to as a weld) by directing a second laser beam to the bonding area. The second laser beam can have at least one characteristic different from the first laser beam, including but not limited to beam size, beam intensity, beam pattern, and / or other suitable characteristics as desired. In some embodiments, the controller controls the bonding header such that the second laser beam heats a portion of the bonding area and forms a weld. In certain aspects, the controller controls the bonding header such that the second laser beam forms a weld having a thickness less than a thickness of the metal substrate(s) forming the bonding area. In various aspects, the controller controls the bonding header such that the second laser beam forms a weld that is recessed relative to a top surface of the metal substrate(s) forming the bonding area and / or recessed relative to a bottom surface of the metal substrate(s) forming the bonding area. In various aspects, the controller controls the joint header such that the second laser beam forms a weld having an extra thickness in the weld metal relative to a top surface of the metal substrate(s) forming the joint area and / or an extra thickness relative to a bottom surface of the metal substrate(s) forming the joint area. The extra weld metal thickness beyond the top surface of the first metal substrate and the top surface of the second metal substrate is optionally 0.2 mm or less, or 10% or less of the thickness of both the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate. The extra weld metal thickness beyond the bottom surface of the first metal substrate and the bottom surface of the second metal substrate (weld reinforcement) is optionally 0.2 mm or less, or 10% or less of the thickness of both the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate.

[0027] The metal joiner system described herein can improve the speed at which a joint is formed between two metal substrates because a single metal joiner can both prepare the joint area for joining and form the joint. In some embodiments, the metal joiner system described herein can operate at a welding speed of at least 3 meters per minute. In some cases, the metal joiner system described herein can operate at a welding speed of up to 20 meters per minute. In further embodiments, the metal joiner system can operate at a welding speed of 60 meters per minute. Additionally, the metal joiner of the metal joiner system can improve the quality of the surface of the metal substrate by utilizing the first laser beam and the second laser beam. The metal joiner system can also minimize or reduce metal loss when using the joining process and / or during subsequent processing of the joined metal substrates. For example, the laser beam used to cut and form the joint can minimize debris and / or loss of metal substrate to form the joint. Additionally, the welds formed by the metal joiner system are thin, eliminating the need to stop subsequent processing and account for joint thicknesses that would otherwise exist in existing mechanical joints (e.g., due to excess weld reinforcement of more than 0.2 mm or 10% of the thickness of the metal substrate). The metal joiner systems described herein can also enable the formation of joints between metal substrates without the need for chemical solvents. In certain embodiments, preparation and joining occur in close succession, which may reduce process processing time.

[0028] FIG 1 illustrates an example of a metallic joiner system 100 according to various embodiments, and FIGs 2-4 illustrate the metallic joiner system 100 during various stages of a joining process. The metallic joiner system 100 includes a metallic joiner 102 that selectively forms a weld 116 in a joining area 106 joining a first metallic substrate 104A with a second metallic substrate 104B. The metallic joiner system 100 may also include a power source 136 and a controller 134.

[0029] The first metal substrate 104A and the second metal substrate 104B may be of various suitable metals as desired, and the metal of the first metal substrate 104A may not be the same as the metal of the second metal substrate 104B. In various examples, the first metal substrate 104A may be a portion of a first coil of metal substrate, and the second metal substrate 104B may be a portion of a second coil of metal substrate. Various suitable metals of the first metal substrate 104A and / or the second metal substrate 104B may include, but are not limited to, aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel, stainless steel, or other metals as desired. As best shown in FIGS. 2-4, the first metal substrate 104A and the second metal substrate 104B each include a top surface 124, a bottom surface 122, and an edge surface 126 extending between the top surface 124 and the bottom surface 122. As discussed in more detail below, in various aspects, the bond region 106 can include at least a portion of the top surface 124 , at least a portion of the bottom surface 122 , and an edge surface 126 .

[0030] In some examples, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the coating 120 (or other contaminants) may be on one or more portions of the top surface 124, bottom surface 122, or edge surface 126. In some embodiments, the coating 120 may be intentionally provided on the surface or may be provided on the surface as a by-product of prior handling or processing. As some examples, the coating 120 may be a contaminant to the joining process, such as grease, lubricant, fingerprints, dust, dirt, oil, etc. As discussed in more detail below, during the joining process, the metal joiner system 100 may at least partially remove a portion of the coating 120, which may improve the formation of the weld 116 and improve the surface quality of the metal substrate(s).

[0031] 1, the metal joiner 102 includes a cutting header 110 and a joining header 108. In various aspects, the cutting header 110 is communicatively coupled to a power source 136 such that the power source 136 can provide power to the cutting header 110 and the cutting header 110 can direct a first laser beam 112 onto the joining area 106 during the joining process. Similarly, the joining header 108 is communicatively coupled to a power source 136 such that the power source 136 can provide power to the joining header 108 and the joining header 108 can direct a second laser beam 114 onto the joining area 106 during the joining process. In various aspects, at least one characteristic of the first laser beam 112 from the cutting header 110 can be different than the second laser beam 114 from the joining header 108. In certain embodiments, the at least one characteristic can include, but is not limited to, a beam intensity, a beam size, or a pattern of the beam directed onto the joining area 106. In some non-limiting examples, the beam size of the first laser beam 112 is smaller than the beam size of the second laser beam 114.

[0032] The splice header 108 is coupled to the cutting header 110 such that the splice header 108 moves with the cutting header 110. Optionally, the splice header 108 is coupled to the cutting header 108 such that as the metal joiner 102 moves in the movement direction 118, the portion of the splice area 106 to which the splice header 108 directs the second laser beam 114 is substantially the same as the portion of the splice area 106 to which the cutting header 110 directs the first laser beam 112. In the example of FIG. 1 , the support 138 connects the splice header 108 to the cutting header 110. However, in other examples, various other suitable devices or mechanisms can couple the splice header 108 to the cutting header 110 such that the splice header 108 moves with the cutting header 110. In various aspects, the splice header 108 coupled to the cutting header 110 can allow a single power source to be utilized. The interlocking headers may also reduce the time required to set up and calibrate the metal joiner 102 as compared to existing joiner systems, since a single setup and calibration step may optionally be utilized. The interlocking headers of the metal joiner 102 may also enable the metal joiner 102 to complete the joining process without the need for operator intervention.

[0033] The controller 134 is communicatively coupled to the joining header 108 and the cutting header 110. The controller 134 may optionally be communicatively coupled to a power source 136. As discussed in more detail below, the controller 134 can selectively control the metal joiner 102 during the joining process.

[0034] The controller 134 may include one or more of a general purpose processing unit, a processor designed specifically for bond control analysis and / or metal bonding applications, a processor designed specifically for wireless communication (such as a programmable system on chip from Cypress Semiconductor), or other suitable processor. Memory may be provided with the controller 134, but in other instances may not be provided. If included, the memory may include long-term storage memory and / or short-term working memory, which may be used by the controller 134 to store a working set of processor instructions (i.e., the processor may write data to the memory). In some aspects, the memory may include one of several other types of storage media, including, but not limited to, a disk-based storage device, a USB drive, a flash drive, a remotely connected storage medium, a virtual disk drive, and the like. A variety of other features may also be included in the controller 134, including, but not limited to, a communication circuit / unit, an optional display, an optional speaker, and / or power storage facilities. In some aspects, some or all of the components of the controller 134 may be included together in a single package, such as in the same enclosure, or a sensor set. In additional or alternative embodiments, some of the components may be contained together in an enclosure and others may be separate (i.e., the controller 134 may be a distributed system). Other components of the controller 134 may be utilized as needed. In various embodiments, the controller 134 communicates data with the joining header 108 and the cutting header 110 to control at least one of the joining area 106, the first laser beam 112, the second laser beam 114, the welding speed of the metal joiner 102, the size of the gap formed during the preparation phase of the joining process, the thickness of the weld formed by the metal joiner 102 during the joining phase of the joining process, combinations thereof, or the position or orientation of the metal joiner 102 relative to other suitable features of the metal joiner system 100 as needed during the joining process.

[0035] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1 , the metal joiner system 100 may include a shielding gas nozzle 111. In certain embodiments, the shielding gas nozzle 111 may provide shielding gas 113 to the sides of the weld 116. If included, the shielding gas nozzle 111 may optionally not block weld quality monitoring and / or scanning. The shielding gas nozzle 111 may be coupled to the joining header 108 and / or the cutting header 110, but may not be coupled in other embodiments. In other embodiments, the shielding gas nozzle 111 may be omitted.

[0036] Figure 5 illustrates various stages of a joining process for joining a first metal substrate 104A to a second metal substrate 104B using the metal joiner system 100. Figures 2-4 illustrate the metal joiner system 100 during various stages.

[0037] 5, the bond area formation stage of the bonding process may include positioning the first metal substrate 104A relative to the second metal substrate 104B to form the bond area 106. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, forming the bond area 106 may include positioning the first metal substrate 104A relative to the second metal substrate 104B such that the edge surface 126 of the first metal substrate 104A abuts the edge surface 126 of the second metal substrate 104B. Optionally, block 502 may include initially positioning the metal joiner 102 relative to the bond area 106. In various aspects, initially positioning the metal joiner 102 may include positioning the metal joiner 102 such that the metal joiner 102 is substantially aligned with the bond edge surface 126. In some embodiments, the metal joiner 102 may be initially positioned above the top surfaces 124 of the metal substrates 104A-B, while in other examples, the metal joiner 102 may be initially positioned below the bottom surfaces 122 of the metal substrates 104A-B.

[0038] 5 and 3, a preparation stage of the joining process may include preparing the joining area 106 for formation of a joint with the cutting header 110 of the metal joiner 102. In various examples, the controller 134 controls the cutting header 110 to direct the first laser beam 112 onto the joining area 106. In various embodiments, the controller 134 controls the cutting header 110 to direct the first laser beam 112 such that the first laser beam 112 cuts a portion of the first metal substrate 104A and the second metal substrate 104B proximate the edge surface 126 and forms a gap 140 between the first metal substrate 104A and the second metal substrate 104B. In certain aspects, the controller 134 controls the cutting header 110 such that the gap 140 formed by the first laser beam 112 has a gap width 128 of about 0.5 mm or less, such as about 0.4 mm or less, about 0.3 mm or less, about 0.2 mm or less, about 0.1 mm or less. In other embodiments, the gap width 128 may optionally be greater than 0.4 mm, such as greater than 0.5 mm, and / or any other gap width 128 as desired. In certain aspects, the cutting header 110 is controlled to create a rough (fast) laser cut that may create micro-voids when the metal substrates 104A-B are placed together. In such instances, the molten metal (created by the laser of the joining header 108) is sucked into these voids during welding, and the voids themselves contribute to a weld thickness that is about the same as or less than the metal substrates. In some embodiments, the weld may have a thickness that is up to about 10% thicker than the thickness of one or both metal substrates, such as, for example, about 1% thicker, about 2% thicker, about 3% thicker, about 4% thicker, about 5% thicker, about 6% thicker, about 7% thicker, about 8% thicker, about 9% thicker, about 10% thicker, and any range of thicknesses therein. In some embodiments, the weld may have a thickness that is about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm thicker than the thickness of one or both metal substrates, such as, for example, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, or any range therebetween.Advantageously, a weld that is thinner than one or both of the metal substrates allows the weld to be further processed downstream, such as by passing through tension levellers and rollers, without adjusting downstream equipment.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, during the preparation stage, the controller 134 can control the cutting header 110 to direct the first laser beam 112 to a portion of the top surface 124 and / or a portion of the bottom surface 122 of the first metal substrate 104A and / or the second metal substrate 104B to remove at least a portion of the coating 120 that may or may not be present on such surfaces. In some embodiments, the controller 134 can control the cutting header 110 such that the gap 140 is formed first or the coating 120 is removed first.

[0040] 5, block 506, and as shown in FIG. 4, during the joining phase of the joining process, the controller 134 can control the joining header 108 to direct the second laser beam 114 to the joining area 106. In various aspects, the joining header 108 can direct the second laser beam 114 into the gap 140 to heat the surfaces of the metal substrates 104A-B in the gap 140 to form the weld 116. In various aspects, by forming the gap 140 in preparation, the metal joiner system 100 can direct the second laser beam 114 into the gap 140 to form the weld 116 with minimal debris generation and improved thickness during the joining phase. 4, in various aspects, the controller 134 controls the joint header 108 such that the weld 116 formed by the second laser beam 118 has a thickness 142 that is less than a thickness of the first metal substrate 104A (i.e., the distance between the top surface 124 and the bottom surface 122) and / or a thickness of the second metal substrate 104B. In certain examples, the controller 134 controls the joint header 108 such that the weld 116 formed by the second laser beam 118 has an outer weld surface 132 that is recessed relative to the top surface 124 and / or the bottom surface 122. In some embodiments, the outer weld surface 132 is recessed a recessed distance 130 relative to the top surface 124 and / or the bottom surface 122. The reduced thickness of the weld 116 and / or the weld 116 being recessed relative to the surfaces 124, 122 can improve the joint between the metal substrates 104A-B as compared to conventional joints because the weld 116 can be subsequently processed by other equipment (such as a tension leveler) without the need for equipment tailored for thicker joints as has been traditionally required.

[0041] As described above, during the preparation and joining stages of the joining process, the controller 134 can control the metal joiner 102 to move along the movement direction 118 at a welding speed. In some non-limiting examples, the welding speed can be about 3 meters per minute or more, such as about 20 meters per minute, about 60 meters per minute, or otherwise as desired. In other examples, the welding speed can be less than about 3 meters per minute. Although the preparation and joining stages of the joining process have been described separately, the two stages may be performed simultaneously by the metal joiner 102. For example, referring again to FIG. 1, during the joining process, the controller 134 can control the metal joiner 102 such that the cutting header 110 directs the first laser beam 112 to the first portion of the joining area 106 while the joining header 108 directs the second laser beam 114 to the second portion of the joining area 106 and while the metal joiner 102 moves in the movement direction 118.

[0042] 6 and 8-25 illustrate another example of a metal joiner system 200 according to various embodiments. The metal joiner system 200 is substantially similar to the metal joiner system 100 and includes a metal joiner 102 having a cutting header 110 and a joining header 108. Like the metal joiner system 100, the metal joiner system 200 also includes a controller 134. Although not shown, the metal joiner system 200 may also include a power source.

[0043] Compared to the support 138 of the metal joiner system 200, the support 238 of the metal joiner system 200 is modified such that the support 238 can support two or more metal joiners 102. As shown in FIG. 6, compared to the metal joiner system 100, the metal joiner system 200 also includes at least one cleaning header 244 and at least one holder 246. In the example of FIG. 6, the metal joiner system 200 includes two cleaning headers 244 and two holders 246, but any desired number of cleaning headers 244 and / or holders 246 can be utilized. In various embodiments, the cleaning header 244 is coupled to the at least one metal joiner 102 via the support 238 (or other suitable structure) such that the cleaning header 244 moves in conjunction with the at least one metal joiner 102. In the illustrated example, a single support 238 supports both metal joiners 102 and both cleaning headers 244. In other examples, all of the metal joiners 102 and / or cleaning headers 244 may not be supported on a single support.

[0044] As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in some embodiments, each cleaning header 244 includes an inner nozzle 248 configured to direct a cleaning force 252 toward the joint area and an outer nozzle 250 configured to provide a vacuum force 254 and suck in air dust and / or other debris. In certain embodiments, the cleaning force 252 may be provided by a cleaning agent, including but not limited to compressed air, acetone, a laser beam, or other suitable cleaning agent or means as needed. Additionally, in other embodiments, the cleaning header 244 may be other suitable devices or components capable of selectively applying the cleaning force 252 as needed. As a non-limiting example, one or more of the cleaning headers 244 may be a wiper that can move parallel to (or otherwise as needed in front of) the cutting header 244. In this embodiment, the wiper (e.g., a blade or other suitable wiper device) may optionally be mounted on the same unit, with the wiper applying the cleaning force before the cutting header 110.

[0045] In some embodiments, the inner nozzle 248 and the outer nozzle 250 are positioned at an oblique angle relative to the surface being cleaned such that the cleaning force 252 and the vacuum force 254 are applied at an oblique angle. In other examples, the nozzles 248, 250 may not be at an oblique angle. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 10, the cleaning header 244 includes an auxiliary nozzle 255 configured to provide the vacuum force 254. In certain aspects, the auxiliary nozzle 255 is configured to be vertically aligned (or adjacent) with the cutting header 110 such that the auxiliary nozzle 255 can collect dust and / or other debris generated by the cutting header 110 as it applies the first laser beam 112. The cleaning header 244 can be positioned on the same side of the metal substrate as the metal joiner 102 or on the opposite side of the metal substrate from the metal joiner 102. In certain embodiments, the cleaning header 244 is configured to direct the cleaning force 252 and the vacuum force 254 from the metal joiner 102 in front of the laser in the direction of travel 118. 11, the cleaning header 244 can be offset from the metal substrate by a gap 257. In some non-limiting examples, the gap 157 can be between 1 mm and 2 mm, but can be less than 1 mm and / or greater than 2 mm in other embodiments.

[0046] Each holder 246 is configured to grip and / or otherwise hold a metal substrate during processing. The holders 246 may be a variety of suitable mechanisms or devices for gripping the metal substrate, including, but not limited to, a mechanical gripper to create direct contact, a robotic arm, or other suitable device as needed.

[0047] In certain embodiments, metal joiner system 200 (and / or metal joiner system 100) can be used to join a variety of metal substrates as desired. As some non-limiting examples, metal joiner system 200 (and / or metal joiner system 100) can be used to join similar or different rolled steel plates, similar or different rolled aluminum sheets, and / or other metal sheets or metal products as desired.

[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a method for joining metal substrates according to various embodiments. In certain aspects, the method can be utilized to join a variety of metal substrates as desired, including, but not limited to, steel and aluminum. In certain aspects, the method has improved processing time (i.e., the time required to perform all steps shown in FIG. 7). In one non-limiting example, the processing time can be less than 1 minute, such as about 50 seconds. In other examples, the processing time can be greater than 1 minute and / or less than 50 seconds as desired.

[0049] Block 702 is an input stage of the method. Referring to FIG. 8, in various embodiments, during the input stage, two metal substrates 204A-B are initially provided. In certain aspects, the metal substrates 204A-B are metal coils. Each metal substrate 204A-B can have its own unique identifier. The metal substrates 204A-B can have different gauges, the same gauge, different alloy types, the same alloy types, can be obtained from a cold rolling process, can be obtained from a hot rolling process, each can be cut by its own temper condition (e.g., F-temper), shear cutting, band saw cutting, or other suitable cutting technique, and with any cut edge quality as desired, and / or can include any grade of metal (e.g., any grade of steel and / or any grade of aluminum rolled sheet) as desired. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the metal substrates 204A-B have different gauges. Optionally, the metal substrates 204A-B have a gauge of 6 mm or less.

[0050] Block 704 is the clamping stage of the method. Referring to Figure 8, during the clamping stage, the metal substrates 204A-B are each held by a metal holder 246. In one non-limiting example, the clamping stage may take about 10 seconds, although in other embodiments it may take less than 10 seconds. Block 706 is the joint preparation stage of the method. With reference to Figures 6 and 9, during the joint preparation stage, the cutting header 110 directs the first laser beam 112 to cut a portion of the metal substrates 204A-B. During the joint preparation stage, the inner nozzle 248 of the cleaning header 244 directs cleaning agent such that a cleaning force 252 is applied directly to the joint area to remove lubricant and / or otherwise prepare the joint area as needed. As previously mentioned, in certain embodiments, the cutting header 110 is controlled to create rough (fast) laser cuts that may create micro-voids 261 (see Figure 14) when the metal substrates 204A-B are placed together. In such instances, the molten metal (created by the laser of the joint header 108) is sucked into these micro-voids 261 during welding, and the micro-voids 261 themselves contribute to a thickness of the weld 116 that is approximately the same as or thinner than the metal substrates. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the weld may have a thickness up to about 10% greater than the thickness of one or both metal substrates, such as, for example, about 1% greater, about 2% greater, about 3% greater, about 4% greater, about 5% greater, about 6% greater, about 7% greater, about 8% greater, about 9% greater, about 10% greater, and any range therein. In some embodiments, the weld may have a thickness between about 0.1 mm and about 0.5 mm greater than one or both metal substrates, such as, for example, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, or any range therebetween. Advantageously, a weld that is thinner than one or both metal substrates allows the weld to be further processed downstream, such as by passing through tension levelers and rollers, without adjusting downstream equipment.

[0051] During the bond preparation phase, the outer nozzle 248 applies a vacuum force 254 to remove debris that is removed by the cleaning force 252 and / or by the first laser beam 112. In one non-limiting example, the bond preparation phase can take approximately 10 seconds, although it may not take 10 seconds in other embodiments.

[0052] Block 708 is the joint formation stage of the method. In one non-limiting example, the joint preparation stage may take about 5 seconds, but may not take 5 seconds in other embodiments. With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, during the joint formation stage, at least one, and optionally both, metal substrates 204A-B are advanced toward each other through a gap 140 between the joint edges of the metal substrates 204A-B. As previously mentioned, in certain aspects, the gap 140 is about 0.5 mm or less, such as about 0.4 mm or less, about 0.3 mm or less, about 0.2 mm or less, such as about 0.1 mm or less. In other embodiments, the gap 140 is greater than 0.5 mm. As shown in FIG. 14, the joint edges can have full or semi-micro voids 261 (the size of which is exaggerated in FIG. 14 for illustrative purposes). In some optional examples, the joint formation stage may be performed before the joint preparation stage (block 706).

[0053] Block 710 is the weld formation stage of the method. Referring to Figures 15-18, during the weld formation stage, the joint header 108 directs the second laser beam 114 onto the joint area to join the metal substrates 204A-B while the holder 246 holds the metal substrates 204A-B in place. Optionally, the metal joiner system 200 includes a purge nozzle 260 configured to direct a purging agent (e.g., argon) onto the joint area to minimize direct contact of the weld metal from the ambient atmosphere during the joining process and to remove gases or vapors that may be harmful to the weld joint during and immediately after welding. Optionally, the weld formation stage can be performed simultaneously with the joint preparation stage or separately from the joint preparation stage (e.g., in a separate pass over the joint area).

[0054] 15 and 17, in examples where the metal substrates 204A-B have different gauges, the weld 116 is thinner than the thicker gauge metal substrate. In such examples having different gauges, during the weld formation stage, the second laser beam 114 from the joint header 108 may be offset from the joint area and directed at the thicker gauge metal substrate (see, for example, FIG. 15).

[0055] 16, in other embodiments, the metal substrate 204A may be joined with a metal substrate 204C having the same gauge as the metal substrate 204A. In these embodiments, the weld 116 may optionally have a weld reinforcement of less than 0.2 mm and / or less than 10% of the thickness of the metal substrate. In examples having similar gauges, a second laser beam 114 may be applied to the joint area (e.g., both metal substrates) during the weld formation stage.

[0056] Block 712 is the weld finishing stage of the method. In certain aspects, the weld finishing stage may be optional. As shown in FIG. 19, during the weld finishing stage, the weld start region 262 and the weld end region 264 of the weld 116 are removed via a weld or joint finisher 265, which may be a variety of suitable mechanisms or devices, as needed. As some non-limiting examples, the weld start region 262 and the weld end region 264 may be removed by the joint finisher 265 via punching, localized shearing, laser cutting, or a variety of other mechanisms or devices, as needed. In certain aspects, removing the weld start region 262 and the weld end region 264 may remove stress locations on the joined metal substrates and remove weld defects, thereby improving suitability for additional processing without (or with minimal) weld fracture or damage to the processing machine. In some embodiments, the joined metal substrates with the weld start region 262 and weld finish region 264 removed can be passed through a series of treatment rollers having various diameters ranging from 600 mm to 1200 mm at least 50 times, e.g., about 50 times, about 60 times, about 70 times, about 80 times, about 90 times, or about 100 times, or any range therebetween, up and down in the weld.

[0057] Block 714 is the output stage of the method. FIG. 20 shows metal substrates 204A and 204C (having the same gauge) at the output stage, and FIG. 21 shows metal substrates 204A-204B (having different gauges) at the output stage. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in various embodiments, in the output stage, the thickness of the weld 116 is less than the thickness of at least one of the metal substrates, and optionally less than the thickness of both metal substrates. In various embodiments, in the output stage, the thickness of the weld 116 is greater than the thickness of at least one of the metal substrates, and optionally greater than the thickness of both metal substrates, and the weld reinforcement is in the range of less than 0.2 mm or less than 10% of the thickness of the metal substrates of the welds having the same gauge.

[0058] 6 includes two metal joiners 102 (each with a cutting header 110) and at least one cleaning header 244, a single cutting header 110 (e.g., of one of the metal joiners 102) and cleaning header 244 can be used in a first pass and a second cutting header 110 (of the other metal joiner 102) and cleaning header 244 can be used in a second pass, or both pairs of metal joiners 102 (and thus both cutting headers 110) and cleaner header 244 can be used simultaneously. In some embodiments, using multiple pairs of metal joiners 102 and cleaning headers 244 at once can make cutting in non-linear shapes easier and / or more accurate over time.

[0059] 22-25 show non-limiting examples of various orientations of the weld 116 relative to the process direction 270 that can be created by metal joiner system 100 or metal joiner system 200. As shown, the weld 116 can be vertical, angled, curved, or other shapes or orientations as desired. In some embodiments, a non-vertical weld 116 can minimize the portion of the weld that is under pressure from downstream rollers 274 (or other processes) at any time while still requiring less metal removal than current mechanical joining methods.

[0060] Figure 21 shows an example of a weld 116 that is substantially perpendicular to the process direction 270. In certain embodiments, the weld 116 of Figure 21 may be suitable for joining metal substrates of similar or different gauges.

[0061] Figure 22 shows an example of a weld 116 that is curved relative to a process direction 270. As shown in Figure 22, during processing, a first portion 272 of the weld 116 can be engaged by rollers 274 (or other processing equipment) before other portions of the weld 116. The weld 116 of Figure 22 may be suitable for joining metal substrates of similar or different gauges.

[0062] FIG. 23 shows an example of a weld 116 that is perpendicular or perpendicular to the process direction 270. FIG. 24 shows an example of a weld 116 that is at an oblique angle to the process direction 270. The weld 116 of FIG. 24 may be suitable for joining similar gauges. In one non-limiting example, the oblique angle may be 5° or less, such as 4° or less, 3° or less, 2° or less, 1° or less, with respect to the process direction 270. Additionally, in other embodiments, the oblique angle may be greater than 5°. As some non-limiting examples, the oblique angle may be greater than 0° and less than 90°. In other embodiments, the weld 116 may be at any other angle with respect to the process direction 270 as desired.

[0063] Figure 25 shows an example of another weld 116 that is curved relative to the process direction 270. In comparison to the weld 116 of Figure 23, a first portion 272 of the weld 116 of Figure 25 has a reduced length. The weld 116 of Figure 25 may be suitable for joining metal substrates of similar or different gauges.

[0064] Provided below is a collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least some explicitly listed as "exemplary," that provide further explanation of various exemplary embodiments according to the concepts described herein. These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or limiting, and the present disclosure is not limited to these example illustrations, but rather encompasses all feasible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0065] Example 1. A metal joiner system comprising: a power source; a metal joiner comprising a cutting header communicatively coupled to the power source and configured to prepare a joint area for forming a joint by directing a first laser beam from the metal joiner to the joint area; and a joining header communicatively coupled to the power source and configured to form a joint in the joint area by directing a second laser beam from the metal joiner to the joint area, the joining header coupled to the cutting header such that the joining header moves with the cutting header.

[0066] Example 1a. The metal joiner system of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the metal joiner further comprises a cleaning header configured to prepare the joining area by directing a cleaning force from the cleaning header to the joining area.

[0067] Example 1b. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of example metal joiner systems in which a joining header is connected to a cutting header having a cleaning header attached thereto such that the joining header moves simultaneously or separately from the cutting header.

[0068] Example 1c. A metal joiner system of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the metal joiner is communicatively coupled to a power source and further comprises a joint finisher configured to remove metal at the weld start and crater areas of the joint.

[0069] Example 2. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples of a metal joiner system where the joining area is formed by joining edges of a first metal substrate and a second metal substrate during a metal joining process.

[0070] Example 3. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of example metal joiner systems further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner, the controller configured to control the cutting header such that the first laser beam forms a gap between the joining edges of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, the gap being less than 0.5 mm.

[0071] Example 4. The metal joiner system of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the joining area further comprises a top surface and a bottom surface of each of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, and the metal joiner system further comprises a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner, the controller configured to control the cutting header such that the first laser beam is directed to at least one of the top surface or the bottom surface.

[0072] Example 5. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of example metal joiner systems further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner, wherein the controller is configured to move the metal joiner along a path of movement at a speed of at least 3 meters per minute while at least one of the first laser beam or the second laser beam is directed away from the metal joiner.

[0073] Example 6. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples of a metal joiner system, wherein at least one characteristic of the second laser beam is different from the first laser beam, the at least one characteristic including at least one of beam size or beam pattern.

[0074] Example 7. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples of a metal joiner system, wherein the metal joiner is movable along a travel path, a joining header is coupled to a cutting header, and a first laser beam is applied to the travel path before a second laser beam is applied to the travel path.

[0075] Example 8. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples of the metal joiner system, wherein the joining header is configured to direct a second laser beam to a joining area formed by the joining edges of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate during a metal joining process to form a joint in the joining area.

[0076] Example 8a. The metal joiner system of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, further including a cleaning header configured to direct a cleaning force to the bond area and apply a vacuum force to the bond area.

[0077] Example 8b. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples of a metal joiner system, wherein the cleaning header is configured to direct a cleaning force to at least one of a top and bottom surface of the joint.

[0078] Example 8c. Any preceding or following example or combination of examples of a metal joiner system, wherein the cleaning force includes at least one of a chemical solvent, a wiper blade, compressed air, or a laser beam.

[0079] Example 8d. The metal joiner system of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, further comprising a joint finisher configured to remove a portion of the joint from at least one of the top or bottom surfaces of the joint.

[0080] Example 9. A metal joiner for a metal joiner system, comprising: a cutting header configured to prepare a joining area for forming a joint by directing a first laser beam from the metal joiner to the joining area; and a joining header configured to form a joint in the joining area by directing a second laser beam from the metal joiner to the joining area, the joining header coupled to the cutting header such that the joining header moves with the cutting header.

[0081] Example 9a. The metal joiner of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the metal joiner further comprises a cleaning header and a joint finisher, the joint finisher configured to remove a portion of the joint from the joint area.

[0082] Example 9b. Any preceding or following example or combination of example metal joiners in which a joining header is connected to a cutting header such that the joining header moves simultaneously with or separately from the cutting header.

[0083] Example 10. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples of a metal joiner, wherein at least one characteristic of the second laser beam is different from the first laser beam, the at least one characteristic including at least one of beam size, beam intensity, or beam pattern, and the at least one characteristic includes at least one of beam size or beam pattern.

[0084] Example 11. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples of a metal joiner, wherein the metal joiner is movable along a path of travel, a joining header is coupled to a cutting header, and after a first laser beam is applied along the path of travel, a second laser beam is applied along the same path of travel.

[0085] Example 11a. A metal joiner of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the joining area includes a first metal substrate and a second metal substrate, and the joining head is configured to form a joint having a thickness less than a thickness of the first metal substrate and less than a thickness of the second metal substrate.

[0086] Example 12. A metal joiner system comprising a metal joiner of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner, and a power source communicatively coupled to the cutting header and the joining header.

[0087] Example 13. A metal joiner for a metal joiner system, comprising: a cutting header configured to prepare a joining area for forming a joint by directing a first laser beam from the metal joiner to the joining area; and a joining header configured to form a joint in the joining area by directing a second laser beam from the metal joiner to the joining area, wherein the metal joiner is movable along a travel path during the metal joining process, and the joining header is coupled to the cutting header such that the joining header is downstream of the cutting header along the travel path.

[0088] Example 14. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of example metal joiners in which a joining header is coupled to a cutting header and a first laser beam is applied to the path of travel followed by a second laser beam being applied to the path of travel.

[0089] Example 14a. The method of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein preparing the bond area further includes directing a cleaning header over the bond area in front of the cut header on the bottom of the metal substrate.

[0090] Example 14b. The method of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, further including directing a joint finisher to remove a portion of the weld at one or more of the weld start, the weld crater, or the weld defect.

[0091] Example 15. A metal joiner of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein at least one characteristic of the second laser beam is different from the first laser beam, the at least one characteristic including at least one of beam size or beam pattern.

[0092] Example 16. Any preceding or following example or combination of example metal joiners in which a joining header is connected to a cutting header such that the joining header moves with the cutting header.

[0093] Example 16a. The method of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein preparing the bond area includes removing contaminants from the bond area with a cleaning header.

[0094] Example 17. A metal joiner system comprising a metal joiner of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner, and a power source communicatively coupled to a cutting header and a joining header.

[0095] Example 18. A method including aligning an edge of a first metal substrate with a starting edge of a second metal substrate such that an edge surface of the edge abuts an edge surface of the starting edge, the aligned edge and starting edge defining a joining area; preparing the joining area for joining by directing a first laser beam at the joining area with a cutting header of a metal joiner; and directing a second laser beam at the joining area with a joining header of the metal joiner to form a weld, wherein forming the joint joins the first metal substrate to the second metal substrate.

[0096] Example 19. The method of any preceding or subsequent example, or a combination of examples, wherein preparing the bond region includes using a first laser beam to form a gap in the bond region between the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, the gap extending through a thickness of the first metal substrate and a thickness of the second metal substrate, and a width of the gap being less than 0.5 mm.

[0097] Example 20. The method of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein preparing the bond area includes removing contaminants from the bond area with a first laser beam.

[0098] Example 21. The method of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein removing contaminants includes removing lubricant from the joint area.

[0099] Example 22. The method of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein preparing the joining area includes directing a first laser beam at a top surface of the first metal substrate, a bottom surface of the first metal substrate, a top surface of the second metal substrate, a bottom surface of the second metal substrate, an edge surface of the end edge, and an edge surface of the starting edge.

[0100] Example 23. The method of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein forming a weld includes forming a weld having a weld thickness that is less than a thickness of the first metal substrate and less than a thickness of the second metal substrate.

[0101] Example 24. The method of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein forming the weld includes forming the weld with a top weld surface that is recessed relative to top surfaces of the first and second metal substrates and a bottom weld surface that is recessed relative to bottom surfaces of the first and second metal substrates.

[0102] Example 24a. The method of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein directing the second laser beam includes directing a second laser beam that includes at least one characteristic different from the first laser beam.

[0103] Example 25. A weld formed by the method of any preceding or succeeding example or a combination of examples.

[0104] Example 26. A weld joining a first metal substrate with a second metal substrate, the weld comprising a top weld surface and a bottom weld surface, the top weld surface being recessed relative to at least one of a top surface of the first metal substrate or a top surface of the second metal substrate, and the bottom weld surface being recessed relative to at least one of a bottom surface of the first metal substrate or a bottom surface of the second metal substrate.

[0105] Example 27. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of example welds, wherein the weld extends substantially perpendicular to the process direction of the joined first and second metal substrates.

[0106] Example 28. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of example welds where the weld is non-perpendicular to the process direction of the joined first and second metal substrates.

[0107] Example 28a. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of example welds where weld metal is removed from the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate at one or more of the weld start or weld crater regions.

[0108] Example 29. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples welds, wherein the top weld surface is recessed relative to both the top surface of the first metal substrate and the top surface of the second metal substrate, and the bottom weld surface is recessed relative to both the bottom surface of the first metal substrate and the bottom surface of the second metal substrate.

[0109] Example 30. A weld joining a first metal substrate with a second metal substrate, the weld including a weld thickness, the weld thickness being less than at least one of a thickness of the first metal substrate or a thickness of the second metal substrate.

[0110] Example 30a. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of example welds, wherein forming a weld includes forming a weld having a weld thickness that extends beyond the top surface of the first metal substrate and the top surface of the second metal substrate by less than 0.2 mm or less than 10% of the thickness of both the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate.

[0111] Example 31. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of example welds, wherein the weld extends substantially perpendicular to the process direction of the joined first and second metal substrates.

[0112] Example 32. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of example welds where the weld is non-perpendicular to the process direction of the joined first and second metal substrates.

[0113] Example 33. Any preceding or subsequent example or combination of example welds, wherein the weld thickness is less than both the thickness of the first metal substrate and the thickness of the second metal substrate.

[0114] Example 34. A method comprising: preparing a first metal substrate including a first edge by clamping the first metal substrate and directing a first laser beam from a metal joiner onto a first side of the first metal substrate to create a first faying surface on a first edge of the first metal substrate; preparing a second metal substrate including a second edge by clamping the second metal substrate and directing a second laser beam from a metal joiner onto a first side of the second metal substrate to create a second faying surface on a second edge of the second metal substrate; forming a faying area for the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate by abutting the first faying surface against the second faying surface; and directing a third laser beam onto the faying area with the metal joiner to form a weld, where forming the weld joins the first metal substrate to the second metal substrate.

[0115] Example 35. The method of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein preparing a first metal substrate further includes applying a cleaning force on a second side of the first metal substrate opposite the first side while directing the first laser beam, and preparing a second metal substrate further includes applying a cleaning force on a second side of the second metal substrate opposite the first side while directing the second laser beam.

[0116] The above aspects are merely possible examples of implementations and are described merely for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are used in the present specification and the following claims, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not to limit the described embodiments or the following claims. Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in [Item 1] to [Item 44]. [Item 1] Power supply, A metal joiner, a cutting header communicatively coupled to the power source and configured to prepare the joint area for forming a joint by directing a first laser beam from the metal joiner to the joint area; a bond header communicatively coupled to the power source to form the bond at the bond area by directing a second laser beam from the metal joiner to the bond area; the splice header is coupled to the cutting head such that the splice header moves with the cutting head. [Item 2] 2. The metal joiner system of claim 1, wherein the joining area comprises a joining edge of a first metal substrate and a second metal substrate during a metal joining process. [Item 3] 3. The metal joiner system of claim 2, further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner, the controller configured to control the cutting header such that the first laser beam forms a gap between the joining edges of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, the gap being less than 0.5 mm. [Item 4] 3. The metal joiner system of claim 2, wherein the joining area further comprises a top surface and a bottom surface of each of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, and the metal joiner system further comprises a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner, the controller configured to control the cutting header such that the first laser beam is directed toward at least one of the top surface or the bottom surface. [Item 5] 3. The metal joiner system of claim 2, wherein the joint header is configured to direct the second laser beam to a joint area formed by the joining edges of a first metal substrate and a second metal substrate during a metal joining process to form a joint in the joint area. [Item 6] 2. The metal joiner system of claim 1, further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner, the controller configured to move the metal joiner along a path of travel at a speed of at least 3 meters per minute while at least one of the first laser beam or the second laser beam is directed away from the metal joiner. [Item 7] 2. The metal joiner system of claim 1, wherein at least one characteristic of the second laser beam is different from the first laser beam, the at least one characteristic including at least one of beam size, beam intensity, or beam pattern. [Item 8] 2. The metal joiner system of claim 1, wherein the metal joiner is movable along a path of travel and the joining header is coupled to the cutting header such that the first laser beam is applied to the path of travel before the second laser beam is applied to the path of travel. [Item 9] Item 1 . The metal joiner system of item 1 , further comprising a cleaning header configured to direct a cleaning force to the joint area and apply a suction force to the joint area. [Item 10] 10. The metal joiner system of claim 9, wherein the cleaning header is configured to direct the cleaning force toward at least one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the joint. [Item 11] 10. The metal joiner system of claim 9, wherein the cleaning force comprises at least one of a chemical solvent, compressed air, or a laser beam. [Item 12] Item 1 . The metal joiner system of item 1 , further comprising a joint finisher configured to remove a portion of a start of a weld forming the joint or an end of the weld forming the joint. [Item 13] 2. The metal joiner system of claim 1, further comprising a cleaning header configured to prepare the joining area by directing a cleaning force from the cleaning header to the joining area. [Item 14] Item 14. The metal joiner system of item 13, wherein the splice header is coupled to the cutting header with the cleaning header attached such that the splice header moves simultaneously with or separately from the cutting header. [Item 15] Item 14. The metal joiner system of item 13, wherein the metal joiner further comprises a joint finisher communicatively coupled to the power source and configured to remove metal at one or more of a weld start or crater region of the joint. [Item 16] A metal joiner for a metal joiner system, comprising: a cutting header configured to prepare the bond area for forming a bond by directing a first laser beam from the metal joiner onto the bond area to form a gap in the bond area; a bond header configured to form the bond in the bond area by directing a second laser beam from the metal joiner onto the bond area; The metal joiner, the splice header being coupled to the cutting header such that the splice header moves with the cutting head. [Item 17] Item 17. The metal joiner of item 16, wherein at least one characteristic of the second laser beam is different from the first laser beam, the at least one characteristic including at least one of beam intensity, beam size, or beam pattern. [Item 18] Item 17. The metal joiner of item 16, wherein the metal joiner is movable along a path of travel and the joining header is coupled to the cutting header such that the first laser beam is applied to the path of travel before the second laser beam is applied to the path of travel. [Item 19] Item 17. The metal joiner of item 16, wherein the joining area includes a first metal substrate and a second metal substrate, and the joining head is configured to form a joint having a thickness less than a thickness of the first metal substrate and less than a thickness of the second metal substrate. [Item 20] Item 17. The metal joiner of item 16, further comprising a cleaning header and a joint finisher, the joint finisher configured to remove a portion of the joint from the joint area. [Item 21] 21. The metal joiner of claim 20, wherein the splice header is coupled to the cutting header such that the splice header moves simultaneously with or separately from the cutting header. [Item 22] The metal joiner according to item 16, a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner; a power source communicatively coupled to the cutting header and the joining head. [Item 23] aligning an edge of a first metal substrate with a starting edge of a second metal substrate such that an edge surface of the edge abuts an edge surface of the starting edge, the aligned edge and starting edges defining a joint area; preparing the joint area for joining by directing a first laser beam at the joint area with a cutting header of a metal joiner; and directing a second laser beam at the joint area with a joint header of a metal joiner to form a weld, the directing joining joining the first metal substrate with the second metal substrate. [Item 24] 24. The method of claim 23, wherein preparing the bond area includes using the first laser beam to form a gap in the bond area between the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, the gap passing through a thickness of the first metal substrate and a thickness of the second metal substrate, and a width of the gap being less than 0.5 mm. [Item 25] 24. The method of claim 23, wherein preparing the bond area includes removing contaminants from the bond area with a cleaning header. [Item 26] 24. The method of claim 23, wherein preparing the bond area includes removing contaminants from the bond area with the first laser beam. [Item 27] 27. The method of claim 26, wherein directing the second laser beam comprises directing the second laser beam to include at least one characteristic different from the first laser beam. [Item 28] 24. The method of claim 23, wherein preparing the joining area includes directing the first laser beam at a top surface of the first metal substrate, a bottom surface of the first metal substrate, a top surface of the second metal substrate, a bottom surface of the second metal substrate, the edge surface of the edge, and the edge surface of the starting edge. [Item 29] 24. The method of claim 23, wherein forming the weld comprises forming a weld having a weld thickness less than a thickness of the first metal substrate and less than a thickness of the second metal substrate. [Item 30] 24. The method of claim 23, wherein forming the weld comprises forming a weld having a weld thickness that extends beyond a top surface of the first metal substrate and a top surface of the second metal substrate by less than 0.2 mm or less than 10% of a thickness of both the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate. [Item 31] 24. The method of claim 23, wherein forming the weld includes forming a weld with a top weld surface recessed relative to top surfaces of the first and second metal substrates and a bottom weld surface recessed relative to bottom surfaces of the first and second metal substrates. [Item 32] 24. The method of claim 23, wherein preparing the bond area further comprises directing a cleaning header onto the bottom of the metal substrate and into the bond area in front of the cutting header. [Item 33] 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising orienting a joint finisher to remove a portion of the weld at one or more of a weld start, a weld crater, or a weld defect. [Item 34] 1. A weld joining a first metal substrate to a second metal substrate, the weld comprising a top weld surface and a bottom weld surface, the top weld surface being recessed relative to at least one of a top surface of the first metal substrate or a top surface of the second metal substrate, and the bottom weld surface being recessed relative to at least one of a bottom surface of the first metal substrate or a bottom surface of the second metal substrate. [Item 35] Item 34. The weld of item 33, wherein the weld extends substantially perpendicular to a process direction of the joined first and second metal substrates. [Item 36] Item 34. The weld of item 33, wherein the weld is non-perpendicular to a process direction of the joined first and second metal substrates. [Item 37] Item 34. The weld of item 33, wherein the top weld surface is recessed relative to both the top surface of the first metal substrate and the top surface of the second metal substrate, and the bottom weld surface is recessed relative to both the bottom surface of the first metal substrate and the bottom surface of the second metal substrate. [Item 38] 1. A weld joining a first metal substrate to a second metal substrate, the weld including a weld thickness, the weld thickness being less than at least one of a thickness of the first metal substrate or a thickness of the second metal substrate. [Item 39] Item 38. The weld of item 37, wherein the weld extends substantially perpendicular to a process direction of the joined first and second metal substrates. [Item 40] Item 38. The weld of item 37, wherein the weld is non-perpendicular to a process direction of the joined first and second metal substrates. [Item 41] Item 38. The weld of item 37, wherein the weld thickness is less than both the thickness of the first metal substrate and the thickness of the second metal substrate. [Item 42] Item 38. The weld of item 37, wherein weld metal at a weld start and weld crater area is removed from the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate. [Item 43] providing a first metal substrate having a first edge by clamping the first metal substrate and directing a first laser beam from a metal joiner on a first side of the first metal substrate to create a first joining surface on a first edge of the first metal substrate; providing a second metal substrate having a second edge by clamping the second metal substrate and directing a second laser beam from the metal joiner on a first side of the second metal substrate to create a second joining surface on a second edge of the second metal substrate; abutting the first bonding surface against the second bonding surface to form a bonding region for the first metal base and the second metal base; and directing a third laser beam onto the join area with the metal joiner to form a weld, the directing joining the first metal substrate with the second metal substrate. [Item 44] 43. The method of claim 42, wherein preparing the first metal substrate further comprises applying a cleaning force on a second side of the first metal substrate opposite the first side while directing the first laser beam, and preparing the second metal substrate further comprises applying a cleaning force on a second side of the second metal substrate opposite the first side while directing the second laser beam.

Claims

1. Power supply, 1. A metal joiner adapted to form a joint area by positioning a first metal substrate and a second metal substrate relative to one another such that an edge surface of the first metal substrate abuts an edge surface of the second metal substrate, comprising: a cutting header communicatively coupled to the power source and configured to direct a first laser beam from the metal joiner to the bond area, thereby preparing the bond area for forming a joint by forming a gap in the bond area; a bond header communicatively coupled to the power source to form the bond at the bond area by directing a second laser beam from the metal joiner to the bond area; the splice header is coupled to the cutting header such that the splice header moves with the cutting header; and

2. The metal joiner system of claim 1 , wherein the bond area comprises a joining edge of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate during a metal joining process.

3. 3. The metal joiner system of claim 2, further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner, the controller configured to control the cutting header such that the first laser beam forms the gap between the joining edges of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, the gap being less than 0.5 mm.

4. 3. The metal joiner system of claim 2, wherein the joining area further comprises a top surface and a bottom surface of each of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, and the metal joiner system further comprises a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner, the controller configured to control the cutting header such that the first laser beam is directed toward at least one of the top surface or the bottom surface.

5. 3. The metal joiner system of claim 2, wherein the bond header is configured to direct the second laser beam to a bond area formed by the joining edges of the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate during a metal joining process to form a bond in the bond area.

6. 10. The metal joiner system of claim 1, further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner, the controller configured to move the metal joiner along a path of travel at a speed of at least 3 meters per minute while at least one of the first laser beam or the second laser beam is directed away from the metal joiner.

7. 2. The metal joiner system of claim 1, wherein at least one characteristic of the second laser beam differs from the first laser beam, the at least one characteristic including at least one of a beam size, a beam intensity, or a beam pattern.

8. 2. The metal joiner system of claim 1, wherein the metal joiner is movable along a path of travel, and the joining header is coupled to the cutting header such that the first laser beam is applied to the path of travel before the second laser beam is applied to the path of travel.

9. The metal joiner system of claim 1 , further comprising a cleaning header configured to direct a cleaning force at the bond area and apply a suction force to the bond area.

10. The metal joiner system of claim 9 , wherein the cleaning header is configured to direct the cleaning force toward at least one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the joint.

11. The metal joiner system of claim 9 , wherein the cleaning force comprises at least one of a chemical solvent, compressed air, or a laser beam.

12. The metal joiner system of claim 1 , further comprising a joint finisher configured to remove a portion of a start of a weld forming the joint or an end of the weld forming the joint.

13. The metal joiner system of claim 1 , wherein the metal joiner further comprises a cleaning header configured to prepare the joint area by directing a cleaning force from the cleaning header to the joint area.

14. The metal joiner system of claim 13 , wherein the splice header is coupled to the cutting header with the cleaning header attached such that the splice header moves simultaneously with or separately from the cutting header.

15. 14. The metal joiner system of claim 13, wherein the metal joiner further comprises a joint finisher communicatively coupled to the power source and configured to remove metal at one or more of a weld start or crater region of the joint.

16. A metal joiner for a metal joiner system, comprising: adapted to form a bond region by positioning the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate relative to one another such that an edge surface of the first metal substrate abuts an edge surface of the second metal substrate; a cutting header configured to prepare the bond area for forming a joint by directing a first laser beam from the metal joiner onto the bond area to form a gap in the bond area; a bond header configured to form the bond in the bond area by directing a second laser beam from the metal joiner onto the bond area; The metal joiner, the splice header being coupled to the cut header such that the splice header moves with the cut header.

17. 17. The metal joiner of claim 16, wherein at least one characteristic of the second laser beam differs from the first laser beam, the at least one characteristic including at least one of beam intensity, beam size, or beam pattern.

18. 17. The metal joiner of claim 16, wherein the metal joiner is movable along a path of travel, and the joining header is coupled to the cutting header such that the first laser beam is applied to the path of travel before the second laser beam is applied to the path of travel.

19. 17. The metal joiner of claim 16, wherein the joint area includes the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate, and the joint header is configured to form a joint having a thickness less than a thickness of the first metal substrate and less than a thickness of the second metal substrate.

20. 17. The metal joiner of claim 16, further comprising a cleaning header and a joint finisher, the joint finisher configured to remove a portion of the joint from the joint area.

21. 21. The metal joiner of claim 20, wherein the splice header is coupled to the cut header such that the splice header moves simultaneously or separately from the cut header.

22. The metal joiner of claim 16; a controller communicatively coupled to the metal joiner; a power source communicatively coupled to the cut header and the join header.

23. aligning an end edge of a first metal substrate with a starting edge of a second metal substrate such that an edge surface of the end edge abuts an edge surface of the starting edge, the aligned end edge and starting edges defining a bond area; preparing the joint area for joining by directing a first laser beam at the joint area with a cutting header of a metal joiner to form a gap in the joint area; and directing a second laser beam at the joint area with a joint header of a metal joiner to form a weld, the directing joining joining the first metal substrate with the second metal substrate.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the gap extends through a thickness of the first metal substrate and a thickness of the second metal substrate, and the width of the gap is less than 0.5 mm.

25. The method of claim 23 , wherein preparing the bond area includes removing contaminants from the bond area with a cleaning header.

26. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein preparing the bond area includes removing contaminants from the bond area with the first laser beam.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein directing the second laser beam comprises directing the second laser beam to include at least one characteristic different from the first laser beam.

28. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein preparing the joining area comprises directing the first laser beam at a top surface of the first metal substrate, a bottom surface of the first metal substrate, a top surface of the second metal substrate, a bottom surface of the second metal substrate, the edge surface of the edge, and the edge surface of the starting edge.

29. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein forming the weld comprises forming a weld having a weld thickness less than a thickness of the first metal substrate and less than a thickness of the second metal substrate.

30. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein forming the weld comprises forming a weld having a weld thickness that extends beyond a top surface of the first metal substrate and a top surface of the second metal substrate by less than 0.2 mm or less than 10% of a thickness of both the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate.

31. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein forming the weld comprises forming a weld with a top weld surface recessed relative to top surfaces of the first and second metal substrates and a bottom weld surface recessed relative to bottom surfaces of the first and second metal substrates.

32. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein preparing the bond area further comprises directing a cleaning header onto the bond area in front of the cutting header on the bottom of the metal substrate.

33. The method of claim 23 , further comprising orienting a joint finisher to remove a portion of the weld at one or more of a weld start, a weld crater, or a weld defect.

34. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the weld comprises a top weld surface and a bottom weld surface, the top weld surface being recessed relative to at least one of a top surface of the first metal substrate or a top surface of the second metal substrate, and the bottom weld surface being recessed relative to at least one of a bottom surface of the first metal substrate or a bottom surface of the second metal substrate.

35. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the weld extends substantially perpendicular to a rolling direction of the joined first and second metal substrates.

36. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the weld is non-perpendicular to a rolling direction of the joined first and second metal substrates.

37. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the top weld surface is recessed relative to both the top surface of the first metal substrate and the top surface of the second metal substrate, and the bottom weld surface is recessed relative to both the bottom surface of the first metal substrate and the bottom surface of the second metal substrate.

38. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the weld comprises a weld thickness, the weld thickness being less than at least one of a thickness of the first metal substrate or a thickness of the second metal substrate.

39. 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the weld extends substantially perpendicular to a rolling direction of the joined first and second metal substrates.

40. 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the weld is non-perpendicular to a rolling direction of the joined first and second metal substrates.

41. 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the weld thickness is less than both the thickness of the first metal substrate and the thickness of the second metal substrate.

42. 40. The method of claim 38, wherein weld metal at a weld start and weld crater area is removed from the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate.

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