Patent attributes
Plate members 17 are respectively rested on first and second tables IA and IB relatively movable toward and away from each other. The plate members 17 are caused to abut against reference positioning members 16a and 16b of reference positioning devices protruded ahead of and over opposing ends 1′ of the tables IA and IB so that opposing ends of the plate members 17 are positioned in protrusion ahead of the opposing ends 1′ of the tables IA and IB, and the plate members 17 are positioned laterally. Then, the positioned plate members 17 are locked on the tables IA and IB. After the reference positioning devices are retracted, the tables IA and IB are relatively moved toward each other to cause the opposing ends of the plate members 17 to abut together for formation of weld line X.