naadlassen

Naadlassen is a welding technique used to join metal parts along a seam, creating a continuous joint along the line where the pieces meet. In Dutch welding literature, naadlassen describes seam welds that form a contiguous boundary between components, as opposed to individual spot welds or fillet joints.

The most common method associated with naadlassen is electric resistance seam welding. This process uses advancing rollers or wheels to apply pressure while an electric current passes through the sheet metal, producing a series of overlapping welds that together form a continuous seam. Other approaches described under the broader term include laser seam welding and gas‑shielded arc seam welding. These methods aim to achieve a leak-tight, uniform weld along the entire seam and are often chosen for thin to medium-thickness sheets.

Applications of naadlassen span industries such as automotive manufacturing, appliance production, piping and tanks, refrigeration equipment, and pressure vessels. Materials frequently joined by seam welding include mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, with process parameters adjusted for material type and thickness. Surface preparation, precise fit-up, and controlled heat input are essential to ensure consistent seam quality and minimal distortion.

Advantages of naadlassen include strong, leak-tight joints, high repeatability, and suitability for automation. Limitations involve higher equipment costs, restrictions on maximum weld thickness, and complexity when dealing with multi-position or highly shaped joints. Safety considerations cover proper fume control, ventilation, and personal protective equipment.

See also: welding, seam welding, resistance welding, butt weld, laser welding.