a method and apparatus for manufacturing metal profile members , hollow bodies and the like wherein a plurality of continuous band - like metal strips of constant wall thickness as viewed in cross - section are continuously fed along separate paths which converge . the band - like metal strips are heated at predetermined selected areas to a welding temperature and then continuously press - welded together to form the profile members . one or more of the band - like metal strips may be deformed by cold - shaping prior to the press - welding operation . hot - shaping may occur simultaneously with or immediately after the press - welding operation . also , cold - shaping of the welded material may take place following the press - welding and hot - shaping steps to form a metal profile member of predetermined configuration .