I know that the laminations are insulated and are used to reduce eddy currents. But on tearing apart an old induction motor, I found that the lamination stack of the stator was welded together in two places on its outside diameter. I assume it was to make the stator easier to wind while being manufactured. Wouldn't the welding cause a short circuit, and consequent heating in the laminations? Or does the short only cause a localized heating in the stator?