What Is Stud Welding »
What is Stud Welding?
Stud Welding is a general term for joining a metal stud to a work piece. Stud welding involves the same basic principles and metallurgical aspects as any other arc welding procedure. A controlled electric arc is used to meet the end of the stud and the base material. The stud is plunged automatically into the molten metal and a high quality complete fusion weld is achieved where the weld becomes stronger than the stud itself.
Split Second Fastening
Stud welding may be applicable to mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum with the stud applied using a hand held arc gun. Trigger button is pressed and a quality fusion weld is achieved in a split second. Stud welding fasteners are available in several shapes, sizes and dimensions.
Stud Welding Methods
There are two basic power supplies used to create the arc for welding studs.
- Arc Stud Welding
- Welding heat is developed with an arc between the stud and the work piece. The two pieces are brought into intimate contact when the proper temperature is reached.
- Capacitor Discharge Stud Welding
- Methods of the stud welding process which use DC power produced by a rapid discharge of stored electrical energy with pressure applied following the electrical discharge. This method uses stored weld energy in high capacitance capacitors. No ferrules or fluxing is required.
Surface Conditions for Stud Welding
Surface must be clean and free from water, paint, slate, rust, grease, oil, dirt, plating, zinc, cadmium, etc. This must be removed before welding studs.
Process Selection
Stud Welding consists of two methods: "Standard Electrical Arc Stud Welding" and "Stored-Arc Stud Welding." Selection should be based on:
- Fastener Size
- Stud diameters larger than 3/8" require electric arc stud welding.
- Metal Thickness
- Stored-arc stud welding is usually used if the base metal is less than 16 guage. Either process may be used with mild and stainless steel. Stored arc process may also include stud welding.