Arc welding is a type of stud welding technique with specific applications we’ll cover in this article.
In today’s post, we’ll show you why arc welding is so effective, which materials it works best for, and provide recommendations for using arc welding based on the job, industry, and more.
Before we dive into the topic of arc welding itself, let’s talk about the benefits of stud welding for metal workers.
The Stud Welding Difference
You’ve heard the concept of welding before.
It’s simple – welding is the process of connecting one metal to another. You can use a variety of techniques like x, y, and z.
Stud welding saves time, money, and materials by creating a more efficient way to connect these metals. With arc welding, the stud joins the piece of metal instantly because it heats the stud and metal at the same time.
You may be wondering why this is important.
Joining the stud and the metal at once creates a tightly knit and more durable bond. This means the structure you build with arc welding will maintain its strength longer.
There’s also less room for error and the need for rework. When you don’t use stud welding, you need more effort and put yourself at risk of having to reweld that part if the bolts don’t connect properly. Also, the “clinching process” of welding isn’t as strong or long-lasting as stud welding because the bond isn’t as strong as heating multiple parts at once.
You can see how this would lead to cost savings, too. It’s a simple equation — less labor time, less need for re-work, and fewer materials needed equals lower cost.
At Northland Fastening systems, we promote stud welding not only because we sell stud welding products, but because the process is simply better and easier.
Let’s dive into the need to know details of arc welding and how it can apply to your needs.
Arc Welding Explained
In the arc welding process, the electric arc fuses metal together with heat generated by the electricity. This method differs from using gas, which is less efficient.
Arc welding can use both DC and AC electrical currents. This is important because not all welding units accept both currents. Arc welding fuses the stud using an electrode. This electrode conducts the electricity needed to generate the heat.
When arc welding, you can feed the electrode automatically over and over again. Why is this important?
There are certain processes that benefit from this automated technique:
- Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
- Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
If your machine shop or manufacturer uses these processes, arc welding helps complete them in the most efficient way.
The process also saves time in the following ways:
- No need to switch parts like filler rods
- Less chance for heat distortion – in other welding processes, spreading out the heat too much can distort the parts being fused together.
- Decreases deposition rate – meaning you won’t use as much metal
- Switching from manual to automatic processes (when this applies)
If you’re a machine shop owner or operator, the technical benefits are clear.
For purchasers working for companies with manufacturing needs, you can talk to your company about switching to this often easier and more efficient process. In many cases arc welding can be a more affordable solution because the process requires less equipment.
Applications
It’s important to know how this process works for different needs and industries.
It’s a process that works well for many applications, but here are some core industries where it works best.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication is often used for these industries:
- construction – commercial, residential, and industrial
- manufacturing equipment
- kitchen equipment
- elevators
- shipbuilding – specifically hydraulic presses
Here’s the main benefit of stud welding for sheet metal fabrication — appearance.
Stud welding fuses metals together without leaving many marks. Think about the benefits of this seamless process. Your equipment, parts, and structures will have the look and feel of a precision part formed from scratch, even though the parts are fused together. This gives an added professional look. Details matter in all structures and having that clean look and feel can make a better impression on people who see them.
Again, the process is also more efficient because of the speed and it creates more durability.
Agriculture Equipment
To explain the process simply, different types of agricultural equipment have many large pieces of metal that are fused together like the chassis, cab frame, fenders, and brackets
The farm industry requires durable and strong parts for its equipment. The stud welding process is used in some of the most important machinery in the world.
It’s best to use the stud welding process in an industry we all rely on so much.
Lawn and Garden Equipment
Similar to agriculture equipment, although not as large in scale, you want your lawn and garden equipment like lawn mowers to have tightly fused and strong frames.
Other outdoor equipment like barbecues benefit from the seamless look of having arc welded parts
Hospitals, Schools, and Other Facilities with Industrial Needs
We won’t dive into the details of the large number of different pieces of equipment needed to run these facilities.
The point here is to focus on the importance of having a quick and reliable solution in industries where efficiency has a big impact.
Anytime you are working on a large project, time and money are of the utmost importance. Loss of materials, time spent on rework, the need for more labor, and less efficient processes can have a huge impact on your bottom line.
If you are building a new facility or revamping your current one, consider a stud welding solution to meet your needs quickly and in a cost-effective way.
Your Next Step
If you need help with understanding our arc weld inventory, have questions about stud welding for your business, or you’re ready to make a decision, contact us now.
You can request a quote online, visit our contact us page and send a question, or call us directly at 651-730-770.
Let us help you with all your metal working needs.