Month: May 2021

Building Improved Electric Cars with Aluminum Fastening Systems

Posted on by norfas by norfas

In the automotive industry, stud welding operations are heavily utilized in many applications. From exhaust systems to electrical wire routing, multiple types of stud welding operations are used as fastening systems in various sections of most automotive construction. If you’re working in the automotive industry or any other business that uses stud welding, you can find everything you need to get the job done with Northland Fastening Systems (NFS). We provide stud weld tools for rent or purchase, a complete range of stud types and dimensions, stud welding accessories, and the expert advice of our staff of experienced technicians. For capacitor discharge (CD), drawn arc, and short cycle weld fastening systems, NFS is a one-stop shop.

Stud welding today is used largely for attaching types of steel in composite construction, fasteners, food-grade welding, and more. When it comes to cars and other vehicles, steel is used in many parts of gas-powered combustion engines, chassis, and frames. However, with electric-powered vehicles becoming more and more prevalent, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to make the end product lighter and powered with less energy while still being safe for drivers.

Using stud welding for fastening systems is a highly efficient technique, so instead of swapping it for an operation that uses lighter materials, more commonly, automotive manufacturers are utilizing aluminum stud welding systems, and broadening and improving the capabilities of those methods. When it comes to selecting a welding operation to calibrate for aluminum, manufacturers usually choose CD over drawn arc resistance welding because of the conductivity of aluminum compared to steel.

CD Welding for Aluminum

CD stud welding forms a connection point by generating a burst of energy from low-voltage electrostatic capacitors with direct current. That burst of energy heats the stud tip, vaporizing it and creating an ionization path that allows complete flow of current through an arc that, in turn, heats the stud and connection point. Applying pressure of the stud to the surface then completes the weld.

The conductivity of aluminum makes CD stud fastening systems more effective than drawn arc welding because the electrical current can move more easily. The arc current in drawn arc welding requires a great deal more energy to weld aluminum, making it less useful for lightweight, rapid welding. CD welds are performed within milliseconds and they leave no marking on the opposite surface. Because of this and the conductivity of aluminum, they are the primary choice in automotive manufacturing for electric cars.

CD stud welding for aluminum can be used extensively in nonstructural automotive construction. For example, CD studs are applied in cosmetic aluminum paneling for the framework, electrical routing, insulation, power-steering columns, heat shields, exhaust systems, lighting, and more.

To learn more about the use of stud welding for aluminum in electric cars and other applications, or about other stud welding fastening systems, call Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770. You can also request a quote online to get started with us today.

 

 

Testing Stud Welding Results

Posted on by norfas by norfas

Like in any manufacturing industry, diagnostics are critical for production utilizing stud welding in any capacity. Since its first use in the shipbuilding industry during the early 1900s, stud welding has expanded into many types of fabrication, from composite construction with shear connectors to thin insulation fasteners built into many structures. No matter what type of capacitor discharge (CD), drawn arc, or short cycle stud welding applications you work with, Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) has the supplies you need. Our selection of stud welding supplies includes tools for rent and purchase, studs in a comprehensive range of dimensions, custom stud options, welding accessories, and the expertise of our own staff technicians.

 

Stud welding operations can be complex, depending on the weld, stud, and material types. Because of this, results diagnostics are key to determine whether a weld process needs any adjustments. Even simple welds with pre-calibrated tools require basic testing to see if a connection point is strong.

 

Basic Testing

There are standard mechanical and visual diagnostics that can be done to check the first few welds after calibrating a tool for the dimensions, weld type, and surface material, including:

 

  1. Form two test welds to an approved base plate material sample.
  2. Inspect the weld to see if there are visible flaws such as spattering, burring, slag, and so on.
  3. Bend each test weld to a 30-degree angle from its vertical point. This bend can be done with a hammer, pipe, wrench, or other tool depending on the stud diameter.
  4. Inspect the weld connection to see if cracks or other flaws have appeared after the stud was bent.
  5. If no flaws appear and the test weld passes initial visual inspections, you can continue with that calibration for the rest of your job using those stud and base plate specifications.

 

Threaded Stud Testing

When using threaded studs, similar basic mechanical and visual tests can be done. Like the preceding weld tests, inspect two welds to an approved base material sample to see if visual flaws are apparent.

 

To perform a mechanical test for a threaded stud, set it in a secured steel sleeve. Then apply a tensile load by tightening a nut and washer down to the sleeve with a torque wrench.

 

Other Tests

 When testing studs that must be attached to non-approved base plate materials, apply visual, tensile, and bend tests to at least 10 weld samples. These tests should be done until a stud failure. An accurate weld will see failure in the stud from metal fatigue, caused by repeat bend tests, rather than at the connection point.

 

Low-temperature welds can also be tested with a slow bend to 30ºF using a pipe. Impact tests are not useful when welding in low temperatures (50ºF or below).

 

Accurate testing can protect your final results from potential failure in any stud when applied in an assembly. To learn more about stud welding and the supplies and expertise we provide, contact NFS by calling (651) 730-7770 or requesting a quote online.

Growing a Profitable Stud Welding Venture

Posted on by norfas by norfas

At Northland Fastening Systems, our expert staff provides a comprehensive range of stud welding supplies to a variety of customers. Our clients range from single-person welding services to fully automated industrial facilities. We offer tools for rent or purchase, studs in a complete range of dimensions, welding accessories, and the skills and advice of our own technicians. All our supplies support quality stud welding practices, and NFS is dedicated to upholding the best industry standards proven globally. If you own a small welding company or are just starting out as a commercial welder, holding your work to these standards and utilizing high-quality tools can help you grow a profitable stud welding venture and gain a reputation as a reliable welder offering great results.

 

At NFS we love to see new companies growing and small businesses thriving. Our supplies help to support the growth of well-respected welding providers, but there are also a few things you can do to ensure positive growth and profit without compromising the quality of your services. For example:

 

  • Work as a customer-focused provider. Understanding customer needs and communicating throughout the process of any project will help you gain client trust and positive word-of-mouth advertising. Customer-focused practices will result in more repeat clients and growth of your customer base through referral.
  • Work as an employee-focused company. The most successful welding providers adopt both customer- and employee-focused practices. Supporting your workers with the best pay, benefits, training, and personal protection possible will help prevent costly turnover and promote workplace happiness. Better staff morale and education means your company will provide better services on the job.
  • Keep meticulous records. Using a software system that can tackle inventory management, job records, maintenance requirements, and any other schedule history is the best way to keep company records. If you don’t have access to a digital record system, paper files work just fine but can be more easily lost, generally contain less data, and are less professional. Keeping strict records will help you with future jobs, avoid unnecessary repair costs, maintain a correct schedule, and improve your client relations.
  • Spend time and money on an online presence. Every company in today’s internet-based world should have a quality website that’s easy for users to navigate. Once you have your website up, taking the time to generate a regularly published blog or news page will also help you gain a natural following of users interested in the information you put out. Additional resources like social media can also help establish your business in the contemporary industrial and commercial community.

 

Every company is different, and you’ll find your own ways to grow and become successful, but these are good standards to work by. As for finding the best supplies to get the job done, Northland Fastening Systems is your one-stop-shop for all the quality stud welding supplies you need.

 

To learn more about our supplies and services, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.