Stud welding is a relatively simple manufacturing operation used to attach pins, studs, bar anchors, shear connectors, insulator caps, and many other kinds of fastening systems. It can be used in lightweight applications like the mark-free connectors in electrical enclosures, and in heavier-duty building, like composite constructions for road and railway bridges. For manufacturers utilizing studs in their production process, Northland Fastening Systems offers a comprehensive range of supplies and tools for short cycle, capacitor discharge (CD), and drawn arc stud welding operations. We supply studs in a complete range of dimensions with custom options available, and we provide tools for rent or purchase. For any of the three main stud fastening systems, NFS technicians have the expertise to advise and supply all kinds of customers.
The three main types of stud fastening systems are short cycle, drawn arc, and capacitor discharge.
- Drawn arc: With drawn arc welding, the use of a ceramic ferrule to contain the molten metals at the tip of the stud and a flux that regulates specific heat point are important. A triggered gun lifts the stud to an exact height while an arc is generated between the base of the stud and the welding surface. Both are melted and the gun presses the stud tip into the pool on the surface material. This welding operation is used in applications with wide-diameter studs in large-scale construction.
- Capacitor discharge: In this process, capacitors on a weld tool are charged to a specific setting. The triggered gun tip discharges that stored electricity and generates heat at the ignition tip on the stud. The heated stud and welding surface are melted and pressured together to create a fusion. CD stud welding is best for smaller stud dimensions that won’t require serious load bearing. It’s an important operation for clean, rapid stud attachment in many applications.
- Short cycle: This welding operation is similar to drawn arc stud attachment. However, short cycle welding is faster than drawn arc, finishing a weld in 20-30 milliseconds. The arc generation is almost the same process as drawn arc welding, but short cycle is better suited to smaller-diameter studs that are less than ½” in length. Short cycle welding is used often with thin sheet metal attachments in the automotive and other industrial operations. Like CD stud welding, short cycle leaves a mark-free finish on the back of the welding surface.
NFS is a long-time provider for many types of customers working in the stud welding industry. We partner with small machine shops, factories, and international manufacturers utilizing drawn arc, capacitor discharge, and short cycle welding operations in their production line.
If you’re in need of any tools, studs, accessories, or guidance in your stud welding processes, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 to get started with us today. Request a quote online to learn more about our stud weld fastening systems supplies.