The industrial world today is broad with many differences between facilities, equipment, practices, and products between manufacturing types. Despite this, there are some natural similarities between each production floor. One of the most important commonalities between every industry is the need for continued maintenance. Whether that maintenance is reactive due to a break, preventative with routine schedules, or predictive depending on diagnostic information, it’s a critical component of any effective production practices.
At Northland Fastening Systems, our service technicians provide maintenance guidance to our customers who are utilizing stud welding equipment as their primary fastening systems. In addition to knowledge, the comprehensive supply of studs, welding tools, and accessories we offer are a key part of an effective maintenance program.
Compared to many other industrial applications, stud weld fastening systems are relatively simple tools, and maintenance is often easily performed even by beginning welders. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not important. For reliable performance results, your stud welding tools need effective maintenance care.
There are three main components in stud welding systems that require regular maintenance or replacement of parts depending on age and condition:
- Stud gun: Stud welding guns are the most important components to generating a strong weld connection. The stud gun tip holds the stud in place and provides a connection to the surface for the arc to generate enough heat for a weld. Without maintenance, buildup and heat damage to the mechanics of the gun can cause weakened or messy welds. It’s typically recommended that technicians using a stud gun 500,000 times per year or more should clean and inspect the gun condition four times annually. Any use less than 250,000 yearly should perform maintenance twice annually.
- Cabling: The four main cabling components of a stud weld system carry power from the source to the gun. This includes the incoming power cable, the weld cable carrying power to the welding gun, the ground cable carrying the current back to the power source, and the control cable that triggers and lifts power signals from the source. These cables need visual inspections to determine their safety and reliability. Damaged cabling or insulation can be fatal without regular maintenance.
- Power source: Because welding is an electromechanical process, power source controls are necessary components to maintain. This primarily includes knobs, switches, fans, and contactors. While these don’t need rigorous maintenance, they can be damaged over time due to dirt buildup or heat exposure. This is often the case for systems continually using cooling fans that draw in a higher level of dust. Routine checkups will easily prevent any issues.
With minimal maintenance, most stud weld fastening systems have an effective lifespan of 20 years or more. If you’re using stud welding tools and need supplies or technical support, NFS has all the components, accessories, and knowledge you need to get the job done. Contact us at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online to learn more about our fastening systems today.