Stud welding is a widespread manufacturing operation today thanks to the powerful, fast, versatile, and clean results it provides. The first uses of stud applications with drawn arc welding began in the shipbuilding industry. During WWI, the rapidly increasing demand for military and seaworthy ships gave rise to the development of better stud welding technology. Using stud weld operations to perform strong, water-tight connections, the US Navy and industrial marine fabricators could meet the need for war-worthy vessels. After WWI, stud welding continued to be used in building vessels for military, commercial, industrial, and consumer use. During WWII, stud welding was again relied upon for shipbuilding, but also expanded as a manufacturing operation to the fabrication of other vehicles, containers, electrical systems, and more. With advancements in electrical technology, material design and processing, and automated systems since the end of WWII, stud weld fastening systems can be used to install connection points as thin as a 10-gauge pin to as thick as a 1” diameter shear connector stud. Whether you’re working small or large, you can find all the supplies you need with Northland Fastening Systems. Not only do we offer tools, studs, and accessories; we also provide repairs and the expert advice of our own welding technicians.
Fastening Systems
Although stud fastening systems have spread to so many industries today, those operations are still used frequently in the shipbuilding industry to manufacture a broad range of vessels. In addition to freighters, large military ships, and commercial liners, stud welding is also used in the production of small boats.
The US Office of Marine & Aviation Operations classifies small boats into five categories by length, weight, and usage. Those categories include:
Class A:
Boats that are shorter than 16 feet long overall fall into the Class A category. This generally includes small motorboats, daysailers and other small sailboats, dinghies, transport boats, and small fishing vessels.
Class I:
Vessels between 16 and 26 feet long are considered Class I boats. This can include boats with small sleeping cockpits like short haul fishers, camping cruisers, small racers, park ranger vessels, and small speedboats.
Class II:
Similar to Class I, Class II vessels include slightly longer haul fishers, longer distance racing sailboats, multi-bed cockpit sailers, and other fast motorboats. Class II vessels are between 26 to 40 feet long, so small cruise ships, yachts, and science vessels can be rated within that range.
Class III:
Class III vessels are between 40 and 65 feet long, generally including larger fishing operations, tugboats, small industrial crafts, ferries and other transport, grander yachts, police and fire department cruisers, and historical ships.
Small Research Vessels:
These vessels may be larger than 65 feet in length, but no heavier than 300 gross tons. SRV are used in short-term research projects or in close vicinity to labs and testing centers.
In today’s world, many small vessels and ships are manufactured with stud fastening systems. To learn more, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770, or request a quote online today.