Author: norfas

Stud welding is a complex process in many ways, but simple in others. The operation of a stud weld itself is a strong but straightforward connection point that fuses the metal of the stud into the metal of the base material. However, the actual process takes a deep understanding of arc generation, materials, dimensions, and the tools involved. In order to perform an accurate weld, you need the background knowledge and the right tools for the job. At Northland Fastening Systems, we provide the tools, studs, and accessories necessary for drawn arc, capacitor discharge (CD), and short cycle processes. When it comes to the accessories important to any stud welding process, our team of expert technicians can help you find exactly what you need.

Since 1987, we’ve supported and worked to continually improve the stud welding industry. One aspect of stud welding that is often overlooked is the use of accessories in the CD and drawn arc process. These accessories are completely necessary for an effective end result, but they can be taken for granted sometimes.

For the drawn arc and CD stud welding process, NFS accessories include the following.

Drawn Arc Accessories:

• Brass closed ferrule grip for multiple stud sizes from 3/16” to 1” with various foot sizes from small to large, also available with multiple grip diameters from 0.305 to 1.406
• Long split ferrule grip for stud sizes from ¼” to ¾”, foot sizes from small to medium, and grip diameters from 0.380 to 1.030
• Split ferrule grip for stud sizes from 3/16” to 1”, foot sizes from small to large, and 0.305 to 1.406 grip diameters
• Single leg ferrule foot plate for stud diameters of ¼” to ¾”
• Twin leg ferrule foot plate for stud diameters of ¼” to 1”
• Adjustable chucks for a variety of stud diameters between 2mm and 1”, including long, extra-long, and rectangular chucks
• Control cable weld cable connectors including heavy-duty hi-temp, light-duty, Hubbell style, and Panel Mount Camlock weld cable connectors
• Standard closed feet for Tru-Weld and other various gun types
• Standard split-feet for Tru-Weld and other various gun types
• Weld cable lugs

CD Accessories:

• “B” Stops for studs from ¼ to 1 ⅜ buttons stops and for universal studs
• B Collets for stud diameters from 3mm to 5/16” and in AGM style
• Collet inserts for weld studs and weld pins
• Standard and vented spark shields
• Template tube adapters for 1 to 1 ¼ diameters IDs

NFS supplies a broad range of stud accessories that pair perfectly with industry-standard studs and welding tools. To learn more about the supplies that we provide for the drawn arc, CD, and short cycle stud welding process, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

With any kind of manufacturing tools, you need to do your research to determine what specifications, sizing, materials, and other details you’ll need depending on the job. Even with a simple tool type like a screwdriver, there is a large range of variations. When it comes to more complex manufacturing tools or whole systems like with stud-welding equipment, there are even more technical aspects to consider before purchasing even the studs you will use. Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) provides a complete range of stud-welding supplies from tools for rent or purchase to studs of any dimension, including customs options. In addition to a comprehensive supply of stud-welding equipment, our staff of knowledgeable technicians will guide you in selecting exactly the right tools, studs, and accessories you need.

While we at NFS make all our welding supplies as affordable as possible, we don’t want you to waste your time and/or money purchasing a tool or stud that won’t work for your job. To save yourself the headache of returns or wasted money, consider the following issues before buying stud-welding equipment:

Materials: Different stud-welding processes work best with different materials. If you’re working with thin stud-welding pins for stainless steel, food-grade welding, the best tools to choose will be for CD stud-welding operations. On the other hand, composite construction with bar anchors requires more heavy-duty tools for drawn arc welding. The surface material and the stud materials are both significant factors that will guide your stud-welding equipment choices.

Dimensions: Like the materials, the dimensions of the studs you’ll be working with will guide your selection of all stud-welding equipment.  CD stud-welding operations are suited to smaller studs like pins, insulator fasteners, and sheet metal connectors. Additionally, CD studs are best for thin surface materials because they don’t leave through-marking discoloration or warping. Drawn arc stud welding tools can handle larger stud dimensions and thicker base materials. Because they can handle much heavier duty dimensions, drawn arc welding studs are also used in building construction, structural steel applications, and composite construction for large-scale structures like bridges.

Automation: Another important aspect to consider before purchasing stud-welding equipment is whether you need options for automation or you’ll only be performing welds with hand tools. Automated tools can require different power calibrations, facility setups, and maintenance treatment. While handheld tools still perform rapid welds and are often useful as portable tools in the field, fully automated systems are key for many large-scale production operations. Determining whether you need automated tools for faster production will be a large factor in choosing the right stud-welding equipment.

To learn more about what you should consider before purchasing stud-welding equipment or to get started with us today, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

Northland Fastening Systems provides supplies for operators using stud welding worldwide. From small shops to manufacturing plants and large construction sites, we supply tools for rent or purchase, studs in a complete range of dimensions, custom stud options, welding accessories, and the expertise of our welding technician staff. For drawn arc, capacitor discharge, and short cycle stud welding processes, NFS can provide everything you need to get the job done. If you’re working with stud welding fastening systems, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems that can be caused by a weld site’s exposure to local contaminants.

The most common issues welders face with local contaminants includes the following:

• External gases: In many welding applications, shielding gas is a critical component of the process to protect the connection point from external gases that exist naturally around us. Exposure to prevalent gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide around a welding site can cause porous, brittle connections. The use of shielding gases like argon or helium will create a protective bubble around the weld point, lending to stronger fastening systems.
• Cold: While it’s not typically an issue, extreme temperatures can cause problems with stud welding fastening systems. Because welds will cool much quicker in cold weather than other more temperate conditions, cracking can occur with the shock of that temperature drop. Also, because the rest of a metal welding surface is typically much colder than the weld point, warping is also a potential issue. The easiest way to prevent these problems when welding in cold weather is to preheat a large area on your welding surface.
• Particulates: Dust and other surface contaminants are one of the most significant concerns for welders using stud fastening systems. Particulates blown into a weld point can create a poor connection that is brittle or porous. Creating barriers outside and keeping your indoor welding spaces clean can solve many issues that dust causes.
• Moisture: Humidity or other sources of moisture can cause issues for welders like corrosion on machines or damages to electrical systems. In severe cases, moisture can short circuit welding units and pose significant danger to operators and other workers. Keeping tools stored in dry, covered areas and maintaining a dry workspace solves many moisture issues.

There are other issues to be aware of such as tool maintenance, welding calibrations, material compatibility, and many additional aspects of the welding process, but these are the most common problems that operators face from contamination of a weld. NFS technicians can provide advice and guidance for working through any issues and equipment specifications you may need.

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

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.