Author: norfas

3 Types of Stud Welding Used as Fastening Systems

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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Setting Up CD Weld Studs and the Benefits of CD Welding

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From production uses like insulation fasteners to heavy-duty composite construction, stud welding is relied on for many purposes. If you’re working with stud welding in any capacity, Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) has the tools for you. We provide stud welding supplies, including tools for rent or purchase, studs in all dimensions with custom options available, and complete welding accessories. In addition to a comprehensive supply of welding equipment, NFS technicians offer expert advice on all stud welding processes, including the use and setup of CD weld studs for effective and quality results.

CD (capacitor discharge) stud welding is a manufacturing technique that’s useful for some of the smaller dimension pins and studs, like the stainless steel studs used in food grade, lightweight welding, for example. Other common applications of CD weld studs are for insulation fasteners, electrical enclosures, internal electronics, and on-board aerospace systems.

Utilizing CD stud welding operations in the appropriate application is highly beneficial for many reasons. Not only does CD welding create a powerful connection point with no mark-through on the opposite side of the weld surface, it’s a rapid process that conserves energy, improves efficiency, and produces a clean finish when done correctly.

Understanding how to set up CD weld studs for the full welding process is critical for performing an effective operation. A CD stud welding process occurs in five basic steps:

  1. Contact of stud tip to weld surface
  2. Ignition of weld tool
  3. “Placement” or pressuring of stud into surface material
  4. Fusion of stud into surface material while both metal are molten from ignition
  5. Cooling of both materials to complete the weld connection

Setup can vary depending on the type of tool you’re using, implementation of different collets, stud dimensions, weld surface material, and electrical specifications. In general, the setup process takes the following steps, and in most cases, will get you ready to weld:

  1. Set up the assembly of “B” collet and “B” stop accessories by loosening the screws at the tip of the gun shaft to allow the installation of these parts.
  2. Ensure the collet is the correct size for stud diameter; then install a correctly paired length of stop into the collet.
  3. The collet and stop should seat correctly into the gun (until it stops completely on insert).
  4. Insert the stud into the collet until it stops fully. The stud should extend past the end of the collet and be held tightly in the gun during welding.
  5. Do not let the stud tip ever come into contact with the collet when the weld is ignited.
  6. Place the leg and foot assembly into the gun to allow ⅛” of the stud protruding past the foot.
  7. Tighten set screws and ensure the area around the weld point and your welding space is clear.

To learn more about this basic process of preparing CD weld studs and other stud welding operations, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

Accessories for the Stud Welding Process

Posted on by norfas by 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:

CD Accessories:

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.

Using Stud Welding for Practical Design Aesthetics

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Stud welding is a manufacturing operation used in many industries, from food-grade welding to large-scale construction. With such a high prevalence of usage for so many very different industries, it’s important for fabricators using stud welding to have access to varying types of tools, studs, and accessories compatible with each kind of operation. At Northland Fastening Systems, we provide comprehensive supplies for commonly used stud welding operations including drawn arc, capacitor discharge (CD), and short cycle welding. This includes tools for rent or purchase, studs in varying dimensions with custom options available, stud welding accessories, and the expertise of our own technicians. While stud welding is most often considered to be a manufacturing operation for functional construction, it’s also used frequently as a way to build aesthetics into practical design.

In many ways, stud welding is all around us. It’s a prolific tool for quick and effective building. From the appliances in our home to the cars we drive, stud welding is used to make a broad range of metal components. Some of practical design industries we interact with the most include:

  • Furniture: Many types of furniture made out of metal are built using stud welding. This includes office desks with metal paneling and drawers, standing cabinets, filing units, shelving, and more. Food-grade stainless-steel shelves and storage systems are built with CD stud welding for complete wash-down and sanitation capabilities. Handles and other parts incorporated into furniture made from wood or other materials can also be built in with studs. Additionally, electrical enclosures are almost always made with stud welding operations because of their clean results that don’t mark through.

 

  • Signs: Business signs on buildings or freestanding can also be built with stud welding operations. These signs are often hollow box-like shapes mounted onto a stand or other support system with studs. Street signs, traffic lights, and other municipal signage are also constructed with pin or stud welding.

 

  • Automotive and Transportation: Stud welding is a key operation in the automotive industry. It’s used in manufacturing many components in everyday cars, trains, planes, freight carriers, and sport and recreational vehicles. Studs are used to produce parts like heat shields, power steering components, exhaust systems, airbags, insulation, and much more. Stud welding is also used in fabricating the cosmetic features of a car, including the practical design of a steel frame.

 

  • Architecture: In many cases, stud welding is used in the construction of buildings with multiple stories. This includes skyscrapers, office buildings, warehouses, factories, and even homes. Stud welding is key in the construction of a building’s skeletal frame and also the installation of interior and exterior components. Some specialized buildings with metal architectural design aspects, like the Sydney Opera House and Guggenheim Museum Bilboa, use stud welding extensively in their construction.

To learn more about the ways stud welding is used in creating practical design aesthetics and more, or to get started with us today, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

What to Consider before Buying Stud-Welding Equipment

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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.

 

 

 

Riveting vs. Welding: Why Stud Welding Is Still Used in Shipbuilding

Posted on by norfas by norfas

Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) has provided comprehensive stud welding supplies for over 30 years to customers working with capacitor discharge, drawn arc, and short cycle welding. From large-scale construction to fine food-grade stud welding, we offer the right tools for rent or purchase, studs in various dimensions, custom stud options, welding accessories, and the expertise of our own stud welding technicians. Since our start in 1987, NFS has seen the many changes in welding operations, developments in technology, and advancements of technique. Today, stud welding is a highly precise process that can be fully automated for rapid, exact production applications. Even from the 1980s, significant and positive changes have come into the industry around safety, quality, and capabilities. However, some things in the welding industry haven’t changed much since the beginnings of stud welding. These applications were used in shipbuilding during World War I and the early 20th century.

In the shipbuilding industry, in particular, both stud welding and riveting operations have a notable place in the manufacturing repertoire. Stud welding is a newer manufacturing tool that developed as a technique for the type of shipbuilding that arose from the turn of the century, the Industrial Revolution, and the requirements of the U.S. Navy during both world wars.

Stud welding was key to the shipbuilding process because it could create a strong connection that was watertight, resistant to corrosion, cosmetically clean, and flexible. In addition to stud welding developments during the early 20th century, metal riveting continued to be used heavily in the manufacturing of many types of ships.

Riveting is a fabrication technique that dates back as far as the Bronze Age. Modern riveting is a very versatile operation in many industries, and it’s used in shipbuilding for several reasons. Not only is riveting fast and cost-effective, but it can also form connection points between many different types of materials, including most metals, plastics, and even wood.

Although riveting is used extensively in many kinds of shipbuilding, stud welding is still an important operation that offers results that can’t be achieved through any other types of rivet fastening systems. In particular, stud welding provides a much stronger connection point than riveting. A properly performed stud weld will have a connection point to the surface material that is stronger than the stud itself. This alone differentiates stud welding as a key operation for structural integrity in ships of all sizes.

In addition to forming a powerful, long-lasting connection, stud welding provides a very specific, clean aesthetic in an industrial setting. Stud welding generates the strength needed in a mark-free result that doesn’t require further finishing work. While riveting may be faster than stud welding overall, the majority of stud work done in shipbuilding is still considered a rapid operation.

Thanks to its speed, strength, and aesthetics, stud welding is still used in shipbuilding and other industries. To learn more about the stud welding services we provide, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

 

Local Contaminants to be Aware of When Using Stud Welding Fastening Systems

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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.

 

All About Ceramic Ferrules for Drawn Arc Stud Welding

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Northland Fastening Systems is a complete supplier of tools, studs, accessories, and operations knowledge for CD, short cycle, and drawn arc stud welding. Whether you need a stud welding tool for rent or purchase, studs in custom or standardized dimensions, or even guidance from our expert technicians, you can count on NFS.

Stud welding is an operation heavily used across industries, but each type of stud welding technique requires an understanding of how the weld is generated and what tools and accessories are necessary for a successful result. An ideal stud weld point will be much stronger than the stud itself. That result can be tested in various ways with visual, tensile, and bend diagnostics.

While weld operations that achieve the best results possible may seem generally straightforward, they still require knowledge of how the weld is generated depending on welding type, calibrations for materials used, and accessories. For drawn arc stud welding, the understanding of what, why, how, and when ceramic ferrules are used is a critical part of performing a successful weld.

What are they?

Stud welding ferrules are rings made from refractory ceramic materials. They are protective shields for many operations, including drawn arc stud welding. They are also sometimes called ceramic arc shields, and they are made in a variety of shapes, sizes, and ceramic material specifications.

Why use them?

As a protective shield, ceramic ferrules are an important part of forming a clean, strong weld with drawn arc currents. Ferrules applied at the weld point will contain the pool of molten metal formed on the stud tip and welding surface. This creates a neat connection point. Ferrules are also important because they protect the weld point from the surrounding environment, preventing porosity in the weld from exposure to air, dust, gases, and UV light.

How do I use them?

Ceramic ferrules are attached around the stud tip on the welding gun. Place the correctly sized ferrule around the gun tip/stud by following the instructions specific to your tool model. After you complete the drawn arc stud welding cycle and the connection point has cooled, chip the ceramic ferrule away from the finished weld. Ceramic ferrules can only be used one time because they are broken in the removal process.

When do I use them?

While there are some rare times when ceramic ferrules are not used in the drawn arc stud welding process, you can almost always expect them to be a requirement for a successful weld. Though ferrules are used in (almost) every drawn arc stud weld, they are not used in CD stud welding or short cycle welding operations. Instead of a ferrule, other welding operations use shielding gas to protect and contain the weld point or don’t require either a ferrule or gas due to the small weld point.

To learn more about ceramic ferrules and their use in the drawn arc stud welding process, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

Comparing DC and AC Stud Welding Machines

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Within the welding industry, there are a broad range of different operations to achieve metal or polymer fusion. The first forms of welding were developed long ago in the Bronze and Iron Ages. Today, many other formats for welding exist, from thermochemical welding and resistance welding to laser welding and ultrasonic welding. In each of these types of welding, other variations of process and application occur. For example, within the category of stud welding, the primary operations are drawn arc, capacitor discharge (CD), and short cycle welding. Whatever type of stud fastening or composite stud construction you’re working with, you can find the supplies and tools you need at Northland Fastening Systems (NFS). NFS provides a complete range of stud dimensions, welding accessories, technicians’ expertise, and a variety of stud welding machines.

 

Apart from the differences among each of the three primary stud welding operations—drawn arc, CD, and short cycle—there can be changes in the way a tool is calibrated for a job or even in the type of electrical current.

 

Like most other operations using an electrical power source, stud welding machines will either be built to handle direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC), both of which have their advantages and disadvantages. The appropriate current pattern for any welder simply depends on the welding circumstances.

 

DC

DC welding units are lightweight and highly portable, making them ideal for job site operations. Because they can be hooked up to most power sources, they can be installed and removed easily between production environments.

 

Though they are a portable option, DC stud welding machines are less energy efficient, using only about 30% to 50% of a power source. They can also require more maintenance than AC welders because they are moved about often.

 

With a DC welder, any arc blown over 300 amp can be difficult to control. Comparatively, AC welders take no effect from an arc blow. Also, DC welders will have polarity in the arc, whereas AC welders have a neutral arc.

 

AC

AC units source power cyclically from their main power supply. The power fluctuates between negative and positive around 50 times a second. This rapid shift creates an even energy flow that generates heat at the weld site.

 

AC stud welding machines tend to be larger than DC machines. They are not portable because they have to be hooked into a transformer for an accurate power source.

 

However, AC stud welding machines have between 70% to 90% energy efficiency, and they are less costly to run long term than DC tools. They also require less maintenance because they are static. Overall, they are cheaper to establish as a workhorse stud welder.

 

Whether you need the benefits of a portable DC unit or an in-house AC welding unit, NFS has a collection of both for rent or purchase. To learn more about our stud welding machines and other supplies, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770. You can also request a quote online to get started with us today.

Building Improved Electric Cars with Aluminum Fastening Systems

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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.