Author: norfas

4 Famous Landmarks that Used Structural Steel Welding in Their Construction

Posted on by norfas by norfas

As far back as WWI, stud welding has been a much-relied-upon staple of manufacturing and construction industries. Especially today, stud welding makes large-scale construction and innovative building designs possible. Without the capabilities of stud welding, we wouldn’t have the unique sculptural steel landmarks we have across the globe.

 

If you’re working with stud welding, you know just how useful of a tool it is for a wide variety of construction applications. When you work with Northland Fastening Systems, you get access to everything you need to get the job done for structural steel welding and much more.

 

Some of the most well-known steel landmarks in the world were built relying heavily on stud welding and composite steel construction. For example:

 

  • Golden Gate Bridge: Finished in 1937, the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most photographed and well-known suspension bridges in the world. Its iconic red paint stands boldly against the blue waters of the cold San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean. The bridge spans just over a mile, connecting the city of San Francisco to the San Francisco Peninsula. Stud welding was key in the construction of this modern wonder of the world, as it was used in the composite construction of the pavement and steel beams in addition to riveting and fastening the whole of the bridge components.

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  • World Trade Center: Construction of the new One World Trade Center began in 2006 on the site of the complex where the original seven world trade buildings were destroyed in the 9/11 attack. This stunning replacement is still under minor construction, but currently stands 1,792 feet to its tip with 94 above-ground floors. This Freedom Tower is made possible with composite steel construction using stud welding as a primary reinforcing agent.

 

  • Space Needle: This Seattle landmark was opened in 1962 for the World Fair. The observation deck of the tower has six floors that reach up to 518 feet, with a total tower height of 604 feet. Views from the needle show majestic scenes of Mt. Rainier, Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Baker, Elliot Bay, and Puget Sound. Thanks to the strength and flexibility created using stud welding in its construction, the Space Needle withstands wind speeds up to 200 mph and earthquakes up to 9.0 magnitude.

 

  • Sydney Opera House: Construction on the unparalleled design of the Sydney Opera House began in 1959 but wasn’t completed until 1973. The arcing shell structure of the opera house is a Gothic-esque design and a reminder of its location against the waters of the Sydney Harbour. This unique design relies heavily on exact engineering and the support of thousands of pins welded throughout the shells. Using stud welding extensively in the construction of these shells allowed the architecture team that built the opera house to form a strong, stable structure.

 

If you’re using stud welding and structural steel welding to build your own landmarks, NFS can provide the tools and supplies you need. Contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online to learn more.

5 Factors to Consider in the CD Stud Welding Process

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Stud welding is a multi-faceted manufacturing operation that can be used in many different settings for a wide range of results. If you plan to work with stud welding as a fastening system, you’ll have many factors to consider before choosing the exact tools you need. The primary factor you need to take into account is whether you’ll be using CD stud welding or drawn arc stud welding.

 

No matter which one you choose, you can rely on Northland Fastening Systems to provide the tools and technical support you need to accomplish any stud welding process.

 

Both drawn arc and CD stud welding processes have their own various factors to consider and navigate through to achieve an end result of a successful, strong weld connection. When it comes to the CD stud welding process, there are five main factors to take into account for any project:

 

  1. Size: Before starting your stud welding process, you need to have the right size studs for the job. If your job requires stud dimensions larger than ⅜”, you may need to consider working with drawn arc welding tools because CD studs typically don’t exceed that dimension.
  2. Surface: The surface you weld to must also be considered. CD stud welding performs excellently with plate or sheet surfaces, but it can become difficult to create a strong connection with a rough surface because the weld time is much shorter than with other stud welding processes. As with all welding, your surface must also be clear of contaminants like rust, oil, or dirt.
  3. Time: CD stud welding is a very rapid fastening operation. Arcs are generated for as little as 0.01 seconds. Because of this, the timing and penetration of the weld is critical. To create a successful weld, you need to correctly calibrate your tool. This calibration depends on the material you’re welding to, the dimensions of the stud, and the material of the stud.
  4. Position: To create a successful weld and a clean, well-made product, you need to know exactly where you’ll place the weld point. Even a millimeter shift can affect the quality of your welded product. Many welders will mark the point of the weld with a punch mark in the center of the area of the weld, but even this can be inaccurate because, if the punch is too deep, you can shorten the stud length by as much as 50%.
  5. Materials: Welding materials are also key in creating a successful weld. This includes the surface material, any surface plating or coatings, the weld materials, and how the physical properties will react to a weld. Some materials, like high-carbon steel, are too hard to penetrate with a common CD welding stud.

 

For any stud welding process, these kinds of factors and the properties of the materials and tools you’ll use are important. To learn more about CD and drawn arc welding, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

 

Understanding the Uses of Different Drawn Arc Welding Studs

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Drawn arc welding uses an arcing electrical current to develop enough heat at the weld point to render the two materials being connected molten, allowing them to meld together into one metal result. Unlike adhesive fastening systems, welding creates a bond that combines the two connecting materials at the weld point, making a joint that is stronger than either of the materials by themselves.

 

With the help of Northland Fastening Systems, you can find all the drawn arc supplies you need for your stud welding projects, including tools for rent or purchase, welding studs, welding accessories, and the expert services of our own technicians.

 

When it comes to drawn arc welding studs, there are several varieties within the category. Depending on the job you need to accomplish, you may choose one type of stud over another in the dimensions you need. NFS offers all types of drawn arc welding studs in many dimensions and specialty sizing on request.

 

Drawn Arc Stud Types

 

  • Threaded: Drawn arc welding studs can be fully or partially threaded with varying thread counts. These threaded studs are used to connect other components to the surface you weld the stud to, like a nut and bolt system. They allow the fastening of another component without having to weld it onto the stud or drilling into the surface component.
  • Non-Threaded: Many drawn arc studs are left unthreaded for specific applications. These are used to create handles, pegs, stops, locators, and other protruding components.
  • Shear Connectors: These heavy-duty welding studs are used in composite construction. They are key in attaching two different materials, such as metal and concrete. Shear connectors and headed bar anchors are critical for bridge building, construction of buildings, and other large-scale fabrication.
  • Bar Anchors: These larger welding studs are also used in composite construction. They are typically used to support bearing plates in concrete-to-steel connections. Additionally, bar anchors are used in beam construction and can have a steel-plated tip.

 

Drawn arc welding studs are made from stainless steel and low carbon or mild steel. Our threaded studs are available in many imperial and metric thread pitches and range in lengths from 1/2” to 36”. Our shear connectors are offered in diameters from ¾”, ⅞”, and 1”. They can be provided in lengths from 2” to 18”.  Our headed anchor studs are available in ¼”, 3/8”, ½” and ⅝” with lengths from 1” to 18”.  Deformed Bar anchors are offered in 3/8”, ½”, ⅝”, ¾”, and 7/8” diameters with lengths from 8” to 60”, depending on the chosen dimensions.

 

If you’re using drawn arc stud welding as your fastening system, NFS can provide the welding studs you need to get the job done. To learn more about the supplies and services we offer, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770, or request a quote online to get started.

The Three Best Questions to Ask Your Stud Welding Supplier

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Northland Fastening Systems is dedicated to providing the best supply of stud welding equipment and services, from customized weld studs to tools for rent or purchase. We offer everything you need to get the job done, no matter how big or small, with drawn arc and CD stud welding supplies. We understand that our role as a stud welding supplier requires an understanding of the needs of our customers and support of quality production for our products and how they will be used. If you are searching for quality stud welding tools, weld studs, accessories, and excellent service, Northland Fastening Services (NFS) is your answer.

 

When looking for a quality stud weld product supplier, there are three questions to ask each potential company to ensure you’re getting the best of the best for stud welding tools and services.

 

What stud welding experience do you have?

 

NFS has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Since then, we have always been ahead of competitors in capabilities, supply of new devices, and available stud types. Not only do we have experience in some of the first digital stud welding programs and automated devices as well as today’s state-of-the-art technology, we are also well versed in portable, hand-held stud welding guns for a wide range of jobs. When it comes to quality service, NFS is unparalleled. We have technicians on hand for any support needed, and our customer service representatives value all of our customers.

 

Can you customize my options?

 

NFS offers comprehensive customizing services for our CD and drawn arc welding studs. Our readily available sizes cover a broad range of dimensions and thread count, but if special sizes are necessary for your project, we’re able to tailor your options to fit your needs. Our team of expert stud welding technicians is at hand to help you get what you need no matter what job you need to get done.

 

What technical support can you offer?

 

In addition to offering customized CD and drawn arc weld studs, NFS technicians provide complete technical support, from advice and guidance to full repairs and service. Our technicians can repair a broad range of stud welding models of equipment, including common brands like HBS, Tru-Weld, ProWeld, ERICO, AGM, MFI, NOVA, Cutlass, Nelson, and Tension Control Tools. While your equipment is being serviced, we also provide tool rentals so you can continue working even when your own equipment is down.

 

From technical support to custom studs and everything in between, NFS can give you everything you need to start and finish your stud welding project. Contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770 for all your stud welding needs. Request a quote online to get started with us today.

 

Different Applications of a Handheld or Automated Stud Welding Gun

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Stud welding is a heavily used manufacturing application in the industrial world, and because of this, there’s a broad range of things that stud welding can do. From shipbuilding to food industry equipment, stud welding provides fastening systems for many types of components and full assemblies.

 

This diversity is also because there are, within stud welding itself, multiple methods of performing a weld. When it comes to different stud welding guns, the two primary tools are handheld guns or automated production gun systems.

 

At Northland Fastening Systems, no matter what type of stud welding gun you’re using, you can find studs, pins, bar anchors, stud welding accessories, automation devices, and everything else you need to get the job done. We also offer many types of welding units and tools for rent or purchase if you need to start from scratch.

 

The two main types of stud welding guns, handheld and automated, perform similar tasks, but do them in very different ways. The end result of a weld connection may be the shared feature of each type of stud welding gun, but the many differences between them each have their own benefits that might be more or less fitting depending on your production situation.

 

Handheld Gun

A handheld stud welding gun is a versatile option for welders on the go. They’re typically portable, small, and easy to set up in multiple locations. Handheld guns offer quick on and off-site welding options, providing flexibility and adaptability. Handheld guns can also be used on hard-to-reach surfaces or surfaces that can’t be passed through an automated system. Most handheld gun applications are for post-construction additions, maintenance, or complex building. Our handheld guns can create powerful connections and are easy to set up and use in almost any location.

 

Automated Gun

Automated stud welding guns are high-powered rapid welding systems. They’re typically used for production of components prior to any assembly. Sheets of material can pass through an automated system, welding hundreds of connections in a short period. If you’re manufacturing components that’ll be used in construction in your facility or shipped to a customer’s production floor, automated stud welding guns are highly beneficial. Automated systems can also be programmed and controlled through a software program. This can protect your welders from potential dangers of the welding process and improves precision from weld to weld.

 

Both handheld and automated stud welding guns are available in capacitor discharge (CD) or drawn arc welding formats. Which type of gun and welding format you choose will depend on your production location, the surface you will weld to, the stud dimension and material you use, and how fast you need a weld performed.

 

To learn more about the CD and drawn arc stud welding gun options we offer, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770, or request a quote online to get started with us.

Contact versus Gap CD Stud Welding

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Stud welding is a manufacturing operation that is highly saturated in use across industries. Not only does stud welding provide fast, strong fastening systems, but it also creates clean, consistent connection points for a variety of stud and surface materials. You can find everything you need regarding tools, studs, pins, and other welding accessories at Northland Fastening Systems (NFS). In addition to a comprehensive selection of products, NFS also offers expert guidance via the knowledge of our skilled stud-welding technicians. From drawn arc to capacitor stud (CD) stud welding, NFS has the supplies and service that production teams of any size need to get their projects completed quickly and effectively.

 

Drawn arc stud welding is an excellent option for large-scale welding of heavy-duty studs on a variety of steels and other metals, but CD stud welding may be an even better option for welders working quickly with smaller dimension studs on surfaces that need to look clean.

 

CD stud welding uses a quick-draw welding tool that is either a handheld gun or an automated production tip. There are two types that can be used, depending on the materials being welded together and the production speed needed.

 

  • Contact CD Stud Welding: This is a slightly more common type of CD stud welding that physically presses the stud against the surface material while an electrical current heats the two metals. A stud is inserted on the tip of the welding tool and positioned against the flat base surface. This allows the electrical current to flow through the welding tool to the surface material, heating and rendering molten metal beneath the stud. The current also vaporizes the tip of the stud, allowing it to stick to the molten surface and cool to form a strong fastened connection. This process typically occurs in just 0.012 seconds. Contact welding is ideal for steels and other metals that have a slightly higher melting point than others.
  • Gap CD Stud Welding: Gap CD Stud Welding involves a different gun and the use of a magnetic coil, or solenoid, that activates and lifts the stud away from the workpiece. It still draws an arc and plunges back into the weld pool under significantly less spring pressure than contact stud welding. This is beneficial for aluminum and stainless steel where it’s critical to not leave a mark on the backside of the workpiece. We often see this with sign manufacturers who want a clean appearance.

 

Whether you are using contact or gap CD stud welding as a primary fastening system at your worksite, NFS has what you need to get the job done. Contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770 to learn more about stud welding supplies. Request a quote online to get started with us today.

Time, Pressure, Current, and Other Specifications for CD Stud Welding

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There are several types of stud welding used in a wide range of manufacturing procedures. The use of CD stud welding as a fast, clean, and strong fastening system is a highly effective technique for rapid fastening of a broad variety of structures from lightweight assemblies to composite material construction.

 

If you’re using CD stud welding as a primary fastening system for any size project, you can find studs in a wide variety of dimensions, including custom sizes, stud welding tools for rent or purchase, all the accessories you might need, and our own stud welding technicians’ expertise at Northland Fastening Systems today.

 

Utilizing CD stud welding as a primary fastening system for your construction procedures can be one of the most efficient methods at hand if used correctly. While CD stud welding is a quick, easy way to form strong connections, it also requires specific calibrations depending on the tool, stud dimensions, and materials used. CD welding processes change effectiveness whenever specifications are altered. These specifications include:

 

  • Time of weld: The speed of a CD weld can affect the strength of the weld. If a weld is performed too quickly, it can create a weak connection. If a weld is too long, however, it can produce a weakened connection point with too deep of a penetration and unattractive spattering of molten stud and surface material.
  • Pressure of weld: CD stud welding requires a very specific pressure through the welding gun to provide a perfect connection with a strength greater than stud and surface material alike. Too great a pressure calibration creates a spattering and too deep penetration. Too little pressure provides a weak connection that is not fully formed.
  • Current/power of tool: Just like the time and pressure, a specific electrical current is required to perform a strong weld connection. The current required depends on the materials being welded together and the dimensions of the stud. This is true of the time and pressure needed as well, but the current needed will vary more greatly in direct reliance on the metals used.
  • Materials used: Because time, pressure, and current change based on the materials used, those metals are a critical specification to take into account if you want to create a strong weld connection with a CD tool. Effective CD welding can be used to weld low carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or alloys specifically formulated for CD stud welding.

 

CD stud welding can be the key to open many manufacturing doors if you have the information you need to determine what studs to use and what to calibrate your tools to. Find our CD welding stud and CD weld pin selection online or contact us to request customized stud dimensions.

 

To learn more about the stud welding processes, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770, or request a quote online to get started.

Polarity and Current for Weld Fastening Systems

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From ship building to composite thru-deck welding, stud welding is a simple operation used in many complex construction projects. The process of stud welding is a relatively new one, with a history dating only back to the turn of the 19th century. The newness of stud welding fastening systems is largely due to its use of electricity as a sole power source and arc generator. Because of this, the polarity and current supplied to a stud welding unit must be perfectly calibrated for the tool, stud, surface material, and weld circumstances.

 

If you are using stud welding to complete a project, you can rely on Northland Fastening Systems for all your studs, tools, accessories, and service needs. We provide a comprehensive selection of everything needed for stud weld fastening systems and expert technical support to customers worldwide.

 

If you are working with a stud welding unit and calibrating that tool for the weld you need, it’s important to understand the role of polarity and current for drawn arc and capacitor discharge (CD) welds.

 

Polarities

Every electrical current has a polarity that is either positive or negative. There are types of stud welding tools that use either polarity, but choosing which tool and polarity depends on the stud, the welding operation, and the surface material of what you will connect the stud to. Negative-electrode polarities are also referred to as “straight,” and positive-electrode polarities are also called “reverse” polarities. Positive polarities offer a weld with deeper penetration into the surface material. A reverse polarity weld is suitable for heavy-duty welding with larger studs. Negative polarities, on the other hand, offer a quick-melt weld with faster deposition rate, making it ideal for stud pins and rapid construction.

 

Currents

The pattern of electrical currents will also affect the weld results. Currents will move in negative or positive polarities directly or in alternating patterns between the two. Direct current (DC) welding paired with the correct shielding gas offers a smoother, cleaner weld thanks to a stable arc. DC welds also limit splatter in the weld. Because of this, most professionals use DC welding currents with either positive or negative polarities.

 

In some cases, however, alternating currents are more suitable. Beginners may choose AC welding tools that tend to be less expensive and easier to use. Alternating currents change polarities around 120 times per second with 60 hertz currents. AC welds are also used heavily in shipbuilding because the movement of the ship in construction may cause an arc to blow side-to-side.

 

Find the Right Fastening System Today

If you are using stud welding as one of your fastening systems in any given project, choosing the right polarity and current type is critical to performing an accurate, clean, and strong weld. To learn more about stud welding specifications or to find everything you need for studs, tools, and accessories, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770, or request a quote online to get started with us today.

AC vs. DC Polarities in Stud Welding

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Stud welding is a manufacturing application that is made possible by electricity. Before the development of electrical currents into various systems usable by individual consumers and businesses alike, the only format of welding possible was the ancient technique of forge welding. With the use of electrically generated currents, stud welders can create a bond between the stud and surface material that is stronger than either metals put together. If you are using stud welding on site, Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) can provide anything you might need, including welding studs, welding units for rent or purchase, and welding accessories for both drawn arc and CD stud welding.

 

When it comes to stud welding, there are two electrical current polarities that can be used depending on the welding situation and tools used: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). For the most part, DC polarities are used in almost every stud welding application. However, there are some instances when AC polarities are necessary and advantageous.

 

DC Polarities in Stud Welding

 

DC polarities move in what is essentially a straight line. The electrical current, whether positive or negative, flows directly from the power source through the tool and is applied at the weld site in either a capacitor discharge weld or a drawn arc current. DC welding is typically used because it provides a more controlled weld with a smoother arc that is stable and predictable. Positive DC welding performs a higher penetration into surface material for heavy-duty welding studs, while negative DC welding has a lighter penetration but greater deposition for effective welds on thin sheet metal.

 

AC Polarities in Stud Welding

 

AC polarities have a balanced transition between positive and negative direct currents throughout the application. Because of this, AC welding is beneficial over DC if you need lower penetration and an overall different type of weld. AC welding is a secondary option if the location of the worksite only offers that type of current, but it is also used in specialized welding processes such as welding magnetized materials. In addition, AC welding is used heavily in ship building, repairs, and other projects that need rapid, easily portable welding tools. However, AC welding often has a great splatter and is a messier weld than DC stud welding.

 

Learn More from Northland Fastening Systems

If you are using stud welding of any kind on your worksite, Northland Fastening Systems can help you determine whether AC or DC welding is a better option. For more information about polarities  or to find a comprehensive selection of equipment, contact us at (651) 730-7770. You can also request a quote online to get started with our team of expert technicians today.

The Use of Ceramic Ferrules in Drawn Arc Stud Welding

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Stud welding is a widely used manufacturing operation for connecting various components, support structures, assemblies, and composite construction. While there are many applications for various types of stud welding, drawn arc stud welding in particular is used for heavy-duty construction using studs with dimensions typically larger than ¼”. Drawn arc welding studs also utilize a ceramic ferrule in the bonding process. This ferrule helps create a bond that is stronger than both the welding stud and the material being welded to. When you work with Northland Fastening Systems for all your drawn arc stud welding projects, you have access to all the high-quality studs, welding tools, and accessories you need.

 

Working with a ceramic ferrule to establish strong bonds using the drawn arc stud welding process requires specific tools and practices including a drawn arc gun and calibrated unit, drawn arc studs, ceramic ferrule sized correctly, and an adequate power source.

 

How it works: The ceramic ferrule works to surround and contain the welding stud during the weld. As the drawn arc current heats the tip of the stud and the metal becomes molten, the ring-shaped ferrule keeps the metal from spreading into a messy weld. The ceramic ferrule also protects the weld from exposure to oxygen in the air. Oxygen exposure can lead to porous or weakened welds. Additionally, the ferrule creates a protective barrier reducing UV exposure. Once the weld is complete, the ferrule is chipped away leaving a clean, perfectly formed weld.

 

Ceramic ferrules are required for drawn arc stud welding because the process is a longer weld time than other welds, the welding studs are typically thicker in diameter, and the weld will be required to hold greater weights than other welding formats.

 

Short cycle welding uses inert shielding gas instead of ceramic ferrules, and CD stud welding uses a different process entirely that doesn’t have the risk of molten metal spread. Instead, CD welding uses an exact combination of pressure and current frequency to heat the metal stud and bond it to the surface material.

 

If you’re working with drawn arc stud welding operations on your job site, Northland Fastening Systems can provide all the studs, accessories, and welding tools for rent or purchase you might need from the start of your project to the finish.

 

To learn more about drawn arc stud welding and the use of ceramic ferrules, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770, and feel free to explore our selection of drawn arc welding studs or other items online or request a quote.