Category: CD Stud Welding

There are some industries where the idea of quality can be somewhat subjective. Their quality may be based on interpretation, revenue, or even client reaction. CD (capacitor discharge) stud welding and welding, in general, is, perhaps unsurprisingly, not one such industry. Quality welding isn’t just about appearance; it’s about stability, consistency, and safety. Professional welders worth their salt know that true quality in welding can be the difference between life and death. At Northland Fastening Systems (NFS), we encourage all welders to check their work for quality, and ensure that each layer of their welding is up to the top standards as much as possible.

CD Stud Welding Equipment

Good equipment is the absolute first step toward quality welding. NFS provides updated, accessible, and expertly tailored CD stud welding equipment to professionals looking for a reliable partner. Our team can help you choose among different new releases, repair well-used favorites, and start every welding job off right with a strong foundation.

Appropriate Materials

After you have the equipment you need, it’s time to get the accessories. Quality welding means using the most appropriate materials for the job. Without the right accessories, you may end up with defects like spatter, inconsistencies, and worse. Understanding how different materials will interact with each other is a vital part of the preparation process. If you’re ever unsure for any reason, our team can help you narrow down the options for your project.

Attention to Detail

Of course, the hallmark of any excellent weld is making a concerted effort to ensure everything is as it should be. This should theoretically be the simplest step, but in reality, it can be the hardest for many welders. This is partially true because, with time, CD stud welding may feel like second nature. But experience can never make up for intentionality. Quality welding always requires that extra second effort to ensure that the weld is clean and strong.

Even seasoned welders can benefit from practice and consultations with fellow professionals. For all of your equipment needs as well as professional welding consults, NFS is here to help. Welders committed to quality welding can get in touch with us at (651) 730-7770 or visit our website to find out more.

Capacitor discharge (CD) welding has been on the market for decades now, and is undeniably an industry staple. However, longevity isn’t enough to cement a welding technique into the annals of history. What makes CD stud welding so popular so many years after its debut? Northland Fastening System (NFS) provides the welding tools and accessories you need to keep the tradition of CD stud welding going, but we also encourage individuals new to professional welding to familiarize themselves with the benefits of this industry powerhouse.

Smaller Size and Easy Handling

CD stud welding is a low-voltage process that doesn’t need a lot of heavy tooling to make it work. In fact, it’s one of the more portable and easy-to-use welding techniques out there. But low voltage doesn’t mean “low power.” While welding might appear more niche than other professional welding techniques, it still gets the job done. All professional welding techniques require adequate training, but for new professional welders, CD stud welding is an excellent entry point.

CD Stud Welding Is Fast and Efficient

Along with being relatively simple and portable, welding is also fast— since the bond occurs so rapidly, it’s easy to complete a lot of welds on a short timeline. Whether you have a lot of welds to complete or a short timeline to work with, welding can complete a bond in an instant and have you moving on to your next project.

Well Suited for Thin and Delicate Materials

That low voltage and size also comes with the benefit of not overloading thin materials. Whereas more intense professional welding methods can warp, distort, or bend thin surfaces,  welding is the perfect solution for less hardy base compositions.

Sometimes a welding method stays in an industry simply because it’s been around, but we keep CD welding around because it works. Everything you need for the tried-and-true CD stud welding option is available at NFS. If you need accessories, power supplies, or any other materials to support your professional welding needs, call (651) 730-7770 or visit our website here today.

As a fastening system, stud welding has a versatile range of applications across industries. Not only can larger diameter studs be used in heavy-duty construction, such as the building of infrastructure and skyscrapers, smaller welding pins are important in the role of food safe equipment and insulation. In many regards, the application of stud welding is endless. Compared to other techniques like riveting and bolting, stud welding also has many benefits. However, these weld connection points are only as good as the knowledge and skill of the technicians performing them. If a weld is calibrated incorrectly or positioned at the wrong angle, a connection point can become brittle, too cold for full fusion, or result in unsightly splatter of molten metal. If you’re working with stud weld fastening systems for any application, you can find the tools, studs, and accessories you need with Northland Fastening Systems (NFS). NFS also provides repair services for most models, and we offer expert advice to help you achieve successful welds from drawn arc to CD stud welding.

CD Stud Welding

CD welding is a type of fastening system that typically uses smaller diameter studs. It’s used to install insulation, build electrical enclosures, construct food safe equipment, and even jewelry, signage, and other super small diameter pin fasteners.

Whenever you are installing CD studs and pins, several technical aspects should be taken into account to achieve a successful weld.

1. Time: In general, CD stud welding is a rapid operation. Welds can be completed as quickly as 0.01 seconds and on welding surfaces as thin as 0.020″ (0.5mm) This fast welding time is one of the many benefits stud fastening systems provide, but if the welding time is done too quickly or with too long of a hold, it can result in an incorrect weld. The time of the weld goes hand in hand with stud penetration.
2. Penetration: The longer or shorter the time of a weld, the deeper or shallower the penetration. If a weld is done too quickly, the weld penetration will be too shallow. A shallow weld often creates a brittle, easily cracked connection point. Welds that penetrate too deeply can spatter molten metal and provide an unattractive, potentially porous weld.
3. Temperature: Penetration also intersects with temperature. If a welding tool is calibrated to the wrong power supply, it can result in a weld that is either too hot or too cold. Welds that are too cold will also have inadequate penetration, while a weld that is too hot will result in over-penetration. Both cases are weaker, low-quality, fastening systems.

Summary

Like any other manufacturing operations, stud welding must fall into the correct technical parameters for success. To learn more about the CD stud welding supplies and other stud welding information, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

Different types of stud welding operations each have its own range of applications in a broad scope of industries. Not only has drawn arc stud welding been used for shipbuilding since the early 1900s, it’s also used today for automotive production, bridge and other infrastructure construction, multi-story buildings, construction equipment, and many other manufacturing industries. CD stud welding has its own wealth of uses, from food grade equipment fabrication to the installation of insulation materials. No matter what type of stud welding you’re working with, you can find the supplies and support you need with Northland Fastening Systems (NFS).  NFS provides a comprehensive selection of studs, welding tools for rent or purchase, welding accessories, and even repair services for most welding models. Our team of expert technicians also offers guidance and support for any of your welding questions.

CD Stud Welding Operations

While many drawn arc and CD stud welding operations are used in heavy-duty to mid-size construction, there are also valuable small-scale applications that use studs and pins with diameters under ¼” wide.

Uses of CD Stud Welding

Some of the most prevalently used small-scale CD welding solutions include insulation, name plates, and other labeling systems.

• Insulation pins: NFS offers 1″-long, 10-gauge diameter standard CD insulation weld pins made from mild steel. These pins are highly useful in quickly and effectively attaching insulation in a broad range of construction scenarios. Insulation for pipes, building interiors, HVAC ducts, industrial equipment, incinerators, and many other locations can be installed using CD welded insulation pins.
• Name plate studs: Another CD welding application is the installation of name plates with breakaway studs. These studs are tipped with small domed pins that break away from the part inserted into the weld gun. Name plates on equipment that show models, serial numbers, and many other specifications are almost exclusively installed with these welding studs. They are also used in installing small signs and even for decorative purposes.
• Tag welding: Not to be confused with TAG (Tungsten Active Gas) welding, tag welding is an effective labeling system for steel part inventories. Tags can be quickly installed on a bare steel part, such as beams, rebar, and billets, with a connecting CD stud. Tagging materials with CD studs can easily provide clear labels that won’t get lost or break off. The installation process takes seconds and is a cost-effective organization solution.

Summary

These three types of small-diameter CD stud welding are key to many production and construction operations. They offer a strong fastening system with quick, reliable operations. For more information about welding pins and studs, or any other supplies we stock, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770. You can also request a quote online to get started with us today.

Capacitor discharge (CD) stud welding has a broad range of applications from the installation of insulation with CD pins to the construction of electrical cabinets with larger diameter CD studs. CD stud welding and other types of stud welding are valued for the powerful connections they form; the quickness of each operation; and the clean, mark-free backside of welding surfaces. With power from a standard electrical outlet, an experienced welding technician can perform up to 20 CD welds per minute. When done correctly, those welds are more aesthetically pleasing than any other fastening system, and they are often stronger and longer lasting. For any diameter, material, or other specifications you need for CD weld studs, you can find what you’re looking for at Northland Fastening Systems (NFS). We provide a complete supply of CD studs, including pins and flanged or non-flanged studs with various lengths and thread sizes. Our CD studs are available in aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and brass with plating and annealing options.

 CD Weld Studs

When it comes to aluminum CD weld studs, we offer several alloy specifications that provide a flexible range of properties as well as custom stud options. Our main aluminum alloy studs include: 

●     1100 Series: Alloys in this series are commercially pure, containing a minimum of 99% aluminum. This makes these alloys also some of the most mechanically durable. 1100 alloys are highly conductive thermally and electrically, resistant to corrosion, and workable to form many parts. Other than aluminum, these alloys can contain 0.05-0.20% copper, 0.95% iron, 0.05% manganese, 0.95% silicon, and 0.1% zinc with additional residual materials up to 0.15%.  

●     5000 Series: This series of aluminum is typically alloyed with small percentages of manganese, copper, magnesium, chromium, zinc, iron, silicon, and zirconium. Aluminum content can range from around 94% to around 99%. Many of these alloys are considered universal for a broad range of applications, but several are specific to welding.  

●     6061 Material: In the 6000s series of aluminum alloys, 6061 is a precipitation-hardened material with magnesium and silicon as main alloying elements. The material has good weldability and contains about 96-98.5% aluminum with 0.80-1.2% magnesium and 0.40-0.80% silicon. The 6061 alloys have high tensile strength and mechanical properties.  

For all of our studs, including CD studs, special sizes are available by request. We have studs regularly available ¼“–2½“ long, and stud diameters [BL1] [JP2] [JP3] 2”-56“ and ⅜“-16“. Flange diameters are available between 0.125“ and 0.437“. If you are looking for aluminum CD studs or any studs in the additional materials we offer, you can request a quote online to get started with us today.

 For any other information about our CD weld studs or other supplies, repairs, and services, contact NFS today at (651) 730-7770.

Stud welding is used in the fabrication of many fixtures used in the industrial world, including electrical enclosures. Electrical enclosures are built to protect a variety of devices, circuit boards, switches, relays, motors, and controls. Because electrical enclosures are so prevalently used throughout industries as well as for commercial, residential, and municipal purposes, they are critical structures that have to hold up against many hazardous conditions. Even enclosures that remain indoors need to withstand potential contaminants that could compromise a delicate electrical system. The majority of effective electrical enclosures are built with CD stud welding operations due to the strong, clean, and rapid connection points the process provides. If you are fabricating electrical enclosures with stud welding systems, you can find all the supplies you need at Northland Fastening Systems. We offer a comprehensive supply of stud welding tools for rent or purchase, drawn arc and CD welding studs, welding accessories, and repair services for most models.

CD Stud Welding

Electrical enclosures built with CD stud welding offer several benefits to manufacturers. CD fastening operations are cost-effective and long-lasting, and CD welding connection points can be quickly installed with no marking on the reverse side.

Because there is such a broad range of assemblies that electrical enclosures protect and the locations of enclosures vary so much, they have to be able to face the many hazards they may be exposed to. Some of those hazards include:

Hazards Include

• Gas: Industrial worksites often have the potential for atmospheric gas exposure. Electrical enclosures on jobsites and other locations operating with chemical gases or vapors must be able to be fully sealed against those contaminants.
• Dust: Even indoors, dust can be a problem for electronics. Simple electrical enclosures are effective inside, but enclosures that are outside permanently need to be ruggedized to protect against all dust particle sizes.
• Moisture: In addition to dust, outdoor enclosures need protection from multiple sources of moisture, such as rain, snow, and humidity. Humidity can be a problem in any climate, even in more arid regions.
• Flame: While electrical enclosures aren’t generally meant to survive a building fire, industrial site enclosures are more prone to being exposed to flames. Because of the greater risk of minor flame exposure on worksites, enclosures need some extreme heat resistance.
• Temperature: Both extreme cold and heat can negatively affect electronics. To prevent damage in settings where excess heat or cold could be an issue, enclosures should have built-in insulation and seals.
• Physical stress: Electronics are also susceptible to damage from physical stresses like vibrations, falling objects, resonance, and more. Ruggedized electrical enclosures need specialty impact protection built on the interior and exterior.

Summary

There are many types of electrical enclosures built with CD stud welding that can withstand many types of potential damage. To learn more about our supplies and services, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

Early electrical capacitors date back as far as the mid-1700s. Those early rudimentary electrical charge storage systems developed over the next 250 years to the capacitors we use in many applications today. There are multiple variations of capacitors and supercapacitors used across contemporary industries that are highly advanced storage and release systems. Capacitor discharge technology is also utilized in stud welding applications for versatile, strong welds with thin base material. If you’re utilizing capacitor discharge (CD) stud welding systems, Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) has a comprehensive range of welding supplies, including tools for rent and purchase, studs in a range of dimensions with custom options available, welding accessories, and the technical support of our knowledgeable staff. There are many benefits that CD stud welding provides to manufacturers and technicians working with specific materials and small diameter studs.

CD Stud Welding

Not only does CD stud welding allow technicians to build with small diameter studs as, it’s also a manufacturing technique that allows work on thin-gauge welding surfaces without distortion. The ability to weld extremely small diameter studs onto thin surfaces without risking mark-through or structural distortion allows welders to install fasteners for a broad range of industries, including food-grade equipment and insulation. These processes help manufacturers build with integrity and meet specifications for unique products.

Dissimilar Metals

CD stud welding can also be used to fasten dissimilar metals like various steel grades, aluminum, copper, brass, and other alloys without compromising the strength of the weld surface or stud. This is because CD installation penetrates at shallow depths that don’t risk metallurgical issues.

With an ignition tip that is charged with the release of electrical current from a capacitor, CD tools generate a rapid weld with a clean, ideal cosmetic result. The process of CD stud welding done properly will have little-to-no burn marks, no marking on the backside of the weld surface, and a connection point even stronger than the stud itself.

Automated Production

When working with smaller diameter studs and thin welding surfaces, CD stud welding is also the most cost-effective for labor, materials, assembly, and energy in addition to being the most visually appealing. For components that can be installed in automated production lines, CD stud welding offers a rapid operation with precision on repeat.

High-Integrity Weld

CD stud welding creates such a high-integrity weld because of an exact calibration of heat and pressure. When the capacitor discharges its stored current and activates the ignition tip, the stud is heated and pressed into the weld surface at a specific pressure. The heat and pressure requirements depend on the diameter of the stud and the materials used. While contact CD stud welding is a more common process, some manufacturers will use gap welding tools. Gap welding is an effective operation when technicians who are working with aluminum and stainless steel require a completely mark-free back side.

To learn more about different CD stud welding operations, tools, and applications, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770. Or you can request a quote online to get started with us today.

The vast majority of industrial manufacturing processes are highly regulated and standardized in today’s technologically advanced world. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and many other regulators have established global guidelines that inform manufacturers, distributors, and customers of the quality of available goods and services. ISO approval registrations aren’t an industry requirement, but without a certificate appropriate to a company’s products, management systems, or practices, trusted customers and partners will be difficult to obtain. Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) follows ISO 9001 certificate regulations for the stud welding industry. As a provider of complete stud welding supplies, we understand the importance of quality parts, tools, and other products as well as standardized services. We offer stud welding supplies for drawn arc, short cycle, and CD welding, including tools for rent or purchase, a full variety of studs, and welding accessories. Our customers also benefit from tool repairs and servicing.

CD Welding

Whatever kind of welding operation you use, there are technical details and specifications that are critical to know and follow. For CD welding, in particular, technical details direct everything from the stud requirements to onsite welding conditions. Some basic CD specifications include:

Studs:

CD studs come in a variety of dimensions that are generally smaller than drawn arc welding studs. CD stud welding utilizes smaller dimension studs, pins, and other fasteners for quick, clean connections that will handle lighter shear loads than drawn arc welds, but meet requirements for food grade equipment, one-sided marking, and rapid operations. Studs come threaded internally or externally, and with partial to full thread specifications. Studs can also be flanged.

Materials:

CD stud welding does not require the use of ceramic ferrules, fluxes, or shielding gas. The weld is completed with an exact calibration of capacitor discharge generated heat and welding gun pressure. Studs are made from mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or brass. They can be plated with copper, nickel, zinc, or other materials for various applications. CD studs can also be annealed when required.

Automation:

Because the process doesn’t need to use shielding gas or ferrules and because CD stud welding is a rapid, clean operation that results in a strong weld, it’s ideal for automation. CD studs can be loaded quickly and easily into auto feed systems and equipment controlled robotically through CNC software programs. They can also be loaded into a handheld auto feed gun.

Welding conditions:

CD stud welding requires relatively exact conditions for the successful installation of connectors. The tool, power supply, and other equipment need to be capable of welding the diameter, length, and material of your studs. The weld surface should be clean, free from lubricants or dust, and without imperfections like excessive roughness. The tip size, stud diameter, and angle of the tool must also be applied correctly for a good weld.

To learn more about the CD welding process and our selection of welding supplies, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

Electrical enclosures protect delicate circuitry, wiring, and other electronics susceptible to moisture, dust, and many other contaminants. For industries where electrical enclosures need to be installed in areas that are exposed to damaging elements, stud welding is a critical operation that allows manufacturers to build clean, secure systems that eliminate the risk of many contaminants. With stud welding, fabricators can build quickly and efficiently, installing threaded studs, bar anchors, shear connectors, and many other stud formats. Stud connection points are stronger than the stud or surface material, ensuring little risk of a stress failure. If you’re using stud welding in any project, Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) has the tools and supplies you need. We provide a complete selection of tools for rent or purchase, studs in various dimensions, custom stud options, and full welding accessories for drawn arc, short cycle, and CD stud welding.

CD stud welding, in particular, is an important operation for the fabrication of electrical enclosures. Because CD stud welding creates secure, powerful connections with small diameter studs, CD operations are ideal for many types of electrical enclosures. These welding operations also leave no marks on the back of a weld surface, no matter how thin the surface is. This means CD studs can be hidden in the fabrication of clean builds.

Levels of Enclosures

Electrical enclosures meet varying levels of protection, from a simple box installed indoors to rugged casings that keep out heavy contaminants. These levels of protection are based on the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards.

1.  First-level enclosures are used indoors to protect people in the vicinity from exposure to hazardous components. These enclosures are simple boxes, such as a household switch box, that encase building circuit switches and keep out a low level of dust and other solid contaminants.
2. Second-level enclosures can be used either indoors or outdoors to provide protective cases for nearby people; and they keep out low levels of dirt, windblown solid objects, and some degree of water from rain, snow, and ice. These enclosures also protect electronics from ice formation on the exterior of the case.
3. Third-level enclosures are typically used outdoors to protect nearby people and keep out elements of weather—such as dust, ice on the casing, and corrosion—to a greater degree than second-level boxes. They are not required to be dust-tight or have ventilation systems.
4. Fourth-level enclosures have the same protective features as third-level casings but to a greater degree, and they are required to be dust- and water-tight. These enclosures can be used in areas where they will be exposed to full water spray for short periods of time, such as in food processing equipment that is washed down and sanitized regularly.
5. Fifth-level enclosures are fully sealed against water, dust, and other contaminants. They protect nearby people from hazardous parts, and they generally include some form of ventilation system.

CD stud welding is often used in manufacturing all types of electrical enclosures. To learn more about our CD stud welding supplies and more, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

From residential buildings to skyscrapers, there are varying methods used to construct the skeleton and other foundational components of different building types. Homes and other residential buildings are typically built with lumber skeletons, while skyscrapers and other multi-level commercial buildings require steel beam structures. One common fabrication operation used in virtually almost any building type is stud welding. Stud welding is a versatile construction tool that plays a role in a broad range of building processes. For example, stud welding with shear connectors can allow workers to build composite constructions with concrete and steel. Stud welding can also connect steel beams, create foundations, and much more. If you’re using stud welding in building construction, Northland Fastening Systems has the tools, studs, and accessories you need for drawn arc, short cycle, or CD stud welding.

CD Stud Welding

In any type of building construction, CD stud welding is commonly used to install different types of insulation. Insulation helps conserve energy when heating or cooling indoor spaces, protects areas where fire is a potential issue, lowers interior noise pollution, and more. The following are just a few of the many different types of insulation used today in building construction.

Thermal:

Thermal insulation or weatherizing insulation is the most prevalent type of insulation material used in all types of buildings. These types of insulation are almost always required in residential and commercial buildings in order for them to meet municipal and state construction standards. Industrial buildings may not require thermal insulation, but it’s often in the best interest of a company to include insulation for energy costs, climate-control, and equipment protection. Thermal insulation such as batting and blanket fiber sheets, foam, fiberglass, and more are installed with CD weld pins and other stud insulation fasteners.

Acoustic:

For many indoor spaces, acoustic insulation reduces background noise, exterior noise pollution, and prevents sound travel between rooms. Acoustic insulation is used between apartments, offices, condominiums, and other spaces that are in multi-tenant buildings. Noise insulation is also a key component in buildings used in the entertainment industry, manufacturing industries when sonic diagnostics are necessary, and even in hospital buildings and treatment centers to protect patients. Acoustic insulation sheeting and other formats are installed with CD welding tools and studs.

Fire:

Heat-resistant panels, flame retardant sheeting, and many other types of fire insulation are a necessary installment in most buildings for safety purposes. Fire insulation is used in boiler rooms, electrical hubs, roofing, and many industrial applications. Mineral wool, radiant barriers, ceramic fiber, duct wrap, thermal batting, and other kinds of soft fire insulation are installed with CD pins. Electrical enclosures and other metal sheet flame barriers and fire-resistant panels are built with stud welding as well.

If you’re installing insulation of any kind, NFS can provide the necessary drawn arc, short cycle, or CD stud welding supplies. Contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770, or request a quote online to learn more.