Category: Stud Welding Supplies

Since the beginning of the 20th century, stud welding began to be used more prevalently throughout industries beyond its original applications in shipbuilding. The several wars that the United States and much of the rest of the world faced also played a large role in the expanded use of strong, fast connecting systems like stud welding in manufacturing. Today, stud welding is used in most industries, from automotive to food grade equipment. However, many changes in the way people build are causing stud welding to develop once more to keep up with sustainability and energy-efficient designs. Over the last 10 years, engineers and fabricators have worked to improve the functioning lifespan, weight, and other properties of welded studs. If you are a manufacturer working with drawn arc, capacitor discharge (CD), or short cycle stud welding operations, you can find the high-quality supplies you need at Northland Fastening Systems (NFS). We provide a complete range of stud welding products, including tools for rent or purchase, studs, welding accessories, and our own welding technicians expert advice.

Stud Welding Products

Modern stud welding products already offer some of the most efficient systems for installing quick, powerful connection points and fastening technology. However, fabricators and manufacturing companies are still working to increase the range of those capabilities.

Setting Standards

Two major industries are setting sustainability and cost-saving guidelines for the rest of those who use stud welding on a large or heavy-duty scale. Power plants and shipbuilders have both researched and found ways to improve their use of studs with less waste and for longer use.

Power plants:

Most power plants use studs installed in operating furnaces to act as heat transfers into boiler tubes. These studs are typically made of 430 stainless steel with a refractory coating, and they have to be fully replaced about once a year. The replacement of these studs requires a large factory shutdown, which is both expensive and time-consuming. Some newer kinds of studs made from an iron and aluminum alloy have shown to last three to four times longer than 430 stainless steel studs. This new stud technology runs colder than older studs, transfers heat better, and forms anticorrosive aluminum oxide when exposed to furnace temperatures of 1,600-1,800ºF.

Shipbuilders:

Shipbuilders, especially those manufacturing naval vessels, have also found a way to eliminate cost and improve sustainable designs. A study released in 2012 showed that newer studs welding equipment with lower energy consumption during idle (between welds) could reduce shipbuilding costs on large vessels by $0.128 to $0.154 per stud. For shipyards that build destroyers and other navy warships, that could mean a reduction in cost of $589,000 to $708,000 in energy alone.

Newer technology across industries using stud welding products will only continue to prove how much more efficient and sustainable they can be. To learn more about the newest stud welding machines and the other products we offer, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

Northland Fastening Systems provides a complete supply of stud welding equipment to the construction and industrial markets, including tools for rent or purchase, studs in a wide range of dimensions, custom stud options, welding accessories, maintenance and repairs, and the expert advice of our own welding technicians.

Stud Welding Equipment

To provide some technical support and highlight tools and operations, we produce a variety of stud welding equipment media content. This includes the following videos that can be found on the NFS YouTube channel:

Stud gun check:

This video demonstrates checking a standard type of welding gun to determine if cleaning or other services are required. If you do require tool maintenance, take advantage of our services for most stud welding gun models.

Studs welded on top of each other:

This video showcases shooting 3/4” x 6 and 3/16” studs onto a weld surface and then welding an additional stud directly on top of the first, both using drawn arc welding systems.

CD stud welding quality:

This video shows the inspection of a CD welding unit, cable set, and weld results for quality control. Visual and mechanical diagnostics are done to show the strength of the weld.

CDi 502 demo:

This video demonstrates using a CDi welding unit, including covering the strength, pressure, sizing, time, release, and cost.

KARE11 commercial:

In 2019, NFS was featured in a North American Banking Company commercial. The commercial highlights NFS as a family-owned, long-standing business offering services and supplies to a global industry.

Automation stud welding:

This video demonstrates the versatility of the automation tool QUICK BOY and the rapid operations it allows.

NFS Stud Welding Automation:

This stylized video shows the power and speed our automated systems can provide on a production line.

HBS Visar 650 with 150’ of cable:

This video shows that the HBS VISAR 650 can be used effectively with cable lengths upwards of 150 feet on a fabrication site.

HBS VISAR 650 highlight:

This video further demonstrates the specifications, features, and operation of the VISAR 650 drawn arc welding unit.

Headed anchor stud welding:

This video shows an example of how headed bar anchors can be attached quickly with strong results.

Automated CD stud welding:

• This video demonstrates the speed and precision of an automated CD machine with a VBZ-3 stud feeder.

Stud welding nameplate studs:

This video shows an example of a break-off nameplate stud and how those specialty studs are attached easily and quickly with CD welders.

Weld thru–deck stud welding:

This video shows an operator performing thru-decking fastening of studs with a drawn arc tool.

NFS CD stud welding:

This video demonstrates CD stud welding with a chuck and collet system using an HBS CDi 1502 unit.

For more information about the content shown in these videos, our team, or about our stud welding equipment, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770, or request a quote online to get started with us today.

Industrial standards for manufacturing operations, equipment, facilities, worker safety, materials used, and all other aspects of large-scale production work have developed over time since the turn of the 19th century. Today, industrial standards are highly regulated with hundreds of different certifications, licenses, and requirements that manufacturers and processors can meet to exhibit the quality of their products and the reliability of their practices. In the stud welding industry, many resources help companies receive certifications and follow the best standards available internationally. As a comprehensive supplier of stud welding supplies, Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) follows international standards, including the ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management systems.

ISO 9001:2015

ISO 9001:2015 standards require an industrial facility to demonstrate its ability to consistently offer services and products that meet its customers’ needs and improve customer satisfaction while adhering to applicable regulations and requirements. This is a generic ISO standard, but there are thousands of other ISO certifications, including ones that apply to the welding industry and stud welding supplies.

For stud welding, including drawn arc, capacitor discharge (CD), and short cycle operations, one international standard that gets into specifics is ISO 13918:2017.

ISO 13918:2017

This ISO standard applies to the use of studs and ceramic ferrules in drawn arc welding. It can be used to cover standards for other metalworking industries, but it’s most useful for arc stud welding processes. ISO 13918 covers requirements for using stud types and ferrules, including dimensions, mechanical properties, and materials used.

Details apply to fully-threaded, partially-threaded, and virtually-threaded studs as well as threaded studs with flanges, studs with internal threads, and threaded studs with reduced shafts. Regulations also cover shear connectors and insulation pins.

Ceramic Ferrules

In addition, these standards cover the use of ceramic ferrules that contain molten metal at the connection point. Because ferrules need to be removed easily after the weld is performed, they need to follow strict rules for size, materials, and fabrication process.

ISO standards like 9001 and 13918 provide important guidelines for everyone in the stud welding industry. By following internationally accepted industry standards, companies are able to provide better services and products to their customers; operators can perform safer, long-lasting welds; and parts manufacturers can fabricate tools, studs, and welding accessories in universal formats.

To learn more about our services and full selection of stud welding supplies for drawn arc, CD, and short cycle operations, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770. You can also request a quote online to get started with us today.

If you’re working with stud welding operations on your job site or production floor, you can find all the tools, studs, accessories, and expertise you need at Northland Fastening Systems (NFS). Not only do we offer a complete supply of studs for drawn arc, short cycle, and capacitor discharge (CD) welding, and stud welding accessories, but we also work with customers who need custom stud dimensions. Our team of skilled technicians can work with you to determine your exact needs, including the purchase or rental of stud welding equipment and tools.

NFS supplies stud welding tools that fit a variety of operator needs. We have available, for rent or purchase, portable, lightweight welders that are ideal for moving to different locations on a job site; heavy-duty handheld welding guns for installing shear connectors in a composite build; fully automated systems that can be integrated easily into existing facilities; and everything else in between.

Stud Welding Equipment

There are benefits to both renting and owning stud welding equipment, depending on your priorities and situation. If you’re looking to get started in stud welding but aren’t sure whether renting or owning equipment is a better fit, consider the following benefits of each.

Renting Benefits

• By renting stud welding equipment, you avoid the majority of maintenance and repair expenses.
• You can also avoid downtime if unexpected and expensive repairs are needed.
• Rented tools are easier access and cheaper options for short-term projects or one-time jobs.
• You can pick and choose from a variety of newest and specialty models.
• You don’t have to commit to one tool that might be perfect for one job and slightly imperfect for another.
• Extra studs, accessories, ferrules, and other components are supplied with rental tools in case one breaks.
• You can become a more versatile welder if you have the opportunity to work with multiple brands, welder types, and processes by renting tools.

Owning Benefits

• By owning a stud welding equipment, you can perform your own maintenance, so you’ll always know what to expect.
• Tools are conveniently at hand.
• For long-term jobs or if you are a stud welder by trade, owning your own tools is by far the cheaper option than renting.
• You get to know your tool very well and can improve your precision with practice.
• You learn how to repair your own tool.
• Owning your own tools improves your professional image.
• The better you learn your tool, the faster you can work, which saves you money, time, and physical fatigue.

When you get your tools from NFS, you’ll get the continued support, repair service, and advice of our technicians no matter whether you rented or purchased equipment. To learn more about our supply of stud welding equipment, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770. Request a quote online to get started with us today.

When used correctly, stud welding is a highly efficient, powerful, and flexible operation in any application. From handheld, portable welders for operating on multiple job sites to fully automated production welders integrated into a facility, stud welding creates long-lasting connection points in many conditions, and it’s a critical component in most steel and concrete composite constructions. At Northland Fastening Systems (NFS), we support all kinds of drawn arc, short cycle, and capacitor discharge stud welding operations with a complete range of supplies. Not only do we provide welding studs in a broad range of dimensions with custom sizing options available, we also have tools for rent or purchase, and a variety of welding accessories. In addition to a quality selection of portable and handheld welding tools, we also provide effective solutions for automated production stud welding machines.

Production Welders

Production welders are computer numerical control (CNC) automation systems that have a range of structures. Some welders have single-head, hand-loaded welders, while others are fully automated, multi-headed welding systems. Any automated stud welding machine can be integrated into a facility to streamline the production line, increase output, and improve precision.

Stud Welding Machine

If you’re ready to integrate new automated welding systems into your production floor, you can choose from several options, for example:

• PAH-1: This handheld stud welding gun is automatically fed studs for a rapid-fire range. The PAH-1 is best suited for contact, gap, or short cycle welding on thin sheets at least 0.5 mm in thickness. This lightweight gun is ergonomic and adjustable with convertible stud lengths. For fast, electronically-controlled welding on thin materials, this is an ideal automation choice.
• PC-S: The PC-S (Production Center Standard) performs all types of stud welding with manual or automatic stud feeding. Its handling systems are customized to your needs, and it has a short setup time. The PC-S is controlled with a microprocessor for extreme precision, and its protected work plate holds up to wear and tear. For versatility and accuracy, the PC-S is a great investment.
• CPW 0604: This CNC production welder uses tip ignition, drawn arc, and short cycle welding systems and shielding gas modules for a broad range of fully automated applications. It saves costs and time, and it’s one of our most user-friendly tools. The setup for CPW 0604 welding is quick and easy, and the work system’s precision has long-term reliability. For exact welding applications with shielding gas in a controlled environment, the CPW 0604 CNC tool is a quality selection.
• MPW 1010/2010: For full bench automation and CNC multi axis production, the MPW 1010/2010 is a high-powered, heavy-duty tool. In addition to most variants of stud welding, it also performs simple CNC milling. This bench tool is one of our most high-powered, fully automated systems with programmable sequences and control of all welding details.

To learn more about our other options for an automated stud welding machine, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

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.