Category: Stud Welding

Metal working and, in particular, constructing tools and equipment with metals is a practice dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. The Bronze Age began in about 3300 BCE and led into the Iron Age around 1200 BCE. Over thousands of years, our understanding of metals and the application of different metal objects expanded greatly. Even in the last 50 years, scientific research and development of high-performance metal alloys has advanced significantly, including improvements to sheet metal. Today, many industries are reliant on sheet metal for the fabrication of countless tools and equipment. Some of our largest global industries completely rely on the production of high-quality, specialized sheet metals for manufacturing. For example, the automotive, aerospace, railroad, oil, electronics, food, medical, computer, military, agricultural, and construction industries would be unable to operate without access to sheet metals. Within the majority of those industries, construction welding is used to apply studs and build with sheet metals for strong, clean fastening systems. At Northland Fastening Systems (NFS), one of the main industries we supply with studs, tools, accessories, and other equipment is the sheet metal welding industry.

Studs Attached With Construction Welding

Structural steel building with sheet metals includes several steps on the production line, including cutting, bending, assembling, and more. Stud welding fasteners are an important part of the fabrication process. Studs attached with construction welding have a strong bond to sheet metal surfaces; they offer a clean, mark-free finish, and they are an affordable, efficient fastener option.

Grades of Sheet Metal

Stud welding can be used in all kinds of applications with any grade of sheet metal. While there are many kinds of sheet metals available today three main categories of all sheeting still remain: commercial, industrial, and structural.

1. Commercial metal sheeting is used to build a wide range of products marketed to individual consumers and businesses. Common examples of products made with commercial metal sheeting include appliances, electronics, and cars. Commercial metal sheeting is so prevalent across industries that almost every household and business will use a product made with stud welding sheeting daily.
2. Industrial metal sheeting is used to manufacture parts that can be integrated into other products down the line. Manufacturers are the main purchasers of industrial sheeting, and they typically use that material to make parts for tools like bandsaws, drill presses, hydraulic systems, and more.
3. Structural steel sheeting is used in the construction welding industry. Sheeting installed in buildings and infrastructure like skyscrapers, bridges, water towers, shops, factories, and even homes are all structural metals. Stud welding is used throughout many construction welding processes.

For more information on our supplies and how we support sheet metal fabrication industries, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

Stud welding is one of the most valuable operations as a fastening system for the manufacturing and industrial world. Various types of stud welding have hundreds of applications, from large-scale infrastructure to tiny insulation pins. The stud welding process is versatile, quick, and when performed correctly, provides a powerful connection point with greater benefits than other fastening systems. Stud welding operations began in the early 1900s in the shipbuilding industry, but since then, have spread to many other applications and sectors of industry. No matter what you’re utilizing stud welding for, Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) can help you get the job done with our comprehensive selection of tools, studs, and other supplies. We provide tools for rent or purchase, studs in a broad range of dimensions with custom options available, stud welding accessories, repairs of most tool models, and the expert support of our own welding technicians.

Stud Welding Process

The three types of stud welding—drawn arc, capacitor discharge (CD), and short cycle— each has its own range of applications throughout different industries. Drawn arc welding is typically used in “heavy duty” applications like shear connectors in composite construction and headed anchor studs in concrete embedments. CD and short cycle welding are often used for rapid, lightweight connection points with smaller diameter studs and pins, such as the installment of insulation.

Three Types of the Stud Welding Process

All three types of stud welding have important uses that fall into the great range of stud welding applications, including the following.

Construction:

Composite construction with concrete and steel, beams, sewage and plumbing system pipes, roads, bridges, and many other applications use stud welding as a fastening system. Strength, flexibility, and other properties of studs make these construction techniques possible.

Automotive:

Stud welding is highly prevalent throughout the automotive industry. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles rely on the precision and strength of welding studs for fastening sheet metals, exhaust systems, heat shields, insulation, power steering, electrical wiring, and more.

Food:

In the restaurant, catering, food processing, packaging, and even home kitchen appliance industries, stud welding is a critical tool for building food-safe equipment. Hygiene and sanitation are the most important features of food production equipment, and stud welding allows systems to be built with the least risk of contamination.

Shipbuilding:

Stud welding is still important in its root industry. Stud application was largely relied on for building naval and freight ships during wartime throughout the 20th century, but today stud welding is used on all kinds of vessels, from battleships and submarines to small motor boats and yachts.

There are many other industries that utilize stud welding operations. Manufacturers fabricating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; furniture; agricultural equipment; electronics; signs; and even decorative items all use various forms of stud welding.

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

 

 

As the construction industry starts to implement more environmentally friendly, sustainable systems with longer lasting, high-quality materials, all new buildings are becoming some of the greenest we’ve ever seen. Even large industrial complexes and city centers are built with low-impact carbon emissions and sustainable energy in mind. While these new constructions are better than ever in terms of how they affect the earth, there are still many older buildings in use that could be improved with more sustainable retrofits and modernization. Around 50% of commercial buildings in the United States alone were built more than 50 years ago. There are many ways these older buildings can be improved for a lower carbon footprint by adjusting the existing structure without necessarily changing the historical significance. At Northland Fastening Systems (NFS), we know that stud welding and construction welding, in general, can be a large part of that retrofitting process.

Composite Construction Welding

There are many steps in the building process that rely on stud welding operations for quality construction. Stud welding is used in composite construction for attaching beams, girders, and other skeleton components to other important materials like concrete. It’s also used to fasten insulation sheeting to enclosed walls, build scaffolding needed in the construction process, create protected electrical systems, and more.

Construction Welding

The process of modernizing older buildings for sustainability with the use of construction welding takes several steps. Some of the most important steps include updating the following building components:

Electrical:

How a building generates electricity can affect how much energy is utilized on a daily basis. Retrofitting an electrical system can seriously change how energy is spent. Better power blueprints, longer lasting lighting, energy storage, and more can improve building sustainability. Electrical enclosures in buildings are almost exclusively built with capacity discharge (CD) stud welding operations.

Insultation:

CD stud welding is also used to install insulation pins quickly and effectively. Most older buildings have poorly installed, outdated insulation that doesn’t hold up to modern building conditioning. With the installation of better insulation sheeting throughout an older building, energy spent on maintaining well-conditioned indoor temperatures will drop almost immediately.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC):

Another part of conditioning an older building that could be updated for better sustainability is the HVAC system, which can be a huge energy cost, especially for larger buildings that are not well designed or insulated with eco-conscious goals. If older buildings receive better HVAC systems (often installed with stud welding) with new motors, cooling agents, boilers, and filters, then emissions are greatly reduced in that area and the air quality will also likely improve.

Other adjustments can be made to the building’s main structure, roof, and even foundation for better sustainability, but the three areas discussed are the quickest and least invasive retrofit options for old buildings. To learn more about how stud welding and construction welding is involved in this process, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

Within the stud welding world, technicians can utilize several different types of operations, depending on materials and other specifications. While stud welding is one of the older branches of electrical welding, dating back as far as the early 1900s in the shipbuilding industry, the operations and technology have developed greatly beyond their original purposes. Today, welders can use drawn arc, capacitor discharge (CD), and short-cycle welding for anything from composite construction to electrical enclosures. The supplies required for stud welding can be equally wide-ranging in dimensions, materials, and function. No matter what kind of stud welding process you’re using or how big or small your project, Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) provides a comprehensive range of tools for rent or purchase, studs, welding accessories, repairs, and technical guidance.

Stud Welding Process

The short-cycle stud welding process can sometimes be considered a combination of drawn arc operations and CD studs. While this is partially true, short-cycle welding as a complete operation is much more complex and multifaceted than simply that.

Short-cycle Operation

The welding sequence of a short-cycle operation follows the same pattern as drawn arc welding, but it uses higher currents and shorter welding times (about 10-100 milliseconds). Overall, short-cycle welding is also best suited for installing studs with no greater than ½″ diameters on thin metal sheets. Most welding technicians will use shielding gas to improve the weld result of a short cycle process.

Useful for Installing Studs

Compared to drawn arc or CD operations, short-cycle welding is useful for installing studs that are not in a vertical position. Due to the quick weld time, molten metal at the weld point doesn’t have time for gravity to create drips and runs. With the fast weld, technicians don’t need to use ceramic ferrules, and in controlled environments they may even be able to eliminate shielding gas requirements.

Dimensions best suited to a short-cycle weld operation range from 1.7mm to 2mm for welding surfaces and thinnest CD studs to ½″ drawn arc studs. Three phase power supplies of 415 volts are recommended. Keep in mind how extension cables may affect your power.

Short-cycle welding can have risks of porous connection points if not performed correctly and with the right stud dimensions and welding surface materials. When done correctly, short-cycle stud welding has lower equipment costs, can be done with greater tolerances, and can even be worked into automated systems. For the right application, short-cycle welding is a convenient process that requires fewer accessories and additional tools than CD or drawn arc operations.

To learn more about the benefits of any stud welding process or for our supplies, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770. You can also request a quote online to get started with us today.

Industries are always changing as new technology develops and becomes commonplace. As new equipment and practices come into any industry, regulations and standards come with them, and manufacturers adapt to meet these requirements. In the stud welding industry, we use very different models and systems today than the formats that were used in the early 1900s for shipbuilding. The first stud welding operations were essentially manual stick welding or resistance welding, used for composite construction on navy vessels and other large ships. Today, stud welders have several operations at their disposal, including drawn arc, capacitor discharge (CD), and short cycle fastening systems. No matter what kind of modern stud welding you use, you can find the supplies, repairs, and advice you need at Northland Fastening Systems. NFS provides a complete range of supplies, from tools to accessories and everything in between.

Global Industrial World

The global industrial world has gone through several significant changes in the form of three major eras. The most significant early changes began with the First Industrial Revolution, from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s. This marked the change from handmade products to fabrication with steam and water-powered machines.

Second Industrial Revolution

The Second Industrial Revolution spanned the turn of the century, from around 1870 to 1915. This marked a time of economic growth, the development of larger railroad systems, and the modern production line.

Third Industrial Revolution

The Third Industrial Revolution began towards the end of the 1900s as digital technology, computers, and the internet changed the manufacturing landscape. This revolution led to today’s current status as the time of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0.

What is Industry 4.0?

The foundation of Industry 4.0 is the increased use of artificial intelligence, smart automation, data sharing, and interconnectivity. The internet and cloud systems allow for direct, in-depth data sharing between every production stage, engineers, customers, and third parties. This creates an immersive manufacturing environment that borders on augmented reality, guided through extensive technical assistance. Industry 4.0 gives all levels of manufacturing greater intelligence, the ability to make decentralized decisions, and data transparency.

What does automated stud welding mean for the industry?

Although Industry 4.0 has been slower to affect the stud welding industry and fastening systems in general, there are still new technologies, operations, and capabilities entering the field. Automation has been growing rapidly, material sourcing is improving constantly, and production speeds are at an all-time high. Innovative applications of stud welding are also growing, especially in the fields of design and infrastructure. Most importantly, safety standards, sustainable policies, and economic responsibility have shifted the paradigm of the industrial world, including for stud welding. Industry 4.0 is moving stud welding towards better data, less waste, and smarter tools.

To learn more about the high-quality fastening systems supplies we provide, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online today.

Stud welding is used extensively throughout the construction industry for residential and commercial buildings, industrial facilities, infrastructure, and more. The widespread use of stud welding in construction is largely due to the powerful fastening and composite building capabilities that different operations provide. With shear connectors, builders can secure concrete onto steel beams; bar anchors allow connections between bearing plates and concrete; and many other studs are key in structural steel welding processes. If you’re using stud welding operations in your construction projects, Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) has the tools, supplies, and expertise you need. We provide a complete selection of drawn arc and CD welding studs, welding tools for rent or purchase, welding accessories, and the advice of our own welding technicians. We also provide repairs and services for many standard stud welding tool models.

Structural Steel Welding

Within the structural steel welding industry, one of the most valuable operations is thru-deck welding. Thru-deck welding allows builders to attach various sizes, thicknesses, and materials of steel decking to beams and other building components. Decking materials are used in several kinds of building construction for its strength, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Thru-Deck Studs

When welding thru-deck studs, the following steps should be taken into account.

• Make sure you are using the right tools for the job, including thru-deck studs, a drawn arc welding unit calibrated correctly, the best power supply suited to the task, and thru-deck welding ferrules. Thru-deck welding ferrules have wider gaps between teeth than other ferrules. These gaps allow more oxygen to reach the weld, creating better stud penetration through the deck to the underlying beam.
• Attach the decking as securely to the beam as possible and use grounding correctly. Grounding can be done with a welding ground C-clamp attached in a spot on the beam that has been ground down to bare metal.
• Check your power source(s). Thru-deck welding sites can be larger than others. This means you often need power extensions to reach far away welds. This can be done successfully, but keep in mind how cable length and wire size can impact power supply.
• Clean and dry the decking. For accurate thru-deck welding, sweep away dust and debris before each weld. If there are unavoidable wet conditions, the weld point should be dried with a blower or heat gun to remove moisture from in between the beam and the deck.
• Monitor temperatures. Thru-deck welding temperatures should be above 0ºF according to the American Welding Society (AWS) “Ambient and Base-Metal Temperature Requirements.”

Standardized Procceure

Thru-deck welding is a highly standardized procedure used today on many construction sites. However standardized, it still is a technical process that requires a deep understanding and well-manicured conditions.

To learn more about thru-deck structural steel welding, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770. You can also request a quote online to get started with us today.

In any industry, diagnostics, testing, and quality control are all critical parts of the fabrication process. In the stud welding industry, suppliers and manufacturers alike follow ISO 9001, ISO 13918, and many other regulations for testing in order to provide reliable, high-quality services, construction, and equipment. The stud welding process has several different operations, including drawn arc, capacitor discharge (CD), and short cycle welding. With each of these welding processes, welders should perform tests at the beginning of each job to ensure their tools are calibrated correctly, the right materials are used, and the surface is prepared sufficiently. Without these tests, operators could go on to finish a job with weak, brittle, or messy welds. Whether you’re working with handheld, portable units in the field or you operate a fully automated production line in a facility, you can find the supplies you need at Northland Fastening Systems (NFS). We offer a comprehensive range of studs, welding accessories, and tools for rent or purchase. We also provide a repair service for most models, and our own welding technicians are happy to give advice and guidance.

Stud Welding Process

While some tests in the stud welding process can vary from operation to operation, there are three standard tests that should be performed on at least 10 weld samples before a full project is begun. These tests include:

Bend test:

The bend test is a typical test that either confirms or denies the strength of the weld connection point. The stud is bent back and forth at opposing 30º-angles until the stud breaks or the connection point fails. If the stud fails first, the weld is correct. Another version of this test bends studs at a 90º-angle over a pin with four times the diameter of the stud. Studs that bend over the pin without the connection point failing are performed correctly. Fractures in the plate metal or the weld point are signs of a poorly performed weld.

Tension/tensile test:

Weld quality can also be measured for tensile strength. Tension or tensile tests are typically done on shear connectors and other stud systems that will face large amounts of tensile stress. In a tensile testing machine, force is applied to a stud until failure. If the stud fails at the tension point before the weld connection or welding surface shows damage, that weld is accurate.

Torque test:

With a torque test arrangement or torque testing device, welding points can also be measured for accuracy. While bend tests are destructive tests, causing the weld to fail, torque tests can be done without serious damage to the weld point. Torque tests use a torsion meter as defined stress is applied. If the deformation of the stud falls within acceptable ranges, the weld was performed correctly.

To learn more about testing in the stud welding process, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

 

Welding operations of all kinds are used across industries in many capacities, from forge welding to plastic welding. While there are four to seven main types of metal welding, depending on the application and industry, within those groups there are many more variations. In the category of stud welding, there are at least three main types of operations: drawn arc, capacitor discharge (CD), and short cycle. Stud welding is a highly valuable operation for many manufacturers because it provides several benefits in addition to the powerful connections it can form. Not only is stud welding used in multiple industries to connect studs for fastening systems and support structures; it’s also used in composite construction to attach concrete and steel or provide shear strength in infrastructure. No matter what industry you work in, you can find the supplies you need at Northland Fastening Systems. We provide a comprehensive range of studs, tools, accessories, and anything else needed for your stud welding process.

Fastening Systems

Drawn arc, short cycle, and CD stud welding each offer a unique solution for fastening systems. Short cycle and CD stud welding are generally used in automated or quick welds for smaller stud diameters or pins. These operations are ideal for clean, strong connection points. Drawn arc stud welding is used for larger diameter studs, bar anchors, and shear connectors.

Stud Welding Process

All of these operations are part of a stud welding process that can speed up your production line much better than any other fastening system. The main reasons why stud welding can increase manufacturing speeds include:

No secondary operations:

Stud welding can often be performed without grinding or polishing surfaces. Some stud welds can even be attached over paint and other surface treatments. There is no need to drill or tap holes or use rivets, bolts, nuts, or washers. This also eliminates the cost of secondary equipment needed to perform all of these operations.

Rapid weld time:

In many cases, welds can be performed up to 30 times a minute. In the most rapid cases on automated production lines, up to 1,800 studs can be installed per hour.

Single-person task:

Handheld stud welding tools and automated stud welding machines can often be operated successfully by just one worker. The equipment needed to stud weld is also typically lightweight, portable, and easy to operate when following manual directions.

Adaptable to many metals:

While the main materials used for studs and welding surfaces are different kinds of steel, most kinds of metal can be adapted to the stud welding process. Stud welders use metals of all kinds in various applications, including aluminum, mild and stainless steel, brass, copper, titanium, and even Inconel.

In addition to the speed benefits that stud welding provides, these operations also offer precision, uniformity, reliability, and a generally failsafe connection point. To learn more about the stud welding process and the supplies and services we provide, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online

Drawn arc stud welding operations are used extensively in the construction industry. Not only do drawn arc studs function as fastening systems for sheet metal fabrication, construction equipment manufacturing, and structural steel manufacturing, they are also used to build large-scale infrastructure with composite building. With drawn arc shear connectors, bar anchors, and other studs, manufacturers can build composite materials. Stud welding offers a rapid, clean operation that results in a connection stronger than the stud or the welding surface. At Northland Fastening Systems, we provide a complete selection of drawn arc welding tools, studs, and accessories. We also provide repairs and service for most welding tool models, and our expert welding technicians can give guidance and advice on any project. If you’re working with drawn arc structural steel welding, NFS is your one-stop-shop for supplies.

Structural Steel Welding

One of the most important uses of drawn arc operations for structural steel welding is the thru-deck installation process. Weld thru-decking (studs abbreviated WTD) fastens decking material to steel beams. Building with decking welded to beams is a common construction practice, used to fabricate components in many types of buildings, from homes to skyscrapers.

In order to accurately attach studs through decking to the beam underneath, specific welding procedures should be followed.

Surface Preparation

Both the surface of your decking material and the steel beams should be properly prepared for a weld. This means removing any paint, rust, mill scale, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. Galvanized surfaces on beams should have the galvanization removed at the weld point. Moisture from rain or humidity should be dried with a heat gun at the weld point. Additionally, if you are welding in cold weather, the weld point should be warmed to the touch but not overheated.

Grounding

Finally, the decking and beam should be properly grounded to prevent loss of welding current. Using C-clamps or welding grounds attached to a beam flange where the surface has been ground to bare metal will prevent poor weld connections due to inadequate current.

Weld Specifications

Thru-deck welding requires currents typically between 1,500 to 1,900 amps. Your welding unit manual will specify the exact power source requirements determined by stud dimensions, decking thickness, and materials. Keep in mind that extensions of cables and changes to wire size can impact the current and compromise a weld. If you must run a long cable, you may need to run parallel cables to generate enough power for the weld site.

 

Thru-deck welding requires a special ceramic ferrule with wider gaps between teeth. These gaps allow for a hotter weld that can successfully fuse the stud through the decking to the steel beam. Most thru-decking welds will take between 0.8 to 1.6 seconds to fuse, and studs will plunge approximately 1/4″ to 1/2” depending on their length and decking thickness.

If you would like more information about drawn arc structural steel welding with thru-decking or need to order supplies, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

Stud welding is a widespread manufacturing operation today thanks to the powerful, fast, versatile, and clean results it provides. The first uses of stud applications with drawn arc welding began in the shipbuilding industry. During WWI, the rapidly increasing demand for military and seaworthy ships gave rise to the development of better stud welding technology. Using stud weld operations to perform strong, water-tight connections, the US Navy and industrial marine fabricators could meet the need for war-worthy vessels. After WWI, stud welding continued to be used in building vessels for military, commercial, industrial, and consumer use. During WWII, stud welding was again relied upon for shipbuilding, but also expanded as a manufacturing operation to the fabrication of other vehicles, containers, electrical systems, and more. With advancements in electrical technology, material design and processing, and automated systems since the end of WWII, stud weld fastening systems can be used to install connection points as thin as a 10-gauge pin to as thick as a 1” diameter shear connector stud. Whether you’re working small or large, you can find all the supplies you need with Northland Fastening Systems. Not only do we offer tools, studs, and accessories; we also provide repairs and the expert advice of our own welding technicians.

Fastening Systems

Although stud fastening systems have spread to so many industries today, those operations are still used frequently in the shipbuilding industry to manufacture a broad range of vessels. In addition to freighters, large military ships, and commercial liners, stud welding is also used in the production of small boats.

The US Office of Marine & Aviation Operations classifies small boats into five categories by length, weight, and usage. Those categories include:

Class A:

Boats that are shorter than 16 feet long overall fall into the Class A category. This generally includes small motorboats, daysailers and other small sailboats, dinghies, transport boats, and small fishing vessels.

Class I:

Vessels between 16 and 26 feet long are considered Class I boats. This can include boats with small sleeping cockpits like short haul fishers, camping cruisers, small racers, park ranger vessels, and small speedboats.

Class II:

Similar to Class I, Class II vessels include slightly longer haul fishers, longer distance racing sailboats, multi-bed cockpit sailers, and other fast motorboats. Class II vessels are between 26 to 40 feet long, so small cruise ships, yachts, and science vessels can be rated within that range.

Class III:

Class III vessels are between 40 and 65 feet long, generally including larger fishing operations, tugboats, small industrial crafts, ferries and other transport, grander yachts, police and fire department cruisers, and historical ships.

Small Research Vessels:

These vessels may be larger than 65 feet in length, but no heavier than 300 gross tons. SRV are used in short-term research projects or in close vicinity to labs and testing centers.

In today’s world, many small vessels and ships are manufactured with stud fastening systems. To learn more, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770, or request a quote online today.