Category: Stud Welding

Stud welding is a relatively simple manufacturing operation used to attach pins, studs, bar anchors, shear connectors, insulator caps, and many other kinds of fastening systems. It can be used in lightweight applications like the mark-free connectors in electrical enclosures, and in heavier-duty building, like composite constructions for road and railway bridges. For manufacturers utilizing studs in their production process, Northland Fastening Systems offers a comprehensive range of supplies and tools for short cycle, capacitor discharge (CD), and drawn arc stud welding operations. We supply studs in a complete range of dimensions with custom options available, and we provide tools for rent or purchase. For any of the three main stud fastening systems, NFS technicians have the expertise to advise and supply all kinds of customers.

The three main types of stud fastening systems are short cycle, drawn arc, and capacitor discharge.

1. Drawn arc: With drawn arc welding, the use of a ceramic ferrule to contain the molten metals at the tip of the stud and a flux that regulates specific heat point are important. A triggered gun lifts the stud to an exact height while an arc is generated between the base of the stud and the welding surface. Both are melted and the gun presses the stud tip into the pool on the surface material. This welding operation is used in applications with wide-diameter studs in large-scale construction.
2. Capacitor discharge: In this process, capacitors on a weld tool are charged to a specific setting. The triggered gun tip discharges that stored electricity and generates heat at the ignition tip on the stud. The heated stud and welding surface are melted and pressured together to create a fusion. CD stud welding is best for smaller stud dimensions that won’t require serious load bearing. It’s an important operation for clean, rapid stud attachment in many applications.
3. Short cycle: This welding operation is similar to drawn arc stud attachment. However, short cycle welding is faster than drawn arc, finishing a weld in 20-30 milliseconds. The arc generation is almost the same process as drawn arc welding, but short cycle is better suited to smaller-diameter studs that are less than ½” in length. Short cycle welding is used often with thin sheet metal attachments in the automotive and other industrial operations. Like CD stud welding, short cycle leaves a mark-free finish on the back of the welding surface.

NFS is a long-time provider for many types of customers working in the stud welding industry. We partner with small machine shops, factories, and international manufacturers utilizing drawn arc, capacitor discharge, and short cycle welding operations in their production line.

If you’re in need of any tools, studs, accessories, or guidance in your stud welding processes, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 to get started with us today. Request a quote online to learn more about our stud weld fastening systems supplies.

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

DC

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

 

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

 

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

 

AC

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

At Northland Fastening Systems, our expert staff provides a comprehensive range of stud welding supplies to a variety of customers. Our clients range from single-person welding services to fully automated industrial facilities. We offer tools for rent or purchase, studs in a complete range of dimensions, welding accessories, and the skills and advice of our own technicians. All our supplies support quality stud welding practices, and NFS is dedicated to upholding the best industry standards proven globally. If you own a small welding company or are just starting out as a commercial welder, holding your work to these standards and utilizing high-quality tools can help you grow a profitable stud welding venture and gain a reputation as a reliable welder offering great results.

 

At NFS we love to see new companies growing and small businesses thriving. Our supplies help to support the growth of well-respected welding providers, but there are also a few things you can do to ensure positive growth and profit without compromising the quality of your services. For example:

 

• Work as a customer-focused provider. Understanding customer needs and communicating throughout the process of any project will help you gain client trust and positive word-of-mouth advertising. Customer-focused practices will result in more repeat clients and growth of your customer base through referral.
• Work as an employee-focused company. The most successful welding providers adopt both customer- and employee-focused practices. Supporting your workers with the best pay, benefits, training, and personal protection possible will help prevent costly turnover and promote workplace happiness. Better staff morale and education means your company will provide better services on the job.
• Keep meticulous records. Using a software system that can tackle inventory management, job records, maintenance requirements, and any other schedule history is the best way to keep company records. If you don’t have access to a digital record system, paper files work just fine but can be more easily lost, generally contain less data, and are less professional. Keeping strict records will help you with future jobs, avoid unnecessary repair costs, maintain a correct schedule, and improve your client relations.
• Spend time and money on an online presence. Every company in today’s internet-based world should have a quality website that’s easy for users to navigate. Once you have your website up, taking the time to generate a regularly published blog or news page will also help you gain a natural following of users interested in the information you put out. Additional resources like social media can also help establish your business in the contemporary industrial and commercial community.

 

Every company is different, and you’ll find your own ways to grow and become successful, but these are good standards to work by. As for finding the best supplies to get the job done, Northland Fastening Systems is your one-stop-shop for all the quality stud welding supplies you need.

 

To learn more about our supplies and services, contact Northland Fastening Systems today at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.

Stud welding operations are streamlined, quick processes that allow technicians to install a broad range of stud types in many applications with powerful connections and clean finishes. Even handheld welding guns and lightweight or portable units can increase production speed and improve results. However, with an automated stud welding process installed in your production line, you can greatly increase the speed and quality of your welding operations while eliminating unnecessary costs and material waste. At Northland Fastening Systems, we offer a complete range of supplies for any stud welding process, automated or not. We provide a large collection of studs in varying dimensions and materials, welding tools for rent or purchase, welding accessories, and the expertise of our own technicians for advice or tool services.

 

If your production schedules have expanded to the point of considering integrating an automated stud welding process into your facilities, there are a few things to consider to determine if a fully automated system is the right choice.

 

• Production: The main thing to consider before automating is if your production output and operation types fit an automated rate and facility set up. When automating the stud welding process, you will also have to increase assembly speeds. Consider the bottle necks for assembly in your facility and workers. Analyze your current production cycle time and determine where parts of the assembly process that won’t be automated can be sped up.

 

• Safety: Worker safety should always be considered before making changes to your facility. When installing an automated system into existing facilities, the effects of that integration should be diagnosed before moving forward. Consider ergonomics, torque, tool weight, operator fatigue, and more. Make sure everything fits together correctly, and provide extensive training and safety procedurals to workers whenever new equipment is introduced.

 

• Quality: Finally, you need to ensure that installing an automated system for your stud welding process won’t compromise quality in any way. If an automated system will change products in any way, the assembly process must be altered to fit those changes. Stud installation should be done with perfect accuracy if your automated system is properly functioning. Collect data before and after installing an automated system and compare to see improvements, or lack thereof, in quality.

 

Working with highly rated, expert providers like Northland Fastening System will help you find the right automation options and install new equipment successfully. We offer user-friendly, effective automation options for drawn arc, CD, and short cycle welding. To learn more about our automated equipment for the stud welding process, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770. Request a quote online to get started with us today.

All manufacturing industries follow a set of international standards outlined through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in addition to various requirements and certifications unique within any given industry. Overall, there are more than 18,500 ISO standards and around 1,000 new published annually. Despite the vast number of ISO certifications, some industries are relatively specific enough to only require a few ISOs to follow the continually updated editions.

 

When it comes to stud welding, ISO 13918 standards cover the majority of common arc procedures including drawn arc, CD, and short cycle stud welding. For all these types of the stud welding process, Northland Fastening Systems provides a comprehensive range of supplies meeting ISO 13918 standards. Our supplies for the stud welding process include welding studs in various dimensions with custom options available, welding tools for rent or purchase, stud welding accessories, and the expertise of our own staff of stud welding technicians.

 

One current standard for the stud welding industry is ISO 13918:2017. In addition to stud welding, this ISO can be generally applied in most metal working fields, but those working with the stud welding process will find the specifics most useful to their production floor.

 

ISO 13918:2008 covers requirements for arc welding studs, dimensions, materials, and mechanics, including:

 

• unthreaded studs
• partially-threaded studs
• fully-threaded studs
• virtually fully-threaded studs
• flanged and threaded studs
• threaded and reduced shaft studs
• internally-threaded studs
• insulation fasteners
• shear connectors
• welding pins
• the use of ceramic ferrules

 

The standards and mechanical guidelines that ISO 13918 provides offer in-depth information that not only helps welders improve the stud welding process and fabricate better quality products, but also helps manufacturers better understand the application of stud welding in their own industries and play a role in supporting the continued growth of universal standards.

 

As a supplier for hardware and tools used in a range of stud welding processes, we follow our own set of ISO standards at Northland Fastening Systems. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified as an industrial supplier. While ISO 9001 is a relatively generic set of standards, following those requirements helps us maintain best practices and support our customers with quality products and advice. By following ISO 9001 standards, we continue to show our capabilities in providing the stud welding industry with necessary products that meet regulations, and we work as a customer-focused company that aims to improve consumer satisfaction while adhering to internationally-accepted requirements. NFS uses the regulations that ISO 9001 provides as a quality management system to continue offering our customers the best products and services for drawn arc, CD, and short cycle welding.

 

To learn more about the products we provide for the stud welding process and ISO certifications, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770. Request a quote online to get started with us today.

Stud welding is used so prolifically across widely different industries that it often pops up in unexpected applications. Not only is stud welding used extensively in the automotive and construction industries, it’s also effective in building food-grade equipment, electrical enclosures, and even insulation and roofing. No matter how you are utilizing stud welding, you can find the supplies you need at Northland Fastening Systems (NFS). We provide a comprehensive range of welding studs for drawn arc, CD, and short cycle welding with additional options for custom dimensions. NFS also offers welding tools for rent or purchase and stud welding accessories. Our team of expert technicians has the training and skills to help you get whatever tools you need to complete your stud welding process.

 

Stud welding is a key operation for composite construction, including in building insulation and roofing. When it comes to welding insulation fasteners and roofing components, it’s important to select the right type of stainless steel for the stud welding process you’re working with.

 

All materials used in welding insulation fasteners must meet the standard guidelines of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Welding Society (AWS). Within these standards, stainless steel grades typically approved are 300s in non-magnetic states with basic annealing. This includes 302, 304, 305, 309, 310, and 316. While 304 (also listed as 18/8) and 305 are the most commonly used in typical insulation fastening and roofing component welding, other stainless steel grades in the 300s are beneficial in their own way for certain applications.

 

Steels in the L series, like 316L, are often the most effective choices when resistance to corrosion is critical. In high heat applications, SS series like 320SS and 330SS are most effective, but for extreme temperatures and refractory applications, super alloys like Inconel 601 are more effective than stainless steels. Stainless steel temperature ranges for the insulation fastener stud welding process vary between 1,400ºF and 2,000ºF, while Inconel is used in applications around 2,200ºF. Steel grades 302, 304, and 305 are best at 1,400ºF applications, and 316 is best at 1,700ºF, 310 is best at 1,850ºF, and 330 is best at 2,000ºF.

 

No matter what insulation fastener and roof component stud welding process you’re utilizing, choosing the right stainless steel or other material is a requirement. Plan ahead your production schedule with attainability and lead time of acquiring different steels in mind. While many steel types are easy to source, some need to be special ordered with longer lead times.

 

To learn more about choosing the right type of metals for your specific stud welding process and the products we have available, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770. You can request a quote online to get started with us today.