As with any manufacturing operation used to build assemblies that will face daily functioning stress, the long-term effects of resonance and ballistics on stud welded connections must be taken into account. Stud welding is a highly versatile and widely used operation for a range of industries. Not only is it key in standard shipbuilding and the construction of most large-scale structures, it’s also relied upon for food-grade welding and electrical enclosures.
Those working with stud welding operations can count on Northland Fastening Systems for all their stud welding supplies. We provide stud welding tools for rent or purchase, studs in a comprehensive range of dimensions with custom sizing available, stud welding accessories, and the expertise of our own stud welding technicians.
When taking into account the effects that resonance and ballistics have on stud welding applications, how those effects manifest and to what degree they will impact a secure connection point depends on the industry and how stud welding was utilized. The following industries will see effects of resonance and ballistics on stud welding in various different ways.
Automotive: Stud welding is used in the fabrication of multiple automotive parts and in the full assembly of those parts. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles all face different sources of resonance and ballistics. This includes the basic resonance of road friction, operational harmonics of the engine and assemblies, braking, shifting gears, and the general vehicle operations. Other sources of resonance include weather and road conditions. Ballistic impacts on a vehicle can come from an accident and objects flying from other vehicles or kicking up from the road.
Structures: Stud welding is a critical tool for the composite construction used in many different structures, from bridges to multi-story buildings. These structures face significant resonance from weather impacts that can range from standard calm weather to severe storms. In addition, bridges are under constant resonance from traffic and the ballistics of flying objects. Other large structures built with stud welding that undergo weather-related resonance are water towers, cell towers, windmills, and more.
Ships: Shipbuilding was the original fabrication industry to utilize stud welding as an essential manufacturing operation. Today, stud welding is still a primary tool in the shipbuilding process for a wide variety of types of ships and boats. From small motor boats to cargo freighters, every water vessel faces different types of resonance. All undergo resonance from the water friction and currents, as well as ballistics from objects underwater. Large ships also face significant resonance from engines, passenger motion, and the shifting of cargo. In fact, some shipwrecks, like the wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald, have been attributed to resonance and shifting cargo causing serious imbalances in the ship and the security of the welding.
To learn more about the effects of resonance and ballistics on stud welding strength and the supplies we provide, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online.