For any builders, fabricators, or manufacturers who are just beginning to use stud welding operations as a tool in their work, there is a lot to learn. While stud welding appears to be a relatively simple, straightforward operation, there are many complexities about the varying types of processes. At Northland Fastening Systems, we offer a comprehensive supply of stud welding tools, studs, and accessories in addition to our expert technical support services. If you are a beginner or even an experienced stud welder, our team of skilled service technicians can provide the support and tools that you need to get the job done.
If you are just beginning to work with stud welding tools and processes, it’s important to understand the basic terms used to describe aspects of the operation. Some of the most important, widely used terms in the stud welding industry include:
- Stud: Any fastener used in the stud welding process. This includes pins, shear connectors, and bar anchors as well as standard studs. Studs can be made from steel, aluminum, brass, copper, or related alloys.
- Gun: The hand-operated tool used by the technician performing the weld. Studs are inserted in the tip of the gun and applied to the surface that it will be welded to.
- Controller: The electrical unit controlling the supply of voltage to the welding gun or welding tip. The controller used depends on the type of welding process, the stud dimensions, and the material to be welded to.
- Parent material: The surface material that the stud will be welded to. This is also called the “workpiece.” If done correctly, the bond between the stud and the parent material will be much stronger than the stud or parent material alone.
- Capacitor discharge (CD): A type of stud welding process that uses electrical discharge heat to connect the stud to the parent material. CD stud welding is fast, cost-effective, and clean.
- Drawn arc: Another common type of stud welding. The process uses an arcing current to heat the stud inside a ceramic ferrule while it is held against the parent material. This process is suited for welding heavy-duty studs with larger diameters.
- Ceramic ferrule: A ceramic containment piece for the stud used in a drawn arc process. It serves to regulate the weld temperature and prevent the molten metal from moving outside a desired range.
- Chuck: A component that holds a stud in the tip of the welding gun during the CD stud welding process.
- Flux: An aluminum coating on the tip of a drawn arc welding stud. It improves the ignition and de-oxidizes the pooling of the weld point.
There are many other terms used for different components of various welding processes, but this list covers the basic vocabulary used in most stud welding operations. To learn more about stud welding and the tools or terms used, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online today.