What NOT to Do When Stud Welding

At Northland Fastening Systems (NFS), we understand the significance of quality in a weld. Not only does the strength of the weld depend on the quality of the stud welding process, quality practices also directly impact worker safety on a job site. Whether you’re working with drawn arc or CD stud welding tools, you can find quality and reliability with NFS supplies. We provide a comprehensive range of welding studs, including pins and bar anchors with custom options available. We also offer welding tools for rent or purchase, welding accessories, and the expertise of our own stud welding technicians. No matter how big or small your stud welding project is, you can get the job done with the help of NFS.

When it comes to achieving a quality weld, there are many technical aspects that are key to being successful, such as calibrating the welding unit and using the right metals. However, for non-automated welding operations, a large part of achieving a quality weld depends on the skills and performance of the welders themselves. Stud welding technicians can do many tasks right or wrong during a welding operation. The following are some of the basic “DON’TS” that welders should steer clear of if they want a quality stud connection point:

  1. Do not weld in an unventilated work site. No matter what type of welding process you’re using (stud welding or otherwise), the chemical changes that take place when metals are heated and bonded release fumes. These fumes can be toxic to inhale. That, in addition to ventilation helping to minorly improve the results of a weld, is why it’s critical to have a ventilated work site.
  2. Do not weld on an unstable surface, especially when working with stud welding. It’s important to weld on a clean, flat, and secure working surface. If you do have to weld on a painted or a slightly uneven surface, for example, take the necessary precautions to clamp, clean, and stabilize the surface as much as possible before welding. Unstable surfaces can cause injury to welders and result in a poor quality weld.
  3. Do not weld in an unsafe work site. An unsafe work site can include factors like water on the ground, nearby flammables, coiled cabling near the weld point, and even welding without the proper safety equipment. Not only does an unsafe work site risk severe injury to welders and anyone working in the vicinity, any danger to workers will most likely also play a role in sacrificing quality welds.
  4. Do not weld with unclean or unmaintained tools. Drawn arc and CD stud welding tools alike inevitably gather dust and contaminating particles over time. Because the damage that dust does to the welding tool itself is often minor, many welders are guilty of neglecting routine cleaning and maintenance. However, an unmaintained tool can be the reason for a poor quality weld. Preventing this potential problem is as simple as performing regular cleaning and maintenance checks.

To learn more about the “dos” and “don’ts” of stud welding, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote online today.