The widespread use of stud welding in the manufacturing world, attributed to the broad variety of stud welding applications, can sometimes be misleading. While a diverse range of welding operations, materials, equipment, and dimensions are standard in stud welding practices, the calibration, sizing, and material requirements for each combination of factors create very complicated differences between any given stud welding operation. Sometimes the differences in weld specifications are extreme, which means that welding technicians need an exact understanding of what is and isn’t possible with their stud welding equipment. No matter what types of stud welding equipment, materials, and dimensions you work with, Northland Fastening Systems (NFS) can provide the tools and studs you need to get the job done.
Breaking down the numbers specific to the stud welding equipment, processes, sizing, and materials you’re working with can be a difficult task. To work through these numbers, we’ve listed basic specifications into the following charts.
| Stud Diameter | Drawn Arc Stud Welding | CD Stud Welding |
| 1/16″ to 1/8″ | Not effective | Effective with standard procedure |
| 1/8″ to 1/4″ | Limited applications | Effective with standard procedure |
| 1/4″ to 1/2″ | Effective with standard procedure | Effective with specialty procedure |
| 1/2″ to 1″ | Effective with standard procedure | Not effective |
| 1″ to 1 1/4″ | Limited applications | Effective with standard procedure |
| Over 1 1/4″ | Effective with standard procedure | Not effective |
| Stud Material | Drawn Arc Stud Welding | CD Stud Welding |
| Carbon Steel | Effective with standard procedure | Effective with standard procedure |
| Alloy Steel | Effective with specialty procedure | Limited applications |
| Stainless Steel | Effective with standard procedure | Effective with standard procedure |
| Aluminum | Effective with specialty procedure | Effective with standard procedure |
| Base Material | Drawn Arc Stud Welding | CD Stud Welding |
| Carbon Steel | Effective with standard procedure | Effective with standard procedure |
| Alloy Steel | Effective with specialty procedure | Limited applications |
| Stainless Steel | Effective with standard procedure | Effective with standard procedure |
| Aluminum | Effective with specialty procedure | Effective with standard procedure |
| Base Metal Thickness | Drawn Arc Stud Welding* | CD Stud Welding** |
| Under 0.015″ | Not effective | Effective with specialty procedure |
| 0.015″ to 0.062″ | Not effective | Effective with specialty procedure |
| 0.062″ to 0.125″ | Limited applications | Effective with standard procedure |
| Over 0.125″ | Effective with standard procedure | Effective with standard procedure |
*Base metal thickness should be at least a third of the weld diameter for best strength.
**Base metal thickness should be a minimum of 0.020″ to prevent weld melt-through.
No matter what type of stud welding specifications you are working with, NFS can supply a comprehensive range of tools, studs, accessories, and other stud welding equipment. To learn more about standard, specialty, and limited processes for drawn arc and CD stud welding, contact NFS at (651) 730-7770. Request a quote online to get started with us today.