Stud welding is a process by which a metal stud is joined to
a metal workpiece by heating both parts with an arc. A key factor
that differentiates stud welding from other fastening processes
is that the fastener is attached to the workpiece without marring
the other side.
The arc stud welding method provides highly reliable fastening
for a wide variety of applications. This method allows almost
any size or configuration of a metal stud to be welded quickly
to a workpiece, while providing maximum weld penetration and reliability.
Arc stud welding permits strong, one-sided welds on base metals
with thicknesses starting at 0.048" (1.2 mm). It produces
welds in as little as 0.06 seconds.
Arc stud welding utilizes a DC power supply to create the arc,
a stud welding tool, metal fasteners, and in some cases, ferrules.
There are three common techniques of Arc stud welding:
Drawn arc stud welding
Short arc stud welding
Gas arc stud welding
For more information on the Drawn Arc Stud Welding Process, see our White
Paper.
Drawn Arc Stud Welding Advantages
Drawn Arc stud welding provides excellent welding success under a
broad range of conditions. It produces a full cross-sectional
weld, forming a bond that is stronger than the surrounding metal.
This section examines its quality, productivity, and cost advantages.
Improved Quality
Weld strength — Drawn arc stud welding produces
a strong, one-sided weld. The welds are vibration-proof and resistant
to breaking, loosening, or weakening.
Aesthetic appeal — For applications in
which quality is measured in part by attractive appearance, arc
stud welding offers excellent cosmetic appeal because the reverse
side is not marred.
Faster, easier manufacturing — Compared
with other typical fastening processes, arc stud welding permits
faster, easier manufacturing because each weld is achieved in
less than a second, and because welds can be achieved with access
to only one side.
Fewer manufacturing steps — Arc stud welding
eliminates punching, drilling, tapping, and riveting. With special
techniques, it permits welding on painted surfaces, eliminating
the need for pre-grinding and recoating.
Economic Advantages
Labor savings — Labor costs are dramatically
reduced with arc stud welding because through-hole preparation
is eliminated and the process can be completed by a single worker.
Fabrication savings — Often, an expensive,
odd-shaped piece can be duplicated inexpensively by welding several
studs to a simple stock shape to form a metal fabrication.
