Stud welding is a technique used to fabricate steel and other metals. It is similar to flash welding. In the stud welding process, a fastener or a specially shaped nut is welded onto a base metal. These fasteners can take numerous forms, but they fall under the categories of tapped, threaded, and unthreaded metal fasteners. Stud welding is also known as "drawn arc welding" as it joins the stud with other piece of metal by heating two parts of an arc. There are various industries that make use of stud welding because it has many benefits to offer.
Applications of Stud Welding
Electrical – stud welding is used for mounting electrical components on panels and in cabinets, as well as for bonding doors and panels, and fixing the wiring looms
Heating and ventilation – stud welding is used for attaching covers, hatches, and flanges. It is also used for insulating material and fixing pipes
Mechanical – stud welding is commonly used to fix air and fluid lines. It is also used to mount handles, attach machinery guards, and mount other mechanical components
Electronics – stud welding is used to fix fascia panels. It is also used to mount switches, instruments and push buttons
Decorative and consumer – stud welding is used to fix plates, signs, badges, and panels. It is also used to attach pins and clasps to jewelry, feet to kettles, and handles to pans
Miscellaneous industrial – stud welding is used for hygienic fixing of brackets, legs, and stiffener strips to table tops and counters. It can also be used for fixing fireproof material and securing acoustic installation
Types of Stud Welding
There are two main types of stud welding: arc stud welding and capacitor discharge stud welding. Both types of stud welding offer different benefits. However, it is important to understand the difference between the two types so that you can make the most appropriate choice between the two.
Capacitor discharge stud welding – the shops that work with sheet metal make use of capacitor discharge stud welding. This is a semi-automatic process that is done with arc welding. The advantage of this type of welding is that you can weld studs of very small diameters to very thin material. The weld cycle is too fast so you can connect the studs to thin metal sheets without showing any discoloration or distortion
Arc stud welding – this process is commonly used by the fabricating and structural steel shops. Its major benefit is that it allows any type and size of stud to be welded. This process offers a full-fusion weld which magnifies the strength of the stud
The use of stud welding is increasing. It’s various applications and benefits are making it a popular choice for many. You can use this technique for your future applications. Get in touch with structural steel fabricators to know more about stud welding and its benefits for your project.
