The method of attaching a metal fastener to another metal component is referred to as ‘stud welding’. Using fasteners called weld studs, stud welding is a complete one-step fastening system. Weld studs come in a variety of designs such as threaded, unthreaded, tapped, etc. They can be designed in various sizes and shapes for a wide range of applications.
The fasteners can be made of mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium alloys, brass, copper, gold, silver or one of the many alloys. A weld stud can be affixed to a metal workpiece instantaneously for a high quality, high strength permanent bond. The welded fastener and base metal does not have to be the same material. Brass to copper, copper to steel, brass to steel and other similar combinations can be welded together.
Other fastening methods can be expensive and time-consuming. Stud welding is less expensive and can be used in locations which do not allow the use of other fasteners. Additionally, weld studs can be installed by one professional that too in less than a second.
Applications of welded studs vary from ‘blazer buttons’ to ‘battleships’. Here are some of its applications:
Nameplates:
How are those shiny, brass nameplates commonly attached on the company president’s door, or on burial caskets? I’m sure you never paid heed to these small things. Now you must know that nameplates made of metal are fastened with the help of welded studs, and that is only possible with stud welding. The studs are welded without affecting the polished brass finish.
Elevator Panels:
Most of us use the elevator almost everyday. But have you ever taken a close look at the switch panel? Nearly all elevators have a polished stainless steel switch panel without screws. And, the switches are held on the back with weld studs. One biggest advantage in this application is that it includes no marking on the front face of the panel. So the switch panel looks good and neat.
Bridges:
At the junction of the main highway and bridge, there’s a metal ‘expansion joint’. That’s why you hear that ‘thump-thump’ sound as you pass from the main highway to the bridge. There is a metal plate on either side of the gap between the highway and bridge. The metal expansion is weld studded so that the bridge doesn’t buckle as it expands in hot weather. On the back of the metal plate which makes up one side of the expansion joint are large, headed weld studs called concrete anchors. Once the plate is dropped into position, concrete is poured behind it to hold the bridge and the main body of the highway. The concrete sets around the large heads and effectively holds the expansion joint in place, hence the name ‘concrete anchor’.
There are many more applications of weld studs. They can be used for holding components and cable clips in glamorous, custom, architectural lighting fixtures to the simply mundane attachment of ballasts in the standard fluorescent light fixtures. In addition, the process of stud welding is widely used to build ships and aeroplanes. You can always contact our professionals at Northern Weldarc, if you wish to know more about stud welding and its applications.
Image Source: owenfab.co.uk
