Unlike traditional resistance or TIG/MIG welding types of applications, stud welding offers a fast, efficient and easy way to fasten studs to any metal surface from thick workpieces to very thin.
The use of CD stud welding or Capacitor Discharge stud welding provides the ideal way to mate two pieces of metal without the need to drill into the workpiece and use a nut and bolt fastener. Instead, the CD weld studs are welded in place using a hand held stud weld tool and a power source that creates the arc and provides the molten material to develop a strong, durable and complete weld under the stud.
The added benefit to this system is that there is no marring of the other side of the base piece and no need for drilling, saving time, labor costs as well wear and tear on equipment.
Weld Stud Length
A drawn arc weld stud will have a slight drop in overall length during the welding process as it is driven into the molten pool and the workpiece. The same change is not true with CD weld studs.
This means that the length that is ordered will be the length that the final attached weld stud will project from the surface of the base piece after the process. This makes it easier for sizing and also means that each weld stud is uniform in distance from the base piece.
Options to Consider
CD weld studs can either be threaded or non-threaded in their design. As these are smaller in diameter than drawn arc studs they typically do not extend past the 3/8 – 16 body diameter and thread pitch size. Custom sizes can also be ordered from some manufacturers, and some companies also carry metric sizing.
The weld studs used for CD processes are typically made of mild steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Specialty alloys are available from the top weld stud supply companies.
