In many areas stud welding is the most economical fastening method for components. If using thin plates, stud welding is often the only technical solution. Stud Welding provides 3 primary advantages:

1. Tremendous time and cost savings through NO drilling, punching, threading, gluing, riverting, screwing or finishing
2. Greater flexibility in design and usage through its high strength and ability to be applied on very thin plates and platforms with limited or only one sided access
3. Unsurpassed Economy though high levels of automation, fast weld rates and low price for standard studs

Under the stud welding process an arc is ignited between the face of the stud and the surface of work piece. Once both parts are melted, the stud is smoothly pressed against the work piece and the joined together. Welding elements like threaded studs, pins, tapped pads, etc. are welded by an arc without additional material being required. Because the stud is joined with the work piece over the whole surface of the stud, the strength of the joint is even higher than the base material or the stud.

There are two main processes utilised with stud welding:

1. Capacitor discharge stud welding - This is especially suited for welding on thin plates from about 0.5 mm. Ideal applications for CD Stud Welding include sheet metalwork, electronic industries, switchboard cabinets, laboratory and medical equipment, food industry, household appliances, communications engineering, vending machines, windows, glass constructions, insulation technology, industrial kitchens etc. ; and
2. Drawn arc stud welding - This is especially suited for welding on thicker plates of 2mm and above. Ideal applications for Arc Stud Welding include steel construction, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, structural and civil engineering, power plants and combustion systems, boiler and plant equipment, insulation and window construction. Dawn arc stud welding can be performed with a number of variations including drawn arc stud welding with ceramic ferrule or shielding gas, short cycle drawn arc stud welding and capacitor discharge drawn arc welding.

For more information on the advantages, uses and processes associated with Stud Welding please download this information booklet on Stud Welding developed by HBS.

Epitech offers a full range of stud welding products and associated equipment necessary to perform any job, including:

1. CD Stud Welding Guns
2. CD Stud Welding Charge Machines
3. CD Studs
4. Fastening Systems for Insulation
5. Arc Stud Welding Guns
6. Arc Stud Welding Charge Machines
7. Shear Connectors
8. Wear Studs
9. Stud Welding Automation Machines
10. Short Cycle Welding