Stud welding is a fast and reliable method for attaching a metal stud fastener to the surface of a metal part or component. It creates a permanent bond, usually stronger than the base metal itself, with no unnecessary holes or piercing of the metal surface, in many cases leaving only minor marking on the opposite side of the piece.
Midwest Fasteners provides a range of arc weld studs in different sizes, configurations, and materials. Learn more about arc stud welding, materials and stud features available, as well as many common applications.
What Is Arc Stud Welding?
In arc stud welding, or drawn arc welding, a fastener is attached to the metal surface of a metal part. Weld studs generally have a flat profile and can have a “tip” made of quick-melting metal flux at the weld end of the stud, which is initially placed against the workpiece.
A stud welding gun-tool, fitted with a ceramic-ferrule holds the stud against the workpiece and supplies a controlled arc of electricity to the stud upon demand. The energy melts the stud tip rapidly, then the stud is forced into the pool of molten metal, forming a permanent bond to the surface.
The process is similar to capacitor discharge (CD) stud welding; however, because arc stud welding uses a more sustained arc, it is suitable for thicker base materials (2mm or thicker) and larger studs (up to 1.25 in. diameter). Like CD welding, arc stud welding leaves limited markings or distortion and creates a very concentrated heat zone, which virtually eliminates heat damage at the individual weld site.
Available Materials and Grades
Midwest Fasteners carries arc weld studs in low carbon steel and stainless steel.
- Low carbon steel studs must meet ASTM A108/A29 standards, and they’re typically rated as Grade C1010 through C1020. Low-carbon steel offers good yield strength, tensile strength, and annealing options.
- Stainless steel arc weld studs must comply with ASTM A-276/A-493 grades 302, 304, 310, 316, and 321. Stainless steel arc weld studs have a higher tensile strength and yield strength, along with providing the corrosion resistance of stainless composition.
The ceramic-ferrule is a separate component part of each stud and is supplied along with the weld stud. Generally, it is a ring or “collar” that fits around the base of the stud prior to welding. The ferrule helps to form the melted material into a joining fillet, vents welding gases produced from the stud weld process, and concentrates heat for a cleaner weld. It is a sacrificial part and is broken away after the stud weld is completed.
Thread Types and End Configurations
Most threaded arc weld studs have either UNC-2A, UNF-2A, or Metric 6g thread types. Studs with internal threads are UNC-2B for most use cases. These studs are generally not plated; however, copper, nickel, and zinc plating is available upon customer request or specification.
Fastener end options include:
- Fully threaded.
- Partially threaded.
- Unthreaded.
- With a collar or shoulder.
- With a smaller diameter base for confined installation areas, called “Reduced Base.”
- Bent.
- T-slotted.
- With a hole.
- Knurled.
- Headed (concrete connectors or Shear Connectors).
Typical Applications for Arc Weld Studs
Arc weld studs provide reliable fastening points for structural components, heavy machinery, and oversized assemblies. At Midwest Fasteners, we supply arc weld studs for the following types of applications:
- Construction.
- Automotive and transportation.
- Industrial machinery.
- Shipbuilding.
- Offshore platforms.
- Structural steel
- Composite deck design: High Rise Buildings and Bridgework
Quality Control and Customization
To ensure that every arc weld stud is up to the job, we set high internal quality control standards. We also offer custom-manufactured studs in different sizes, styles, and materials to meet unique needs.
Find the Right Arc Weld Studs for Your Next Project With Midwest Fasteners
Midwest Fasteners is the trusted source for standard and custom arc weld studs in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and material options. We can also provide inventory management for our customers with the implementation of extensive manufacturing capabilities, responsive technical support, and vetted sourcing network. Contact us today to discuss your arc weld stud specifications or to request a quote for pricing details.