Manufacturers save time and can create more secure fastening points with capacitor discharge (CD) weld studs. These cold-formed and machined metal studs attach to various gauge metal surfaces securely and create a threaded, or unthreaded, connection for fastening assemblies.
Midwest Fasteners provides a range of CD weld studs in different sizes, configurations, and materials. Learn more about CD stud welding, materials and stud features available, and some common applications.
What is CD Stud Welding?
CD stud welding is an efficient method of attaching a fastener to the surface of a metal component. Weld studs have a nearly flat profile and a “tipped” project for quick-melting metal at the face of the weld stud, which is placed against the sheet initially.
The stud welding tool, or stud gun, discharges a burst of energy supplied by a bank of charged capacitors. The energy melts the tip within milliseconds, and the spring mechanism of the gun-tool pushes the stud onto the metal surface, instantaneously welding it in place.
This process can be well-suited to thin gauge metal and leaves little or no marking on reverse sides of material. No shielding gas or ceramic ferrules are required as all of the applied heat is highly localized and focused, eliminating distortion or heat damage at the weld site. It is compatible with metal as thin as 0.015 in.
Available Materials and Grades
Midwest Fasteners provides manufacturers across all major industries with fast, reliable access to a wide range of CD welding studs. It’s important to use compatible sheet and stud materials, as explained in our compatibility chart.
- Steel. AISI/SAE-compliant steel varieties include 1006-1020 low-carbon steel.
- Stainless steel. Common AISI stainless steel grades are 302, 304, 305, 316, and 302HQ.
- Aluminum. Commonly used grades of aluminum include 1100, 5000 series, and 6061.
- Brass. The most common is 70/30 lead-free brass.
- Other weldable materials.
It is also important to determine the optimal combination of stud size and metal thickness to prevent reverse side marking.
CD Stud Options
MIDWEST Fasteners offers CD studs in a variety of materials, sizes, fastening torque, tensile load, and shear load capacities. Galvanization, copper plating, and annealing are available for many stud types. Configuration options include:
- Threaded and unthreaded.
- Flanged or unflanged.
- Imperial or metric sizing.
- Single or bi-metallic.
- Specialty configurations:
- Annular ring.
- Wire tie-down.
- Grounding.
- Blunt end.
- Notched.
- Acoustical hanger.
Applications for CD Weld Studs
CD weld studs are suitable for many different commercial and industrial applications, many made with thinner-gauge metal thickness. CD Studs can create strong, permanent attachment points with minimal risk of distortion. Common applications include:
- HVAC cabinets and ductwork.
- Commercial kitchen equipment and appliances.
- Medical equipment.
- Architectural signage and displays.
- Automotive assemblies.
- Electrical enclosures and electronic panels or cabinets.
Customizing CD Weld Studs
Midwest Fasteners is also a trusted source for custom CD weld studs. Our inventory and technical support teams can work with you to produce CD weld studs made of high-quality metals with precision threads, durable finishes, and additional features that fit your unique manufacturing and assembly specifications.
Midwest Fasteners—Your Source for Technical Expertise and CD Weld Stud Deliveries
CD welding studs create strong connections, even on fragile sheet metal components. Midwest Fasteners has over three decades of experience producing weld studs with in-house machining and manufacturing equipment. We can help you select or develop the right CD welding studs for your next project. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote to start your order.