From battleships to bridges, weld studs are the invisible forces holding together the structures that we take for granted every day. If you’ve crossed the Crescent City Connection over the Mississippi River, you’ve trusted the security of stud welds. If you’ve admired the grace of the St. Louis Arch, you’ve witnessed the quiet strength of stud welds. If stud welding is taken for granted, it is doing its job. However, to fully appreciate the benefits of stud welding – and arc stud welding, in particular – take a look at its many advantages.
Arc stud welding enhances structural integrity
Full fusion at the cross section of the welded metals is made possible by arc stud welding. This creates a weld that is stronger than either the weld itself or the affixed metal surface would be independently. This solidity of this one-sided weld can withstand vibrations, and the tenacious grip resists breaking and loosening. One of the dilemmas of riveted fasteners is the need for holes, which weaken the structural integrity of a structure. Because no holes are required for stud welds, this problem is eliminated entirely.
Arc stud welding creates a clean aesthetic
Because no holes are required, it’s possible to secure a stud weld without blemishing the surface of a structure. Stud welds can be used, therefore, to create structures that seem to be holding themselves together. They provide the secret strength of elegant industrial fabrication and construction.
Arc stud welding makes fastening simpler
Not only does the elimination of drilling make stud welding a more attractive option, it also makes it a simpler process. Many structures, such as space shuttles and aircraft, are constructed in such a way that reaching both sides is nearly impossible. The one-sided application of a stud weld removes the need to work on two sides of a metal surface. No drilling is required; neither is there a need to rivet or punch.
Arc stud welding reduces work time and labor costs
Once the prep work required for through-hole becomes unnecessary, work time is significantly decreased. Each weld takes one welder approximately one second to complete, which means that more work can be done in less time at less expense. In fact, the U.S. Army determined that the process, which was developed during World War II, saved some 50 million man hours during that war alone.
To learn more about the advantages of arc stud welding and the tools that make the process even simpler and faster, contact Production Fastening Systems of New Orleans.
