6381 Windfern
Houston, TX 77040
Phone: 713-939-8903
Fax: 713-939-9013
Toll Free: 800-462-9353

Stud Welding: What is It?

Stud welding: What is it? On this page we will describe more about the process of welding fasteners with arc or CD stud welding, providing you with images and even videos to watch so that you can acquire a deeper understanding of this remarkable fastening system technology.

Stud welding is a versatile, one-step fastening system. In this arc welding process a fastener can be end-joined to a metal work piece instantaneously. It is a complete fastening system, using a wide variety of fasteners, of which we keep a complete line always in stock, with literally hundreds of uses - each permanently installed by one man, working on one side of the work piece, in less than one second.

How a Fastener is Welded


Load The fastener is manually or automatically inserted into the stud welder chuck.	Position The fastener is positioned and brought into firm contact with the work surface.	Fire The fastener is welded in a fraction of a second. The weld develops full fastener strength instantaneously.

Stud welded fasteners are better. Click here to see why.

Stud Welding in action...The links below are video demonstrations.

CD Stud Welding
(Windows Media Player*)

CD Stud Welding
(for dialup connections
lower quality, 132KB)

CD Stud Welding
(for broadband - cable/DSL
higher quality, 1010KB)

Arc Stud Welding
(Windows Media Player*)

Arc Stud Welding
(for dialup connections
lower quality, 174KB)

Arc Stud Welding
(for broadband - cable/DSL
higher quality, 1317KB)

CD Stud Welding
(Real Media Player*)

CD Stud Welding
(for dialup connections
lower quality, 139KB)

CD Stud Welding
(for broadband - cable/DSL
higher quality, 876KB)

Arc Stud Welding
(Real Media Player*)

Arc Stud Welding
(for dialup connections
lower quality, 183KB)

Arc Stud Welding
(for broadband - cable/DSL
higher quality, 1168KB)

Capacitor Discharge Stud Welding

Capacitor Discharge (CD) stud welding is generally used to weld smaller diameter fasteners to thin base metals. Since the entire weld cycle is completed in milliseconds, welds can be made without pronounced distortion, burn-through or reverse side discoloration. As long as one end of the fastener is designed for CD welding, CD studs can be manufactured in almost any shape.


The fastener is placed against the workpiece. Most CD studs have a special tip which provides precise weld-time control, for consistent, automatic welds.	The weld gun is activated and stored energy is discharged through the fastener melting the full diameter of its base and a portion of the parent material.	Spring-loading forces the fastener into the molten metal.	The fastener is held in place as the molten metal solidifies and instantly creates a high quality fusion weld.

Arc Stud Welding

Arc stud welding is generally used to weld large diameter fasteners to rougher and thicker base metals. Arc studs may be almost any shape and there are literally hundreds, however, they must have one end of the fastener designed for Arc welding. Mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum are applicable materials for Arc welding.


A fastener and ceramic ferrule are firmly placed against the work surface under spring tension.	Upon triggering, the weld gun automatically lifts the fastener from the base metal and initiates a controlled electric arc which melts the end of the fastener and a portion of the base metal.	A ceramic arc shield concentrates the heat and retains the molten material in the weld area for maximum weld strength and reliability.	At the precise moment the fastener and the parent metal become molten, the fastener is automatically plunged into the work surface. The metal solidifies and a high quality fusion weld is completed.

*Windows Media Player

If you do not have Windows Media player and would like to download a free copy, click here.

*Real Media Player

If you do not have Windows Media player and would like to download a free copy, click here.