What is Drawn Arc Stud Welding?

Drawn-arc stud welding is an extremely efficient method of attaching fasteners primarily to mild steel and stainless steel by utilizing a constant-current DC power supply, typically a 3-phase transformer-rectifier, equipped with integral controls to operate a special drawn-arc stud welding gun. When a weld is initiated, current begins to flow through the stud while the weld gun simultaneously lifts the stud to “draw an arc”, which melts the base of the stud and adjoining surface on the work piece. Upon completion of the weld time, the gun plunges the stud back to the work piece, resulting in a permanent bond as the molten material solidifies…all in less than one second.

The Drawn Arc Stud Welding Process

In general, the drawn-arc process is capable of welding a broad range of stud diameters (up thru 1-¼” or 32 mm) and to almost any material thickness above 0.040″ (1 mm). To accommodate such a broad range, the process is actually split into two categories: Standard Drawn-Arc and Short-Cycle.

Standard drawn-arc stud welding: is used with studs ¼” (6 mm) diameter and larger, and base material thicknesses at least 1/3 the stud diameter. This process requires the use of flux-loaded studs and ceramic ferrules, included with the studs, to contain the molten material during the weld and form a fillet around the stud base.

Short-cycle stud welding: is an abbreviated version of drawn-arc for studs 3/8″ (10 mm) and smaller, especially when welding to base materials as thin as 1/5 the stud diameter. With this method, the weld current is usually much higher and weld time much shorter (short-cycle), resulting in lighter penetration and less molten material, thereby eliminating the need for ceramic ferrules and flux-loaded studs, though shielding gas is often recommended.

See our high-quality products for drawn arc stud welding operations:

• Drawn Arc Welding Systems
• Drawn Arc Weld Studs & Specialty Studs
• Drawn Arc Accessories
• Tap Pads & Projection Weld Studs
• Refractory Studs & Anchors

Options to Suit Your Welding Needs

Several standard handgun models are available from stock to accommodate routine applications, while automated production systems are available on a custom-designed basis for high-volume applications.

Comprehensive Range of Studs

Our comprehensive selection of drawn arc studs includes:

• Standard US and Metric studs in mild steel and stainless steel, are readily in stock
• Non-standard stud designs and alloys are available upon request.

Experience the Effeciency of Drawn Arc Stud Welding

With decades of technical expertise and unparalleled quality, Southern Stud Weld is dedicated to providing unique and cutting-edge welding solutions to various applications and industries. Proud to offer our stud welding expert services and products, we are your trusted source for premium welding offerings. Our vast inventory is backed by our team of stud welding specialists, and we are here to assist in your stud welding ventures. Contact us to discuss specialized welding solutions, address potential welding challenges, or request a quote.