For both capacitator discharge (CD) and drawn arc stud welding, having the right equipment is always critical to getting the job done. With both stud welding systems, the equipment will consist of the handheld weld tool, also known as the stud welding gun, as well as the power source and the cables.
While all parts of the system are important for quality stud welding and top performance of the welds, there are variations in the handheld tools that make one brand or option in a weld gun more effective than the others.
CD Stud Welding Considerations
With the smaller size of welds on the thinner base material, the CD stud welding gun tends to be lighter weight and slightly smaller than the guns used for drawn arc welding which uses the larger stud welds for the heavier base metals.
These types of handheld weld tools should be ergonomically designed to offer maximum operator comfort. This should also be designed for use in confined areas and for all angles and positions.
The CD weld guns can be designed for contact or gap stud welding. Knowing what is needed on the job will be important in making a choice.
Drawn Arc Hand Held Welding Tools
Drawn arc stud welding gun models are more robust and offer durable, reliable welds in all environments, including the toughest construction projects. These stud weld guns, while larger, should still be designed with operator safety and comfort in mind.
Performance for this equipment is critical as these welds may be completed in very hard to reach locations. The guns should be designed to weld at any angle and with all types of stud welds.
For big projects or for use with stud welds larger than 5/8th of an inch, consider a heavy-duty stud weld gun. This will provide a full range of use for even the most demanding applications.