When it comes to stud welding systems, there are three components to consider. There is the power source, which can have a range of different features and automatic settings and stud weld gun.
The System
The power source allows the operator to control the stud welding processes. The more advanced systems provide maintenance trackers, programmable features such as the pilot arc as well as the ability to lock in specific features or even to use a hammer mode to go through rusted or painted surfaces.
The second component is the cables, which run from the power source to the hand held tool. These can be standard sized or customized for specific welding needs. The cables need to be top quality and will include a ground cable, standard cables or combo cables.
The third component is the stud weld gun. This is the component of the system that the operator works with, so it should be well designed to be comfortable to hold and use at different angles and for long periods of time.
What to Consider
For both a drawn arc and a capacitative discharge stud weld gun, durability will be a critical consideration. Look for a manufacturer that has been in the market for a substantial amount of time, and that has a solid reputation for providing long-lasting, durable equipment.
For the drawn arc stud welding systems, a heavy-duty weld gun may be an important choice. These are typically used on projects with stud welds that are at least 5/8 of an inch or larger.
Many companies that work on these larger projects such as bridge construction or shipbuilding have both standard and heavy-duty guns that can be used with the power source and the cables for all types of work as needed.
