Technical Data
Cutlass manufactures and sells stud welding products for various stud welding applications.
After reviewing the chart below, click the links above to access the stud welding process that best suits your application requirements.
CD or ARC Process?
Cutlass manufactures two distinct stud welding methods: Capacitor Discharge (CD) and Drawn Arc (ARC).
- CD is generally used for smaller stud diameters up to 3/8" and is primarily suited for welding to thin sheet metal.
- ARC is generally used for stud diameters of 1/4" and above and is the preferred method for welding to thicker base materials or in structural applications.
While there is some overlap between these two systems, application areas are usually well defined. Consider the following criteria when selecting the appropriate stud welding system:
| 1. Alloy metals such as aluminum, bronze, brass, etc. | 1. Dirty, scaly, or oily parent material |
| 2. Exotic materials such as titanium | 2. Structural applications |
| 3. Lower stud cost | 3. High-strength fastener requirements |
| 4. High production rates | 4. Fastener diameters larger than 3/16" |
| 5. Smaller diameter fasteners (up to 3/8") | 5. Higher carbon steels |
| 6. Reverse-side marking sensitivity | |
| 7. Thin parent material | |
| 8. Clean parent material | |
| 9. High accuracy of stud position | |
| 10. Minimal weld splatter or weld fillet interference | |
| 11. Minimal deformation or heat distortion |
Resistance Weld Studs
Resistance Weld (RW) studs are not welded using standard stud welding equipment. Instead, they are typically attached using a resistance or spot welder. The materials used for stud manufacture are similar to those used for ARC studs. However, heat-treatable steel alloys—most notably, steel alloys with added Boron—can also be used for RW studs.
Studs made from this alloy can be heat-treated after manufacture to Grade 8.8, achieving an ultimate tensile strength of 113,800 psi (785 N/mm²).