CD or capacitor discharge stud welding is designed to be a very fast, efficient and practical way to attach studs to a base metal or workpiece. As this is an extremely fast welding process, there is no need to use a ferrule or to use flux or shielding gas in the process.
To maximize the weld and to obtain the right fastener/base combination, selecting the best type of CD studs will be an essential component in planning the project. There are many different options to choose from, allowing you to select the best weld stud based on the application.
Threaded
There are two types of threaded CD studs. The fully or full threaded stud is just as it sounds, with threading from the top to the bottom. The pitch diameter stud has an unthreaded area that is next to the head of the stud.
This is important when shear force is a concern. Without the threading in the area where the parts meet, which is the area of shear force, the stud remains full diameter or thickness. This adds to the strength of these types of studs over the full thread option.
Threaded studs can be found in mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. They are also available in metric sizes, which can be essential for those exporting products or materials outside of the USA.
Non-Threaded
The name also gives away the look and features of non-threaded or no thread CD studs. These studs are, completely without threads, which makes them a good option for locators as well as handles or stops on different types of fabricated items.
The non-threaded stud, like the bottom of the pitch diameter stud, stays full diameter and offers additional strength along the length of the fastener. While not as commonly used, these are an ideal option for many types of applications, particularly in the fabrication of equipment.
