Aluminum stud welding machine can weld 0.50-in. threaded studs

Nelson Stud Welding®, part of the Doncasters Group of precision engineering companies, has developed a stud welding machine for use in a customer's shipyard to weld aluminum hulls.

The portable stud welding machine can weld 0.50-in. threaded studs, which can be carried right into the bowels of a ship. The system allows workers to weld downhand, vertically or overhead, so it can be used anywhere on the vessel. The machine also handles thicker materials.

The welding system can shoot studs twice as quickly as traditional processes, according to the manufacturer. No holes are required, so the fabrication is structurally rigid and leakproof, which helps reduce incidences of corrosion.

Nelson Stud Welding provides in-house training, working in conjunction with the shipyard to introduce employees to the system, oversee practice projects, and followup regularly to help ensure quality and consistency are maintained.