Stud welding is not a new technology, but with constant improvements in the designs, features, and functions of the system, it is becoming more versatile than ever.
Top equipment manufacturers strive to create stud welding systems, including their stud weld gun models, with exceptional performance, durability, and safety. As with any equipment, there can be issues which create problems in using the equipment. By having an understanding of the underlying issues causing the problem with the handheld tool, it is much easier to decide if a repair or replacement is the best option.
Age of the Equipment
The older the stud weld gun, the more likely it is a replacement is the best option. New models are more streamlined, lighter and ergonomically designed for operator comfort, an important consideration for many jobs.
Older equipment is also less likely to be as safe as new equipment. While safety concerns should never be taken lightly, the new equipment offers additional features and automated safety controls, an important consideration for outdoor work as well as in-shop applications.
Quality of Welds
One of the reasons stud welding is so popular is the quality of the weld. Unlike other types of welding processes, it has an extremely low rate of incomplete welds when the equipment is set up and functioning correctly.
A key sign of a problem with a stud weld gun is poor quality with the welds. This may be infrequent or regular and may be due to a variety of different issues with either the gun or the power source. Trying a different gun and determining if the quality of welds improves will quickly help eliminate the power source as the problem.
As with any other equipment, the usage and the type of applications will have an impact on the life cycle of the handheld tool and the power source. Cables generally last longer provided they are not used in extreme working conditions.
