Nelson Stud Welding introduces their new Paint Groove weld stud. The unique, vertical, helical grooves eliminate the need for costly materials and labor to apply thread caps or protectors prior to submersing an assembly into a paint bath.

Helical grooves are rolled onto standard UNC 2A machine threads in one operation, thereby eliminating costly secondary operations. The helical groove acts as a collection devise that allows paint to drain into, leaving very little paint build up on the threads themselves. Painted threads will gauge properly with a go – no go gauge, and have the added benefit of additional protection against corrosion.

The major benefit to users is a significant reduction in material costs and labor. Presently, standard weld studs that are welded to an assembly prior to painting must have some form of thread protection to prevent paint build up on threads that will prevent acceptance of a nut. Special throw away material must be purchased, then operators are required to assemble thread protectors onto the studs, then must remove them at a point downstream from the paint operation. The discarded material often becomes a house cleaning issue that further adds cost to the process.

Paint Groove studs also incorporate a "dog point" design that self centers components during assembly, resulting in increased line speed, lower assembly costs, and helps prevent thread galling.

Any industry that has welded studs prior to the paint operation can benefit from the Paint Groove stud. Paint Groove studs are currently being used in the automotive industry (both body-in-white and sub-assembly components), the single phase and three phase transformer industry, electrical enclosures, and electrical switchgear.

Available stud sizes currently include M4, M6, M8 and 3/8. Other sizes can be tooled with sufficient volume. Paint Groove studs are available in stainless 300 series or low carbon steels, C1010 to C1018.