Stud Weld Symbol
How to read a stud weld symbol — circle with X (⊗) always below the reference line. Arrow-side significance only. Stud size to the left, pitch to the right, count in parentheses below.
Stud Weld Symbol Dimensions
The stud weld symbol is a circle with an X through it — visually distinct from all other weld symbols. It always appears below the reference line, and the arrow points to the surface to which the stud is welded.
Dimension Placement (A2.4 §14.2–14.5)
Stud size (left) — nominal diameter, thread pitch diameter, or weld-end cross section of the stud. Placed to the left of the symbol per §14.3.
Pitch (right) — center-to-center distance in a straight line, placed to the right of the symbol per §14.4. For configurations other than a straight line, spacing is dimensioned on the drawing.
Count (below) — number of studs in parentheses below the symbol per §14.5.
First and last location — specified on the drawing, not on the welding symbol, per §14.6.
Multiple Rows
When multiple rows of studs are required, a single welding symbol with multiple arrows is used — one arrow per row. Each arrow points to its respective surface row. See Figure 14.1(B).
| Dimension | Symbol Location | Example | Standard Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stud size | Left of symbol | 1/2 (for 1/2-inch stud) | A2.4 §14.3 |
| Pitch (c-to-c) | Right of symbol | 4 (for 4-inch pitch) | A2.4 §14.4 |
| Count | Below symbol, in parens | (6) for six studs | A2.4 §14.5 |
| First/last location | On drawing (not on symbol) | Dimension lines or coordinates | A2.4 §14.6 |
| Multiple rows | One symbol, multiple arrows | Two arrows for two rows | A2.4 Figure 14.1(B) |
What Is a Stud Weld?
A stud weld fuses a metal fastener (stud, pin, or bolt) to a base metal surface in a single operation. The stud is pressed against the base plate with a welding gun, an arc is drawn in the annular gap, and the stud plunges into the molten pool to complete the weld. The result is a full-strength fusion bond around the base of the stud.
Common applications include shear connectors on steel beams (composite construction), lifting inserts in precast concrete, earthing/grounding studs, and threaded fastener attachment without drilling.
Process Designation
The stud welding process is designated SW (stud welding) in the AWS process abbreviation system. When the process is not obvious from the symbol, it may be noted in the tail of the welding symbol.
Stud Weld Symbol FAQs
1/2 ⊗ 4 / (6) means 1/2-inch studs, 4-inch pitch, 6 studs total.Check Your WPS Parameters
Ask Flux any welding question — preheat, filler metal, joint design. Every answer traced to the clause.
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