Abstract: A friction-weldable stud is provided. The stud includes an elongate body having a collar or skirt located around the body and extending outwardly therefrom. The collar has a first surface facing in one direction toward one end of the body, with the surface having an engagable configuration for engagement by a cooperating configuration of a chuck of a welding tool. The tool can thereby rotate the stud and also apply an axial force to it through the chuck and collar. The collar has a second surface facing away from the first surface preferably with an annular groove which helps shape the weld material and control flash during the welding. The body also has a friction-weldable nose or end extending outwardly from the collar in the direction of the axis of the elongate body by means of which the stud can be affixed to a workpiece by a friction-welding technique.

Abstract: A weldable fastener for supporting insulation adjacent to a surface and apparatus for welding the fastener are provided. The insulation fastener is specifically designed for applying insulating material to the outer surface of a wall of a cryogenic container, which walls are commonly made of aluminum. The fastener includes, in the preferred form, an aluminum stud having a weldable end and a recess at the opposite end. A strong plastic-glass fiber rod, which is preferably made by a pultrusion process, is affixed in the recess of the stud and extends outwardly therefrom, coaxially with the stud. After the insulation is placed over the rod and stud and against the surface, a suitable clip or washer is applied over the end of the rod to hold the insulation in place. The apparatus for welding the stud to the surface includes a stud welding tool which operates by a known end-welding technique. The tool has a chuck leg terminating in an offset member holding a chuck at one side of the tool.

Abstract: A weldable fastener for supporting insulation adjacent to a surface and apparatus for welding the fastener are provided. The insulation fastener is specifically designed for applying insulating material to the outer surface of a wall of a cryogenic container, which walls are commonly made of aluminum. The fastener includes, in the preferred form, an aluminum stud having a weldable end and a recess at the opposite end. A strong plastic-glass fiber rod, which is preferably made by a pultrusion process, is affixed in the recess of the stud and extends outwardly therefrom, coaxially with the stud. After the insulation is placed over the rod and stud and against the surface, a suitable clip or washer is applied over the end of the rod to hold the insulation in place. The apparatus for welding the stud to the surface includes a stud welding tool which operates by a known end-welding technique. The tool has a chuck leg terminating in an offset member holding a chuck at one side of the tool.