Abstract: A stud welding gun includes a closed conductivity path indicating a stud properly positioned for welding. Another aspect includes a conductivity detection circuit closed when a stud is present. A further aspect provides a method to operate a stud welding gun including closing a conductivity path to permit a welding operation. A still further aspect provides a method to detect a stud presence by passing a conductivity current from a conductivity detection circuit through a conductivity path closed by a stud.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for welding a metal component to a metal workpiece. The component typically comprises a metal weld region and a threaded connector region and the apparatus includes a weld head comprising a nozzle for holding the weld region of the component adjacent the workpiece. The weld head induces a weld arc between the weld region of the component and the workpiece to create a weld pool of molten material. The weld head subsequently moves the weld region into the weld pool to permanently join the component to the workpiece. The apparatus further comprises a pressurized fluid source and a fluid flow control means for directing the pressurized fluid between the weld head and the component an weld pool so as to deflect any airborne fluid residue of the weld pool away from the connector region of the component.