Patent ID: 7227096
Filing Date: 2007-06-05
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A welding stud for a stud welding gun to attach a component to a workpiece, comprising: a connector head at one end of the stud for fitting into the welding gun; a collar formed along an intermediate portion of the stud for retaining the component on the workpiece when the stud is attached; a work end for welding attachment to the workpiece at a weld zone formed therebetween; an intermediate body portion extending between the work end and the collar, the intermediate body portion having a reduced thickness shaft section formed along a portion of from about thirty to about fifty percent of its extent between the work end and the collar; the reduced thickness shaft section having lower yield strength than the remainder of the intermediate body portion; and the reduced thickness shaft section yielding prior to yielding of the weld zone when the stud is contacted to preserve the weld of the stud to the workpiece.