Insulation clips for welding are essential accessories for securing insulation blankets and panels onto pins welded by capacitor discharge.
Insulation clips for capacitor discharge welding
1. Insulation clips for welding are fitted after the pin has been welded and secure insulation blankets or panels by pressing them against the pin.
2. The type R clip is made of metal (zinc-plated or stainless steel) and is available for pin diameters of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm; the type W clip incorporates a white or black plastic cap that protects the tip and improves the finished appearance.
3. Special versions of insulation clips for welding are available with an outside diameter of 11.5 mm, making them ideal for soft or low-density insulation.
1. What are insulation clips for welding?
Insulation clips for welding are mechanical fastening elements fitted after the insulation pin has been welded onto a metal surface. Their main function is to retain the insulation material (mineral wool, fibreglass, rigid panels, etc.) by pressing it firmly against the pin.
Unlike pins with an integral clip, standard clips are fitted afterwards, providing greater installation flexibility and allowing different types of clip to be used on the same welded pin.
These stud-welding accessories are widely used in HVAC, air-conditioning, industrial insulation and ventilation duct applications.
2. Types of insulation clips for welding
2.1. Type R clip (standard) for stud welding
The type R clip is the most common model among insulation clips for welding. It is made of zinc-plated steel or 1.4310 stainless steel, and its split-ring design with internal tabs allows quick and secure push-fit installation.
Technical features:
– Available diameters: 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm
– Materials: zinc-plated steel and 1.4310 stainless steel
– Application: industrial insulation, HVAC and ventilation ducts
| Diameter (mm) | Material | Item no. (zinc-plated steel) | Item no. (stainless steel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Zinc-plated steel / 1.4310 | 49-12-002 | 49-22-002 |
| 3 | Zinc-plated steel / 1.4310 | 49-13-003 | 49-23-003 |
| 4 | Zinc-plated steel | 49-04-004 | – |
| 5 | Zinc-plated steel | 49-05-005 | – |
2.2. Type R clip – 11.5 mm outside diameter
This wide version of the type R clip provides a larger bearing surface, making it particularly suitable for soft insulation or applications where the clip pressure needs to be distributed more evenly across the insulation material.
Features:
– Available diameters: 3, 4 and 5 mm
– Material: zinc-plated steel
2.3. Type W clip (with plastic cap)
The type W clip is a version of the insulation clip for welding that incorporates a plastic cap (white or black) to cover the tip of the pin after installation. This provides several advantages:
- Protects the sharp pin tip
- Prevents snagging on clothing or gloves
- Improves the finished appearance of the insulation
Technical features:
– Diameters: 2 mm and 3 mm
– Body material: zinc-plated steel or 1.4310 stainless steel
– Cap material: thermoplastic
| Diameter (mm) | Colour | Body material | Item no. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | White | Zinc-plated steel | 49-52-002 |
| 2 | Black | Zinc-plated steel | 49-52-002-SCHWARZ |
| 2 | White | 1.4310 stainless steel | 49-62-002 |
| 2 | Black | 1.4310 stainless steel | 49-62-002-SCHWARZ |
| 3 | White | Zinc-plated steel | 49-53-003 |
| 3 | Black | Zinc-plated steel | 49-53-003-SCHWARZ |
| 3 | White | 1.4310 stainless steel | 49-63-003 |
| 3 | Black | 1.4310 stainless steel | 49-63-003-SCHWARZ |
3. How to use insulation clips for welding: step by step
Fitting insulation clips for welding is straightforward and requires no special tools:
- Weld the insulation pin (2 or 3 mm diameter) onto the sheet metal using a capacitor-discharge welding gun.
- Position the insulation blanket or panel, piercing it or passing it over the welded pin.
- Press the clip onto the pin until it locks into place (you will hear a click).
- Check that the clip is firmly secured and that the insulation cannot move.
4. Welding-gun compatibility
Not all insulation clips for welding are compatible with every gun. The recommended compatibility is shown below:
| Pin type | Recommended gun | Required chuck |
|---|---|---|
| ø2 insulation pin | PKM-1B / PHM-1A | 82-50-020 |
| ø3 insulation pin | PKM-1B / PHM-1A | 82-50-030 |
| Pin with integral clip | PIM-1B | 82-50-0311 |
| Pin with integral clip | PIM-1K | B-80-35-1368 |
For insulation pins up to 200 mm long, the PKM-1B ISO-200 gun is recommended (item number B-90-10-2122).
5. Advantages of using insulation clips for welding
Insulation clips for welding offer several advantages over other fastening systems:
- Quick installation: No tools are required, only hand pressure.
- Secure fastening: They withstand vibration and movement of the insulation.
- Removable: They can be removed easily with pliers if the insulation needs to be repositioned.
- Versatility: The same welded pin can accept different clip types to suit the application.
- Durability: 1.4310 stainless-steel clips are ideal for corrosive or outdoor environments.
6. Practical recommendations for selecting insulation clips for welding
To ensure that the insulation is correctly secured, follow these recommendations when selecting your insulation clips for welding:
- Select the clip diameter to match the welded pin diameter (normally 2 mm or 3 mm).
- For very soft or low-density insulation, use the type R clip with an 11.5 mm outside diameter, as it provides a larger bearing surface.
- For corrosive or outdoor environments, choose 1.4310 stainless-steel clips.
- Type W clips with plastic caps are recommended where the insulation will remain visible or in areas used by personnel, because they prevent snagging and improve the finished appearance.
- Request samples before placing large-volume orders to verify the exact fit.
- Maintain rotating stock (at least 10–20% more than the number of studs per batch) to avoid interrupting production.
- Store clips in a dry place away from direct sunlight to extend their service life.
7. Frequently asked questions about insulation clips for welding
Can insulation clips be reused?
Yes. Metal clips (type R) can be reused provided that they have not been deformed. Type W clips with a plastic cap can also be reused, although the cap may wear after several cycles.
What is the difference between a type R clip and a type W clip?
The type R clip is made entirely of metal, whereas the type W clip incorporates a plastic cap that protects the pin tip and improves appearance and safety.
Can I use a 3 mm clip on a 2 mm pin?
No. The clip diameter must exactly match the diameter of the welded pin to ensure a firm hold.
Where can I buy insulation clips for welding?
They are available through our online store or by contacting our sales department.


