In the stud welding industry, embeds (embed plates) are structural steel components cast into concrete to provide a secure mounting surface for other steel elements.  These embed plates transfer loads, provide anchorage points and/or reinforcement for steel and concrete frames, walls, foundations, or concrete slabs. 

Stud welding is the primary method used to manufacture these embeds, which consists of a steel plate with multiple weld studs anchored to it using the stud welding process.   

The stud welding process creates a permanent bond between the plate and the weld studs. Using a specialized stud welding gun which creates a drawn arc to melt the end of the stud and a small portion of the plate, the gun then plunges the stud into the molten metal, fusing them together in seconds. The Stud Welding method gives a full penetration weld, which is why it is the preferred method over conventional welding methods. 

The weld studs act as mechanical anchors that extend in the wet concrete. Once the concrete cures, the weld studs provide a shear and axial resistance needed to keep the plate from pulling out or shifting under heavy loads.  Embed plates are essential for ensuring the stability and integrity of a building or structure 

Structural integrity is one of the key benefits of embed plates using the stud welding process which ensures the full cross-sectional strength of the weld stud is transferred to the plate, making it stronger than the stud itself. 

The efficiency of automated stud welding, which is significantly faster than manual welding, allows for mass production of hundreds of embed plates with consistent quality. 

Additionally, the versatility of embed plates allows for connecting steel beams, columns, or roof systems to concrete foundations, piers, and tilt-up walls. 

Some common variations of embeds are curb angles used to protect and reinforce concrete corners in loading docks or stairwells or composite decks where studs are welded through metal decking into floor beams to tie the concrete slab and steel together as a single structural unit. 

Embed plates serve many applications in the construction industry, and it is the best way to join steel to concrete.