A method of joining plates includes the steps of providing a one or more studs
having a head, a barrel and a weld tip. The plates and studs are arranged such
that a first plate having at least one hole is located between the studs and a
second plate with each stud aligned with a hole and contacting the second plate.
Current is passed through the stud using the stud head and the second plate as
electrodes to melt the weld tip bonding the stud to the second plate. The studs
are arranged such that an air gap between the studs and the first plate prevents
arcing during the welding step. Pressure and heat may be applied to compress the
barrel such that the stud functions as a rivet. Alternatively, the barrel may remain
uncompressed to provide a pin allowing relative rotation between the plates.