a process and a system are proposed for short - time arc - welding elements , such as for example metal studs , on to components , such as for example metal sheets , wherein an element in the context of a welding operation is initially raised in relation to the component , a welding arc is formed between the element and the component , and the element is lowered again , the lifting height of the element in relation to the component being detected at least within a time segment between raising and lowering of the element . the initiation of the lowering operation and / or the lowering operation itself is controlled as a factor of the detected lifting height such that a previously specified total welding time is achieved .