Welding

Welding stainless steel

Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials, mostly metals, by using high heat to melt the parts together and allowing them to cool, causing fusion. It is a widely used technique in the fabrication of equipment such as tubes or heat exchangers.

Latest welding news

Below you can find the latest newsitems that involve the topic of welding.

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TPU develop welding quality control method for ITER

Non-destructive testing specialists at Russia’s Tomsk Polytechnic Institute (TPU) is to develop methods for checking the reliability of seams on components of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) reactor.

ExOne certifies Inconel 718 as Third-Party Qualified

The ExOne Company announced that the nickel-based alloy Inconel 718 has been certified as Third-Party Qualified, the company’s highest designation of material readiness for its metal 3D printers.

BUTTING produces GluBi® pipes from July 2020

From July 2020, BUTTING produces GluBi® pipes, glue bonded mechanically lined pipes, for a customer project for the first time.

Flexible Welding Enclosures® alternative to metal glov

There is an ever-increasing demand in industries such as the Aerospace, Medical, and Motorsport for high quality welded titanium components.

Huntingdon designs and develops the PurgEye® Site

Welders often face weld purging difficulties when working under the conditions experienced on-site including exposure to extremes of heat and cold, harmful sand and dust and even hazardous fumes, where an expensive Weld Purge Monitor® may not always be ideal.

Quick purge system cuts costs for pipework welding

Weld Purging large diameter pipework made from stainless, duplex and chrome steels, titanium or zirconium can be expensive, with requirements to have the oxygen level well below 100 ppm during the welding cycle.

Emerson introduces Branson GLX Micro Laser Welder

Emerson has introduced the Branson GLX Micro Laser Welder, supporting the need to manufacture smaller and more delicate plastic parts used in the medical and consumer electronics industries.

FL4000CSM-ARM fiber laser for automotive applications

The new Coherent HighLight FL4000CSM-ARM fiber laser builds on the success of Coherent HighLight ARM fiber laser series already qualified for automotive applications.

Richard honored with International Meritorious Award

TWI’s Group Manager for Industrial Members and Key Accounts, Richard Freeman is due to be honored as a co-recipient of the International Meritorious Certificate Award, which is sponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS).

PurgEye Nano for welding titanium and stainless steel

Titanium and stainless steel are both reactive alloys. When they are heated during the welding process, they will react with any air that is present, causing oxidation, which can lead to a loss of corrosion resistance properties.


Stainless steel is a popular material in various industries due to its corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Here are some key points to consider when welding stainless steel:

Choose the appropriate welding process: There are several welding processes suitable for stainless steel, including Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding, and Stick welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding). TIG welding is often preferred for stainless steel due to its precision and ability to produce high-quality welds.

Prepare the materials: Before welding, it’s important to clean the stainless steel surfaces to remove any contaminants, such as oil, grease, or dirt. Use a stainless steel wire brush or a dedicated solvent to clean the area.

Select the appropriate filler material: When welding stainless steel, it’s generally recommended to use a filler metal that matches or is compatible with the base metal. Commonly used filler materials for stainless steel welding include austenitic stainless steel filler rods or wires, such as ER308, ER309, or ER316.

Set the welding parameters: The welding parameters, such as current, voltage, travel speed, and shielding gas flow rate, will depend on the thickness of the stainless steel and the specific welding process being used.

Ensure proper shielding gas: Stainless steel welding typically requires the use of an inert gas, such as argon or a mixture of argon and helium, to create a protective atmosphere around the weld and prevent oxidation. The shielding gas should be supplied continuously and cover the weld pool adequately.

Maintain good joint fit-up and control heat input: Stainless steel has a relatively low thermal conductivity compared to other metals, so it’s essential to control the heat input during welding. Proper joint fit-up, including gap and root opening, helps control distortion and ensures proper fusion.

Post-weld treatment: Stainless steel welds may require post-weld treatment to restore corrosion resistance. This can involve processes such as passivation or pickling, which remove any oxides or contaminants from the welded area. The specific post-weld treatment will depend on the application and the stainless steel grade used.

It’s important to note that welding stainless steel can be complex, and there may be additional considerations depending on the specific application, grade of stainless steel, and welding codes and standards. If you’re not experienced in welding stainless steel, it’s advisable to consult with a professional welder or seek training to ensure proper techniques and safety precautions are followed.