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.

If you wish to include your news release on our website and email newsletter, please feel free to contact the editor.

TWI’s Paola elected to join the AILU Steering Committ

Section Manager of TWI’s Laser and Sheet Processes section, Paola De Bono, has been elected to join the Association of Laser Users (AILU) Steering Committee.

Xiris releases WeldStudio software for Weld Cameras

Xiris’ latest version of WeldStudio™ software includes powerful new functions to support Xiris Weld Cameras in capturing and processing high-quality weld images.

Nickel Institute updates archive of technical guides

Thirty significant technical publications originally produced by INCO and American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) have been refreshed and re-published by the Nickel Institute.

Coherent HighLight DL HPS offers high power output

The Coherent HighLight™ DL HPS is an industrial diode laser that offers high power output (1 kW to 4 kW) in a compact, self-contained package, making it particularly useful for systems integrators and end-users performing metal cladding, heat treating, brazing, and welding.

Casting upgrade welding – requirements, techniques and concepts

The world of fusion welding has effected many industries and fabrication opportunities worldwide. Countless industrial items are assembled using a vast number of different welding techniques governed by numerous rules, codes and norms. Casting upgrade welding is a very specialised series of operations. The casting process offers a unique opportunity as the casting is an economic preform. Weld upgrade is inherent to the process.

Coherent creates Center of Excellence for Fiber Lasers

Coherent, Inc. has expanded its fiber laser operation in Tampere, Finland, and designated the facility as a “Center of Excellence for Fiber Lasersâ€?.

CNIITMASH signs a partnership with Bureau Veritas

CNIITMASH JSC became the first in Russia official partner of Bureau Veritas Exploitation S.A.S (France) involved in welding personnel and procedures certification according to European norms.

Schneider Weisse: high demands on equipment & process line design

German, or better put Bavarian Weissbier (wheat beer), has a long tradition. Dating back more than a century, its recipe hasn’t changed. What has changed is the market. Weissbier has become a global product, which has placed higher demands on the production and the individual equipment components.

Xiris modifies its WI2000 automatic inspection system

Xiris Automation announced that it has modified its WI2000 automatic inspection system to measure the weld bead geometry and forming characteristics of High Voltage Cable.

SCC produces stainless steel parts by USD600 3D printer

Somerset Community College’s (SCC) Additive Manufacturing (AM) program has successfully produced stainless steel parts using a USD600 desktop 3D printer.


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.