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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NIMAK supplies manual welding guns for Russia

Mercedes-Benz also relies on resistance welding technology from NIMAK at its new plant in Russia. NIMAK supplies manual welding guns for the required spot welds.

New DNV GL RP on subsea welding to improve quality

A new recommended practice (RP) to standardize operator requirements for welding and inspection of subsea equipment, has been published by DNV GL.

Galling is serious…but there are solutions

Galling is a form of wear that is caused by metal surfaces in gliding contact with one other, such as the potentially hundreds of stainless steel bolts and fasteners holding production equipment and its moving parts together. With potentially disastrous effects resulting from galled fasteners seizing or even being subject to a fatigue breakage, industry players are advised to counter this threat.

Solution treatment: a heat treatment process

Solution treatment refers to a heat treatment process in which the alloy is heated to a high temperature single-phase zone to maintain the temperature, and the excess phase is sufficiently dissolved in the solid solution and then rapidly cooled to obtain a supersaturated solid solution.

Xiris releases next-generation weld camera: XVC-700

Xiris Automation Inc. announced the release of its revolutionary next-generation weld camera, the XVC-700. The lightweight, slimline XVC-700 camera is specifically designed for integration with welding automation in spaces too small for traditional welding cameras.

Introducing HighLightTM FL-ARM with Fiber-Fiber-Switch

The new Coherent HighLightTM FL-ARM with Fiber-Fiber-Switch is a high-power (2 8 kW), dual fiber output laser that can sequentially power two separate workstations or processes.

Weld Australia as an exclusive Distributor of Xiris

Xiris Automation announced that Weld Australia has been appointed as its exclusive Distributor of Xiris Weld Camera products for Australia.

3D Printing for the marine industry

The marine industry in general has been slow to embrace the 3D printing concept. The use of continuous liquid metal deposition under computer numerical control has created opportunities to produce complex shapes such as forgings and castings whilst avoiding the need for expensive tooling and the time delays in fabricating moulds. Notwithstanding this slow start, development work at Delft Technical University in 2017 has led to the production of the world’s first metal deposited marine propeller.

MaX: The new normal for ‘Body-in-White’

Starting in the 1990s and accelerating ever since the automobile industry has been defined by a revolution in innovation. From the internal combustion engine to the complete electric vehicle and the in-between hybrid, power train technologies are in a state of constant evolution. But innovation doesn’t stop with the engine.

UR10e cobot to power the Vectis Cobot Welding Tool

Vectis Automation has chosen Universal Robots’ UR10e cobot to power the Vectis Cobot Welding Tool launching at FABTECH 2019 in Chicago, giving smaller weld shops a low-risk, easy solution to increase weld capacity, quality, and stability.


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.