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.

Johnson extends role as an official spokesperson: ESAB

ESAB recently announced that it has extended its relationship with off-road vehicle fabrication expert Ian Johnson as an official spokesperson for its welding and cutting products.

Efficient one-off production with PEMA WeldControl 300

PEMA WeldControl 300 is one of the most advanced robot programming and welding systems available in the markets. Thanks to the three different software levels, OFFLINE, CREATE and SCAN, even programming one-off production can be completed rapidly without any manufacturing interruptions.

Hirebotics to develop the BotX Welder

The industry’s hiring challenge, combined with the struggle metal fabrication companies experience in producing quality parts quickly and in small runs, prompted Hirebotics to develop the BotX Welder.

SSY’s seaworthy steel

Drawing inspiration from Viking shipbuilding techniques, Håkan Rosén of SSY has developed a line of lightweight, environmentally-friendly patrol vessels out of two unlikely materials: hyper- and super-duplex stainless steel. The success of these innovative ships has prompted Rosén and his team at SSY to expand into new nautical markets and to look for other ways to apply their groundbreaking manufacturing techniques, all while maintaining a rigorous commitment to ethical business practices.

H13 laser sintering process for robust tooling

H13 is a widely used versatile tool steel and is well known for its excellent combination of high resistance to compression, thermal shock, and abrasion.

Dave joins the Welding Institute as the new President

The Welding Institute announced Dave Holmes as the new president. Dave has been with BAE Systems for 35 years. During the time he has worked with BAE Systems, Dave has undertaken various roles across numerous Air Sector sites in the UK, while also extending his expertise worldwide, with international partners, suppliers, and customers.He is currently the Manufacturing Director for BAE Systems’ Air Sector, involving responsibility for all the manufacturing activities within the sector, across people, process, and systems capability development along with governance for both non-recurring and recurring activities.

Xiris Weld cameras now supported on Linux

Xiris announces the release of its WeldSDK for Linux operating systems. The WeldSDK software development kit allows developers to create their own programs to integrate Xiris weld cameras into their equipment.

Bauer BK70 gearbox for welding turntable drive

Bauer Gear Motor, an aircraft engine manufacturer needed a robust replacement gear drive for use on a large plasma welding turntable.

Xiris audio feature

Xiris Automation Inc. announces that it has developed a weld microphone system that integrates into its Xiris weld camera system! Being able to use sight and sound while welding will improve operators’ abilities to fine tune and monitor the welding process from a safe distance.

Duplex forgings & tubes in chemical process industries: cautions to be exercised

While duplex stainless steels are the ideal material of choice for process equipment in the chemical process industries, care must be taken during specification, fabrication and storage. The next three issues of Stainless Steel World will present case studies conducted by Dr. Elayaperumal which illustrate the importance of these steps to be able to take advantage of the properties of duplexes in service.


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.