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.

Upitis honored with Founding Committee Award by ASTM

Elmar Upitis, an engineering consultant, was honored with the Founding Committee Award by ASTM International’s committee on steel, stainless steel and related alloys (A01).

TWI recommissions an RFW machine for use on projects

TWI has recommissioned a rotary friction welding (RFW) machine for use on future projects. The machine had previously been used to join thin-walled tube casings as well as for demonstrations.

Alstom unveils the welding robot in the railway sector

Alstom's Le Creusot site has unveiled the highest-capacity welding robot in the railway sector, developed and manufactured by its supplier Farman, a subsidiary of the Galilé group, which specializes in robotic installations.

Zero colour titanium welds with PurgEye Desk

Titanium is a reactive metal, so when heated it will react with surrounding oxygen, discolour and lose its corrosion resistance properties.

Panzhihua to build titanium ingot production base

Recently, in the Kunming Economic Development Zone Kunming Heavy Equipment Group Longgang Park start-up plant, multiple CNC flame cutting machines and welding machines started assembly at the same time, marking the ‘low cost’ of cooperation between Yanbian County and Kunming Iron and Steel Group in Panzhihua City.

Cooling towers: When experts work together…

Hamon d’Hondt manufactures finned tubes for cooling towers, welded tubes of all types, cooling towers, air condensers, energy savers, air and fume heaters, etc. It has been asked to produce cooling tower systems destined for a gas-fired power plant at Fadhili. This colossal project, awarded to Saudi Aramco, is an entirely new development to be built 30 km west of Jubail, in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

DOE announce $36M for high-temperature material project

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced USD 36M in awards for 18 projects as part of the High-Intensity Thermal Exchange through Materials and Manufacturing Processes (HITEMMP) program, as well as the final OPEN+ Cohort, High-Temperature Devices.

Stainless water tanks for ultramodern diving school

Gpi recently had the honour of supplying two large stainless steel water tanks for a very unusual project. The tanks will be used at a dive training school in the Netherlands. The Dutch tank fabricator shared some insights into this challenging project.

Serpentine to acquire Keyhole TIG Limited

Serpentine Technologies Limited (Serpentine) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding term sheet to acquire 100% of Keyhole TIG Limited (K - TIG).

Welding breakthrough could transform manufacturing

Scientists from Heriot-Watt University have welded glass and metal together using an ultrafast laser system, in a breakthrough for the manufacturing industry.


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.