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.

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.

Castolin introduces MOS and induction heating system

Castolin Eutectic introduced two new PTA equipment models to the production line, the new Modular Oscillating System 2.0 (MOS) and new induction heating system.

Duplex ideal material for 7300 m3 demineralized water tank

Duplex is increasingly being specified for the construction of industrial tanks. Recently the Dutch fabricator Gpi constructed a 7300m3 capacity duplex tank designed to EN 14015, the European norm for flat-bottomed tanks.

Johan joins Sandvik as a technical marketing specialist

Sandvik has announced the appointment of Johan Salwén as a technical marketing specialist for the EMEA region. Johan will be based at Sandvik’s sales office in Kista, Sweden.

Blue Water Energy acquires PTL from HMC

London-based private equity firm Blue Water Energy announces the acquisition of Pipeline Technique Limited (“PTLâ€?), a leading provider of high-end pipeline welding, field joint coating, and spoolbase services to the energy industry, from Heerema Marine Contractors (“HMCâ€?) for an undisclosed consideration.

Kaman UK invest £1m in a new chemical treatment line

World-leading aerospace innovators, Kaman UK, have invested over £1m in a new chemical treatment line which will deliver surface treatment techniques to the aerospace industry.

Bilfinger install equipment & piping at new FUCHS plant

Bilfinger has been commissioned by lubricant manufacturer FUCHS to install modern production equipment and piping systems at its new blending plant in Haninge near Stockholm.

AMETEK SMP awarded with two Nadcap reaccreditations

AMETEK SMP Superior Tube, a leading manufacturer of small diameter precision metal tubing for the aerospace and defense industries as well as other sectors, has announced two successful reaccreditations from Nadcap, formerly known as the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program.


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.