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.

Fronius introduces the Robacta TX

Fronius’ new Robacta TX torch body changeover system reduces idle time and increases process reliability, system availability, welding quality and productivity.

Polysoude offers high-tech weld heads

Polysoude has created new, more productive and ergonomic high tech weld heads, setting a new technological standard for automated orbital TIG welding. The new orbital welding heads make tube to tubesheet welding and tube-tube welding especially easy for the operator.

LE’s intuitive website

Lincoln Electric’s new website makes finding information easy. With easy and intuitive navigation features, and increased product detail, visitors can easily find the info needed to fulfill their welding and cutting requirements.

ANDRITZ to build annealing and pickling line

ANDRITZ has received an order from Bahru Stainless SHN BHD, a JV between Acerinox SA of Spain and Nisshin Steel of Japan, to supply an annealing and pickling line for cold rolled stainless steel strip.

TISCO to increase stainless

Taiyuan Iron & Steel Group will increase its annual production capacity of stainless steel to 3 million tns.

Swagelok offers new solutions

Swagelok Company has introduced two new options for its M200 power supply, both designed to improve weld consistency and quality. 

Outokumpu restructures for efficiency

In order to develop a more effective and more efficient organization with increased operational focus,

TIP TIG USA workshop

Starting March 24 and each third Thursday of the month, TIP TIG USA will provide a TIP TIG Manual & Automated Plate & Pipe Welding workshop at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

LE equipment featured in The Green Hornet

Lincoln Electric has made a big screen appearance in The Green Hornet. The company’s POWER MIG® 140C, Precision TIG® 225 welders, assorted welding helmets, gloves and accessories are displayed on the set of the lab run by the Green Hornet’s sidekick, Kato.

KSSC to build new facilities

K SENG Seng Corporation (KSSC) will build new facilities to process and sell a new line of stainless steel tubes and pipes for the Southeast Asian market, particularly the  Philippine's automotive 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.