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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Miller releases Millermatic® 355 MIG Welder

Miller Electric Mfg. released the new Millermatic 355 MIG welder, an easy-to-use power source designed for fabricators and manufacturers who need to MIG weld...

Packer as a contestant of SkillsUSA welding competition

In March, Jordan Packer, a Utah State University Eastern student, won second place in the American Welding Society Weld Trials after placing 11th in...

Stephen Cater present lectures at Coventry University

TWI’s Stephen Cater recently presented the latest in his series of lectures to over 80 Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science students at the University of Coventry.

TRUMPF to launch “EdgeLine Bevel” at Blechexpo

TRUMPF will take the Blechexpo fair as an opportunity to unveil its “EdgeLine Bevel” solution, which automatically prepares parts for welding during the cutting process.

Lincoln Electric launches Activ8x® Pipe™

Lincoln Electric announced the new Activ8x® Pipe™ portable wire feeder – the latest addition to the proven Activ8X® line of rugged, field-ready wire feeders.

ESAB launches new series of B3 SC electrodes and fluxes

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has introduced its new series of B3 SC electrodes and fluxes for SMAW and SAW for 2.25% Cr 1% Mo alloyed steels, SA-387 Grade 22, A335 Grade P22 and similar materials.

ESAB launches the Robust Feed U82 wire feeder

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has launched the Robust Feed U82 wire feeder, which includes a full suite of advanced process control functions

Metso Outotec opens a new laser welding unit in Finland

Metso Outotec is opening a new laser welding unit, customized for demanding production conditions, at its filtration technology center in Lappeenranta, Finland.

Tweco® introduces Centrovac fume extraction MIG guns

Tweco® has introduced three models of Centrovac fume extraction MIG guns that remove welding fumes at the gun nozzle to help meet OSHA and ACGIH standards.

NIMAK develops ntcGUN: A robot welding gun

NIMAK has developed the “ntcGUN” robot welding gun especially for use in local foreign markets. The name stands for "NIMAK TÜNKERS Compact Gun" and highlights the two companies’ first joint development.


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.