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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Welding stainless steel handbook

The first edition of the Outokumpu Welding Handbook has been published. The Group's ambition is that the handbook will be a useful tool for welders, engineers, metallurgists, designers and other specialists when looking for information regarding

BUTTING receives order

BUTTING has received an order from an important South American customer from the drilling and well building technology sector, for which they have manufactured pump casings to be used on an FPSO tanker, among other products.

Fronius at EuroBlech 2010

Fronius will be highlighting, at its stand at EuroBlech 2010, what has emerged in terms of new developments and practical applications from the Innovation Initiative launched in Essen in 2009.

Polysoude welding solution

France-based Polysoude has tailored a welding solution for a Russian supplier of pressure-vessels to bring in line the required productivity and security that the company desires.

Stainless electrodes for cryogenic applications

Select-Arc Inc. has released two gas-shielded, flux cored, stainless steel electrodes that are specifically designed for cryogenic applications.

Robotic beam cutting and scribing system

Lincoln Electric Automation has introduced a Robotic beam cutting and scribing system for the structural steel industry.

Andritz employs CMT welding process

Specialists at the Andritz Hydro Ravensburg site have been using the CMT (Cold Metal Transfer) welding process to finish the surfaces of impellers and ship propellers and have achieved significant benefits in terms of quality and efficiency.

High-speed wire rod mill orders

ShanDong Fulun Iron & Steel Co. Ltd, Laiwu City, China, has placed an order with SMS Meer, Germany, for the supply of two high speed wire rod mills. Each mill will be capable of achieving an annual capacity of 700,000tns of wire rod.

New customer and application centre

Europe’s latest and biggest plasma centre attracted customers and long-standing partners from nearly 20 countries to Kjellberg Finsterwalde in Eastern Germany on 15 April 2010.

Energy Savings Project of the Year Award

Ogihara America Corp., a Thai Summit Group company, has been chosen as the winner of the 2010 Energy Saving Commercial Project of the Year presented by DTE Energy and The Engineering Society of Detroit.


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.