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.

Nertajet HP – CPM 400/450

Air Liquide Welding has launched its Nertajet HP - CPM 400/450.

BUTTING celebrates its 150th delivery

The manufacture of BUTTING’s longitudinally welded stainless steel pipes has formed the basis of the company’s product line.

New 115 Year Limited Edition Viking™ Helmet

Commemorating Lincoln Electric’s 115th year in business, the company has released its 115 Year Limited Edition Viking™ helmet.

Vallourec acquires Serimax

Vallourec has reached an agreement to acquire 100% of Serimax, a company that provides fully integrated welding solutions for offshore line pipes.

RCC-M welding consumables programme

Metrode has announced that it is launching a new programme to deliver, from stock, fully tested and certified stainless welding consumables according to RCC-M Add 2007 Section IV.

Stainless steel, metal-cored electrode

Select-Arc Inc. has developed a stainless steel, metal cored electrode specially developed for welding in high temperature piping systems.

6-m plate pipe production

Since stainless steels were first developed the production of high-quality longitudinally welded pipes has been the focal point of BUTTING’s business.

Heiko Schröder appointed new managing director

As of 1 January 2010 Heiko Schröder is the new managing director of Kjellberg Finsterwalde Schweißtechnik und Verschleißschutzsysteme GmbH.

RJD achieves welding certification

UK-based RJD Engineering has been awarded a top Quality Welding accreditation by TWI Certification Ltd (a member company of The Welding Institute).

Polysoude forging ahead

Polysoude has announced that it has posted its financial results.


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.