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.

New software for the M200 power supply

Swagelok Co. has released new software for its Swagelok® welding system M200 power supply to deliver increased performance in an updated graphical interface.

Weld purge monitor

The Argweld® Weld purge monitor, developed in the 1970’s, has evolved to become the recently launched MKV version.

Welding line for stainless pipes

Jiuli has recently finished commissioning a new 25in continuous welding line at their facilities in Huzhou, Zheijiang, China.

HFT trailing shields

UK-based Huntingdon Fusion Techniques Ltd (HFT) is now able to provide a wide range of trailing shields to fit any make of TIG (GTAW), MIG or Plasma (PAW) welding torch for manual or automatic welding.

Sandvik’s nuclear brochure

Sandvik, a suppler of advanced materials for the nuclear power industry, has published a new brochure outlining the scope of its products and the wide range of applications.

TIG hot wire technology

Sub Sea Services AS has invested in international market company Polysoude high-tech manufacturing technology.

Polysoude at Schweissen&Schneiden

Polysoude (Nantes, France) will be taking a stand at this year’s Schweissen&Schneiden in Meese Essen, Germany.

Kjellberg Finsterwalde at Schweißen & Schneiden

Kjellberg Finsterwalde has announced that it will highlight its plasma cutting with HiFocus technology, automated change of torch heads, plasma powder deposition welding, and newArc technology at the trade fair Schweißen & Schneiden 2009 on 14-19 September in Essen, Germany.

Stainless flux-cored wires

Lincoln Electric has expanded its UltraCore® line of flux-cored wires to include six stainless wires for welding a variety of stainless steels.

ASSDA technical information night

On 26 May 2009, The Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) will be holding a technical information night on stainless steels for the food 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.