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.

Stainless strips for auto mufflers

ThyssenKrupp Nirosta has developed a lightweight solution for auto manufacturers, reducing CO2 emissions using ThyssenKrupp Tailored Strips, which comprise strips of different thickness matched exactly to the stresses acting on the part.

Picomig 180, EWM Hightec welding

Germany-based Mündersbach’s new Picomig 180, EWM Hightec welding presents a portable multi-process inverter power source.

CC/CV arc welding machines

The new Origo/Aristo range of CC/CV welding machines from ESAB enables all types of stainless and mild steel to be welded, together with a range of other materials with plate thicknesses of 0.5mm and up.

Lightweight footbridge in Spanish town

The small Basque city of Zumaia is located at the junction of two rivers that flow into the Bay of Biscay. The rivers slice through the city, so one crucial part of the development program is a footbridge to improve accessibility.

Merrick as VP of Techalloy Welding Products

Central Wire Group’s (Perth, Ontario) President and CEO, Larry Smith has announced the promotion of Stan Merrick to Vice President of Techalloy Welding Products.

How to Weld Titanium workshop

The International Titanium Association, in cooperation with the Canadian Welding Association, is offering the “How to Weld Titanium Workshop” on 3 March 2009, 5 March 2009, and 11 March 2009.

Friction welding system for duplex

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has introduced a new friction stir welding system designed to weld high melting temperature materials, including ferrous alloys such as ferritic steels, stainless and duplex stainless steels, and nickel base alloys.

BUTTING travels East

Two BUTTING employees have recently faced an interesting challenge, travelling and spending several weeks in the East for a project in Saudi-Arabia, to support BUTTING’s customer on the spot with their welding expertise.

SelectAlloy 2209-C and 2553-AP electrodes

Select-Arc Inc. has introduced two duplex stainless steel electrodes, SelectAlloy 2209-C and SelectAlloy 2553-AP.

Stalatube hires Brask

In December 2008 product development engineer Lari Brask (27), M.Sc. (Eng.) started working for Stalatube.


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.