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.

TIG welding guide

Murex Welding Products' has released a TIG Welding Guide containing applications of TIG welding and pointers for its successful use.

Lincoln supplies pipe mill

Trinity Inc. recently built a USD 10 million spiral weld pipe mill. The new plant produced approximately 25,000 tons of pipe in 2007 and is slated to double that in 2008 with a fully manipulated welding wave in a submerged arc application.

Rankin Industries JV

Rankin Industries Inc. has announced that a joint venture has been signed with Jinzhou Special Welding Electrode Co. Ltd to form Rankin Alloy (Jinzhou) Co. Ltd.

Welder for circular parts

Dukane has released the Dual Servo Spin welder designed for welding circular parts that have a tight tolerance requirement for both the orientation between the parts being welded and the overall final welded assembly height.

Stainless Steel World Conference & Exhibition 2009

The 6th biennial Stainless Steel World Conference & Exhibition 2009 will be held 10 November until 12 November, in Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Raymax supplies Ebtech

Ebtech Industries has increased its welding capacity by installing a GSI JK450HP Nd:YAG Pulsed Laser System supplied by Raymax Lasers. 

Pipe manipulator system

Arc Energy Resources has applied to patent a pipe manipulation system designed to increase the efficiency and quality of its corrosion resistant coating services to the oil & gas industry.

Stainless chemical tankers

Outokumpu’s plate prefabrication and surface-treatment capabilities have been put to work on two 9400dwt full-stainless steel chemical tankers under construction for the Italy-based shipowner Finbeta SpA.

ASM International honours Dr Collins

ASM International has elected Sunniva R. Collins Ph.D. senior research fellow at Swagelok Co., a Fellow of the Society.

Hobart Brothers Expands

Hobart Brothers Company is expanding its manufacturing operations into a new 65,000sq/ft facility located in Troy, Ohio, US.


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.