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.

LNG pipe for dock loading facility

In Qatar, LNG exports from the state’s Port of Ras Laffan are expected to reach 77 million tpy by the end of 2010, making the Port the world’s largest LNG export terminal, over three times larger in capacity than its closest rival.

Guild International turns 50

Guild International has announced that 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of its beginnings.

LDX 2101® for edible oil tank storage

Storage tank fabricators Oostwouder and Siemerink have expanded Loders Croklaan’s palm-oil tank farm in the Port of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, built in 2004 using duplex LDX 2101®, with 41 new tanks, consuming 1300tns of the same grade.

Dynamic Materials Corp. acquires

The Dynamic Materials Corp. (DMC) clad metal team has acquired DYNAPLAT.

Pulp mill duplex packages

Outokumpu has introduced a new service concept for pulp-mill machinery and equipment manufacturers, supplying an optimized package of prefabricated duplex 2205 plate sections for Metso ND to build digesters and reactors for the chemical cellulose producer Sappi Saiccor, both of South Africa.

Stainless steel drive tapes

Belt Technologies’ latest range of stainless steel drive tapes are suited to and designed for linear actuators and can provide a clean, accurate and simple method of providing linear motion.

Swagelok orbital welding power supply

The Swagelok Co. has announced the release of the new Swagelok® welding system M200 power supply that offers portability, and 200amp capability, all at a weight of less than 50lbs.

BUTTING contract completed

BUTTING has recently completed the largest single order for risers, wellheads and associated components for a longstanding customer in the well construction industry, for whom BUTTING supplied 8 wellheads and 408 risers.

LDX 2101® for road tankers

Three separate fabricators in Italy make road tankers for bitumen and other loads using Outokumpu’s duplex grade LDX 2101®.

New Kjellberg HiFocus system consumables

Hypertherm’s Centricut® brand has unveiled new consumables for two Kjellberg® HiFocus® systems, the 100 and 160i.


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.