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 Orbital tube welder

At the start of 2005 AMI began shipping the new Model 307 Tube welding power supply.

Flanges don SS protection

Arc Energy Resources has recently shipped a selection of stainless steel clad flanges to Belgium-based Icarus, which specialises in the manufacture of bespoke flanges, valves and pipe fittings for the oil and gas, petrochemical and nuclear industries.

SS workshop in the UK

Following the success of the Stainless Steel Fabrication Workshop held last June in Sheffield, another workshop will take place at TWI Technology Centre at Port Talbot on Wednesday 29 March 2006.

GTAW Narrow gap welding

In situations where, foremost, the required weld joints must exhibit strength, integrity and corrosion resistance, such as for thick walled components for super critical power plants or nuclear power plants, the application of hot-wire Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), specifically GTAW Narrow Gap Welding (GTAW – NG), is finding increased use.

Fastmig technology

Fastmig is a new modular three-phase 230 and 440V MIG and MAG industrial welding system from Kemppi.

Pulsed MIG Welding CD-Rom

ESAB now offers a free CD-Rom called “Pulsed MIG Weldingâ€? that explains the features and benefits of this welding process, also sometimes referred to as pulsed MIG/MAG welding or pulsed arc MIG welding.

DTF16 Haze control

The new DTF16 Haze Control from optek-Danulat is a precise, inline turbidity measuring system featuring a triple-beam optical design.

StarWeld tool family

Rofin-Baasel (UK) introduces its new StarWeld tool family, for repairing injection mould and blow mould tools with laser welding.

Nitty-Gritty equipment

Orbimatic (UK) has added its new Nitty-Gritty weld cleaning and marking systems to their range of products.

New AWS standard

The American Welding Society (AWS) has announced the availability of its AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2005: An American National Standard: Specification for Welding of Tanks, Vessels, and Other Equipment in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications.


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.