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.

Hot water cylinders

Orbimatic (UK) Ltd, the manufacturer of orbital TIG welding equipment, have assisted a manufacturer of stainless steel hot water cylinders in coping with a massive upturn in production.

Fronius expands production

Fronius is expanding its production capacity in its Austrian homeland. On a 100,000 meters square site in the town of Sattledt, the company is constructing its largest manufacturing and logistics facility.

Welding guide published

ESAB has published a new Manual Metal Arc Welding guide to the company’s range of MMA power sources and remote control units.

Wolf Creek station repairs

Westinghouse Electric Co. subsidiary PCI Energy services, LLC (PCI) has recently completed emergent repairs of steam generator bowl drain welds for Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corp. (WCNOC) at Wolf Creek Generating station (Wolf Creek).

KTM motorcycles

KTM sports motorcycles use sheeting and piping made from special, high-alloy or standard steels and are welded by 160 qualified welders of both sexes.

TN 32PT® Transportable canister

Ranor Inc. introduces a new project to transport spent fuel canisters.

AWS president elected

Dr. Damian Kotecki, a Technical Director for The Lincoln Electric Co.’s consumable division, has been elected president of the American Welding Society (AWS).

Stainless steel fabrication

A workshop designed to provide basic principles on welding and fabricating stainless steel, targeted at all those involved in fabrication, especially engineers and senior management, was held recently at Outokumpu Stainless in Sheffield, UK.

Stainless steel tanks

The VK Tanks and Silos (USA) method of tank construction allows on-site construction of circular stainless steel storage tanks for the purpose of storing potable water, wastewater, toxic chemicals, and petroleum products.

Cooling goes stainless

Orbimatic GmbH is assisting ADMS Engineering Ltd in the use of stainless steel tubing for heating, cooling and ventilation systems.


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.