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.

Welding demonstration

PCI Energy Services, LLC (PCI), from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA has successfully completed the welding demonstration phase of its recently awarded dry fuel storage canister welding contract with Dominion Nuclear Connecticut (DNC) for Millstone Power Station.

Fabricating austenitic

An on-line slide presentation (with accompanying audio) has been launched by the Nickel Institute.

Stable arc

New from the Swabian welding specialists Rehm comes the electrode inverter Booster 140.

TP range complete

Orbimatic GmbH has launched the last two models in their Orbiweld TP range of open arc orbital TIG welding heads.

Two heads are better than one

Orbimatic has introduced its Orbitwin unit for high-rate production tube welding.

Norway: Technip wins offshore contract

Technip has been awarded by Marathon an EPCI contract for the installation of the subsea system for the Alvheim field on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Digital welding technology

Fronius (the Netherlands) has developed a CrNi welding software for joining parts made from high-alloy steels.

Chemical tanker order to china

Outokumpu Stainless Hot Rolled Plate in Degerfors has won a new chemical tanker order.

First International BuBi® Symposium

During the 1st International BuBi®-Symposium on 13-14 September, BUTTING was pleased to welcome numerous participants from all over the world in Knesebeck, Germany.

New force in heavy-duty welding

The Weldforce range of modular MIG/MAG/MMA welding machines is specifically designed to provide welding power, arc control and durability in heavy industries.


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.