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.

Orbimatic give added value

Orbimatic GmbH has enhanced their service package in the UK to give what the company believes is an un-matched commercial and technical package to customers in the UK.

New chairman of Lincoln Electric

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. has announced that its Board of Directors has elected John M. Stropki as Chairman of the Board.

Stainless tankers

A UK tanker manufacturer has adopted stainless steel and updated welding techniques for the manufacture of road tankers.

Bridge order for Outokumpu in Spain

The world's first overpass bridge to be made entirely from stainless steel is to be built in Spain, using material from Outokumpu Stainless

Demanding task for weld robots

A laser-welding system incorporating IRB 140 six-axis robots from ABB Automation Technologies has been developed for manufacturing critical components for the next generation of particle accelerator.

Underwater welding

Speciality Welds has produced a "A Welders Mate", the second edition of its basic introduction to wet welding, "The Professional Divers Manual on Wet-Welding".

Welding SS exhausts

A new robotic facility entered production in July 2004 at the Coventry factory of first-tier automotive supplier, Unipart Eberspächer Exhaust Systems (UEES), to manufacture stainless steel exhausts for the Land Rover Discovery 3, due for launch this autumn, and for a future model of Range Rover.

New flux-core wire

Techalloy (a division of Arcelor) has introduced its Techalloy 625 FCA, which aims to combine the ease of use of a flux-core wire with nickel alloy applications.

Stainless steel and titanium bellows

At the MicroTec 2004 conference (Orlando, Florida, 13–15 October 2004), Richard R. Larsen of Flexial Corporation will present a paper "Microscopic Edge Welding of Stainless Steel and Titanium Bellows".

Small Head, Big Performance

Orbimatic GmbH has launched the Orbiweld S series of weld heads with quick fit 'Snap In' collet system.


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.