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.

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Cladding contracts

Arc Energy Resources (UK) recently completed two fast-track weld overlay cladding projects for the Pembroke refinery of Chevron Texaco.

Stainless gauges

One For Instrumentation Ltd (Congleton, Cheshire, UK) has launched a new range of pressure and temperature gauges.

TIGER Welding Station

Orbimatic GmbH has released details of its TIGER tube and pipe welding station.

Guide to consumables for stainless welding

A new guide from Esab aims to provide the correct consumable specification when welding stainless steels.

Oxygen meter for tube & pipe welding

The new OxyINTEGRAL from Orbitec is claimed to be accurate at titanium weld purging levels and, when integrated with the company's orbital welding controllers, can isolate the process and provide traceable documentation, enhancing safety and weld integrity.

Titanium for Dubai desalination plant

Titania SpA (Terni, Italy) and its subsidiary Deutsche Titan GmbH (Essen, Germany) are supplying 160 metric tons of titanium tubes for the construction of a seawater desalination plant in Dubai.

Welding tape from Huntingdon

Backing tape used in the welding of seams or runs help to prevent weld failures and produce flat, slag-free welds requiring no grinding or backgouging.

Outokumpu opens Sheffield centre

Outokumpu, the largest manufacturer and supplier of stainless steel in the UK, is celebrating the official opening of a GBP 10 million processing and distribution centre in Sheffield, UK

Arc control turns electronic

Orbimatic GmbH has introduced a new option for their ORBIMAT 250C orbital welding power supply.

New source for nuclear welding supplies

Techalloy Company, a 50-year-old manufacturer of stainless steel and nickel alloy welding wire and rods, has formed a strategic alliance with newly formed nexArc Inc., headquartered in Millville, PA.


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.