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.

Reducing fuel consumption

A lightweight valve made from a nickel alloy has won first prize in the "Steel in Research and Development" category of the 2003 Steel Innovation Prize.

Metabo: new slicer

Metabo Corporation now offers new aluminium oxide Type 1 Slicer-Plus high-performance wheels that provide increased cutting speed and minimal burr when cutting heavier gauge metals.

Short stub fittings accommodated

Orbimatic GmbH has announced details of the ORBIWELD 12 Micro Weld Head.

All-in-one cutting and welding

Axxair has announced the CC + SASL-150, the world's first all-in-one orbital cutting and welding machine.

Improved oxygen analyser

Orbimatic GmbH, the manufacturer of Orbital TIG Tube Welding Equipment, has seen an upgrade to its weld purge meter.

Tube mill for stainless

Mill Masters has introduced a new tube mill capable of welding stainless steel tubing.

Welding: longer MIG guns

A welder often faces the problem of using a traditional MIG gun 3 to 4.5 metres long, when his welding equipment is not close enough to the point of working or the work piece is so large that the traditional MIG gun does not reach to the top of it.

Polysoude keeps track

Polysoude has developed a device enabling all the welding parameters for any weld performed to be saved and stored.

Product CD revamped

Orbimatic have revamped its product CD. OrbiCD is said to be a valuable asset for anybody involved in the welding of tubes and pipes.

Free guide to orbital welding

The "Guide to orbital welding" is a free publication for anybody involved in the welding of tubes and pipes.


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.