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.

Fronius presses ahead into Brazil

Fronius is moving into the Brazilian welding market by founding a Brazilian subsidiary.

OrbiLogic voltage detection system

The ORBIMAT product range has been further improved with an OrbiLogic option available on the ORBIMAT 160C orbital welding power supplies which allows the machine to be run from either 110v or 230v supplies with no changes required to the power supply.

New appointments at Techalloy

Christina Partoza has been appointed Customer Service Supervisor at Techalloy’s Baltimore Welding Division.

Complete weld purging kit

Orbimatic GmbH has added the ORBIPURGE internal purging kit to their orbital welding equipment.

Elite expands

Elite, a manufacturer of stainless steel sanitary fittings used in the biopharmaceutical and food/dairy industries, has expanded its ability to offer polishing solutions through the addition of two new systems.

Micro-welding

For welding the type of small bore tube and micro weld fittings used in the fabrication of high purity stainless steel pipelines for the semi-conductor and electronics industry, the Orbiweld 12 and VK19 Water Cooled Micro Weld Head has been introduced.

Stainless DBB valves

Design staff from Flowserve Flow Control and distributor BSS have worked with senior mechanical engineers at BNFL, Risley, UK, to produce a new stainless steel double block and bleed (DBB) valve that delivers significant cost and space savings.

Ensuring clean welds

Orbimatic has introduced the ORB1000 Oxygen Analyser into its range of equipment

Product Manager for Techalloy

Gary Powell has recently been appointed product manager at Techalloy’s Baltimore Welding Division.

First chemical tanker order from China

AvestaPolarit's Hot Rolled Plate business unit in Degerfors has received an order for hot-rolled plate that will be used to manufacture tanks for a chemical tanker due to be built in China.


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.