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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Welding parameter storage

Polysoude has developed a device to save and store all the welding parameters for any weld performed.

LaserHybrid welding from Fronius

Fronius's LaserHybrid welding process is designed to combine the advantages of laser and arc.

Welding of boiler tubes

Orbimatic’s P20 weld head has been designed to enable the welding of boiler tubes fitted to tube sheets in heat exchangers.

Logger helps pinpoint weld process defects

A specialist metalworking company, experienced in all types of welding, wanted to establish the reason why some welds occasionally failed.

AMI announces new ISO certification

Arc Machines, Inc., a manufacturer of automatic orbital welding systems, has achieved its ISO 9001:2000 Certification after successfully completing a reaccreditation audit.

Stainless-steel needle valves

Winters Instruments has a new line of stainless steel needle valves to add to its existing accessory product line.

Stainless bridge wins award

Sicklauddsbron (Bridge Apaté), a stainless steel bridge that spans the Sickla Canal in the Hammarby Sjöstad area of Stockholm, has received the European Steel Design Award.

Capturing residue in nuclear plant

BNFL Environmental has introduced a new extract and filtration system designed to overcome the problem of fumes generated by welding or cutting.

Welding in the workshop

Murex Welding Products has launched the Tradesmig Challenger 186C, capable of welding welds 0.8 to 6mm mild steels as well as stainless or aluminium.

Orbimatic to display at Weldex

Orbimatic is planning a big display at Weldex 2003, forecast to be the largest ever welding exhibition in the UK.


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.