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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HEES invests in Orbital

Hygienic & Environmental Engineering Services has bought two further Orbimatic orbital welding systems.

Storing weld parameters

Increased emphasis on traceability in the semiconductor industries, pharmacy and biotechnology has led Polysoude to develop a device enabling to save and store all the welding parameters for any weld performed.

Welders like a little head

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

Tungsten Electrode Grinder

Orbimatic have launched the WIG 10/175 Tungsten Electrode grinder to compliment their range of high quality orbital welding equipment.

Technip wins North Sea installation contract

Technip has been awarded by Statoil an installation contract for the infield flowlines, service lines and umbilicals at the Snøhvit field.

Fittings stock

Erne Fittings, a producer of butt-welding fittings of a wide range of materials, has recently unveiled its full automatic logistics centre.

Welding facility in Baltimore

BOC opened a new welding supply and gases retail store and distribution facility in Baltimore, Maryland, on 25 August 2003.

High-speed welding for CRAs

Australian scientists have produced a new high-speed welding technology that slashes hours from traditional joining of corrosion-resistant metals.

Tobacco gains stainless production line

Belt Technologies has expanded production of stainless-steel tobacco belts.

Clean valve launched in UK

To meet growing demand for clean valves, Flowserve Flow Control is introducing a new product range into 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.