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.

Swedish welding pact

PCI Energy Services LLC, a subsidiary of Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, has entered into a three-year teaming agreement with Uddcomb Engineering AB (UE) headquarters in Karlskrona, Sweden.

Orbimat improvement

Orbimatic GmbH recently introduced two major improvements in the manufacture of their Orbimat orbital welding power supplies.

New GM at Orbimatic

Orbimatic GmbH has appointed Steve Purnell as their General Manager for the UK and Ireland, following the recent expansion of the UK Office.

Metrode celebrates anniversary

Metrode Products, the UK manufacturer of alloyed welding consumables, will celebrate its 40th anniversary this month.

Welding in time

The new digital generation of the TimeTwin-Welding System from Fronius (Austria) contains certain refinements and new features compared to its analogue predecessor.

ESAB moves “towards 100”

Founded 100 years ago next year, ESAB is re-inforcing its leadership in the highly competitive world of welding and cutting equipment and consumables, according to Chief Executive, Jon Templeman.

Speeding up purge process

To speed up the purge process prior to welding for large pipes and tanks, Huntingdon Fusion Techniques has designed and developed a range of Quick Purge Systems.

Improved welding speed and accuracy

Siemens Automation and Drives has provided a control and drives solution to a major manufacturer to upgrade the performance of precision welding equipment.

Heavy duty welding power sources

Murex Welding Products has introduced air and water cooled welding packages featuring the Transmig 423S and 523S electronic microprocessor controlled heavy duty power sources.

Lathe facilitates precision cylindrical welding

Orbimatic has released the Varioturn RS 80-1R precision welding lathe.


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.