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.

Faster production welding

Combining the benefits of laser light and MIG arc welding offers production welding processes with greater weld gap bridging, deeper penetration, narrower weld seams and lower heat input.

CMI Welding

Cockerill Mechanical Industries, based in Seraing, and Welding Services Inc., based in Atlanta-Norcross, USA, have joined forces to create “CMI Welding Services.â€?

Pipe welding update

An updated publication from Industrial Press, "Pipe welding procedures", second edition, details the manipulating procedures used to weld pipe joints.

Welding for a quieter life

Compact performance, lower noise level, stable arc and easy operation are the features of the new TIG welding systems by TPS-Fronius.

Get a complete picture

Orbimatic's ORBIMAT C range of orbital TIG welding power supplies provides a total picture of the job.

Heavy duty MIG units

ESAB has introduced ESABMig, a range of flexible heavy-duty welding units.

Punch press tool self-locks sheet metal joints

A new punch press tool that creates a self-locking joint at the edge of sheet metal components as part of the CNC machining cycle has been introduced by the US manufacturer, Mate Precision Tooling.

Smart welding machine

The Orbimat 160C is an Orbital Tube Welding Machine which takes the strain out of producing welding procedures.

A weld of difference

Axium Process is offering a rapid turnaround fabrication service for companies requiring high-quality stainless steel components and assemblies built to their own specification.

New appointment at AstroCosmos

Matthew J. Thayer has been promoted to North American Director of Sales and Technology at AstroCosmos Metallurgical, Camarillo, CA, USA.


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.