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.

Orbital welding heads from Arc

Arc Machines has introduced its Model 79 Series to provide economy, easy of use and sturdiness

Microprocessor-controlled power

The Arc Machines, Inc. Model 207 is a 100/150 amp pre-programmed / programmable power supply and controller capable of welding tubing and thin wall pipe.

Joints in sheet metal without welding

For fabricating connecting joints in sheet metal without welding, a lance and form application produces self-locking, spring-loaded tabs that snap securely into pre-punched holes.

Stainless Steel World award

The American Welding Society will present the 2003 AWS Silver Quill Award to Stainless Steel World magazine.

Stainless Steel World wins award !

The American Welding Society will present the 2003 AWS Silver Quill Award to Stainless Steel World magazine.

Welded stainless honeycomb panel

Posco, together with its customer company, Hanlim E & C, has developed the world’s first welded stainless honeycomb panel.

MIG welder

The new Murex Tradesmig Challenger 186C MIG Welder offers high quality welding performance, rugged reliability, simple operation and positive and powerful wire feeding.

High precision

Lasertech has introduced the DML 80, a laser machine for high precision 2D and 3D cutting, welding, and drilling.

Inconel alloy 22

Special Metals has launched a new product, Inconel alloy 22, to extend its range of nickel-base alloys for applications in very corrosive industrial environments.

SSW America 2004: call for papers

Stainless Steel World is organising a conference and exhibition dedicated to the use of corrosion-resistant alloys, and welcomes your participation through the submission of papers for oral presentation as well as poster contributions.


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.