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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Stainless steel clamps

Increasingly rigorous operating and cleaning environments demand that stainless steel fittings and process components are produced to higher material specifications.

Welding consultancy

A new engineering consultancy specialising in welding technology has just been launched in the UK.

Stainless used in Taipei Financial Center

As the Taipei Financial Center reaches toward completion in 2004 at a height of 508m with 101 stories, the mechanical systems team turned to Victaulic Asia Pacific for piping and fire protection products.

Technip-Coflexip wins Kristin contract

Technip-Coflexip, through its Norwegian affiliate Technip Offshore Norge AS, has been awarded by Statoil an EPCI (engineering, procurement, construction, installation) contract for the installation of the infield flowlines, umbilicals and subsea structures at the Kristin field.

UK source for pipes

The production facilities for the manufacture of specialist formed and welded pipes previously supplied by Bentham International have been taken over by the Angle Ring Co. Ltd (Tipton, UK).

Axium invests in orbital

Axium Process (UK), the manufacturer of bespoke high-purity stainless steel fittings and systems for the process industry, has introduced its Orbimatic Orbital Welding System.

Stainless sculpture steals the show

The British Stainless Steel Association (BSSA) and some of its members have assisted in the creation ofa stainless steel sculpture which is now scheduled for a permanent siting on Salford Quays opposite the Lowry Gallery, Salford, UK.

Free orbital welding training

Orbimatic GMBH is offering an orbital welding course to anybody who has an interest in Orbital Welding in the UK.

Welding joint venture to be formed in China

The Kobe Steel Group, Matsushita Industrial Equipment Co. Ltd and China's Tangshan Kaiyuan Electric Co. Ltd. are to establish a joint venture in China to manufacture and market welding materials.

Carbon-to-austenitic welding manual

The American Welding Society has published five new Standard Welding Procedure Specifications (SWPSs) for Gas Tungsten and Shielded Metal Arc Welding of Carbon Steel to Austenitic Stainless Steel.


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.