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.

Stainless used in airport rebuild

In 1996, a fire destroyed part of Düsseldorf airport and for safety reasons the authorities decided that it should be completely rebuilt.

Orbital welds take flight

When Cessna Aircraft Company was ready to begin manufacture of its Citation X, the world’s fastest business jet, its engineers were presented with the challenge of finding a way to join the small diameter titanium hydraulic and fuel lines, while maintaining rigorous standards of quality.

Research warns of declining welding skills

Following completion of research undertaken last year on behalf of the British Stainless Steel Association, Director Duncan Munro has suggested the association act to co-ordinate efforts to counter the threat of declining fabrication and welding skills in the industry.

New BSSA initiative

Following completion of research undertaken last year on behalf of the British Stainless Steel Association [BSSA], Director Duncan Munro has suggested the Association act to co-ordinate efforts to counter the threat of declining fabrication and welding skills in the industry.

New force in customised fabrications

Newly formed Axium Process is starting life with over 100 man years of engineering experience in the supply and manufacture of customised stainless-steel components and fabrication

Super duplex used in fluid system solution

Sandvik Steel AB (Sweden) and Swagelok (USA) have together produced an integrated fluid system solution using Sandvik’s super duplex stainless steel grade SAF 2507™, that performs successfully in highly corrosive, chloride-containing environments, such as oil and gas exploration and production.

Awards deadline looms

Entries for the biennial International Stainless Steel Awards Programme for 2002 has been launched.

Certification for Lincoln subsidiaries

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. has announced that manufacturing plants at its subsidiaries in France and the Philippines have been certified to the ISO 9001-2000 international quality standards.

Stainless steel awards offer opportunities

Architects, specifiers and developers have the opportunity of raising the level of awareness of their companies and services, both locally and internationally, through the Stainless Steel Awards programme.

Lincoln Electric achieves certification

The Lincoln Electric Company announced that its welding consumables manufacturing facility in Mentor, Ohio, has been certified to ISO 14001, an international standard for environmental management tools and systems.


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.