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.

So you want to build it in stainless steel

Hence the British Stainless Steel Association (BSSA) and the Institute of Materials (IOM) have teamed up with other industry partners, to offer a workshop entitled “So you want to build it in stainless steel!â€? to be held on Tuesday 28 May 2002 in london.

Swagelok honours “spirit of invention”

Swagelok Compan has honoured 53 active and retired Swagelok associates whose patent-winning inventions are protected by 500 current or pending company patents in 23 countries world-wide.

New welding consumables for nuclear industry

Sandvik Steel has launched a new range of welding wire, covered and strip electrodes and fluxes for welding nuclear steam generator tubing.

Compact industrial inverter welding system

The Power Wave™ 355 / Power Feed™ 10 welding system is comprised of an inverter power source and a industrial wire feeder designed to work specifically with Lincoln’s Power Wave units.

LSA acquires Oeuvre Technology

LSA Laser Services and Automation (Plymouth, Minnesota, USA) has completed its acquisition of Oeuvre Technology, a precision parts manufacturer also located in Plymouth.

Solenoid release units ensure electrical isolation

Guardmaster Prosafe's (Wigan, UK) new solenoid key release units can be incorporated into virtually any process or access control system to ensure its safe operation.

Tubacex granted PED approval

Tubacex Tubos Inoxidables SA, Acería de Alava SA and Tubacex Taylor Accesorios SA, the Spanish manufacturers belonging to the Tubacex Group, have been granted by TÜV Süddeutschland the approval Certificate for their Quality Assurance System, in accordance with the new PED 97/23/EC.

Air Liquide announces divestments and purchases

Air Liquide America Corp. has announced several recent divestments and purchases.

Free advice on welding

The Welding Institute (TWI) has made available on its website free information on defects that may occur in arc welds.

Aquila acquires Welding Services

Aquila Power Services Corporation, a newly formed holding company of First Reserve Corporation, has announced the acquisition of Welding Services Inc (WSI).


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.