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.

Binyan He becomes CEng and MWeldI

TWI Senior Project Leader, Binyan He has been elected as a Member of The Welding Institute. The election committee also approved Binyan’s registration as a Chartered Engineer. This means that she can now also carry the designatory letters CEng and MWeldI after her name.

EWM expanding its XQ series in MIG/MAG welding

EWM AG is expanding its XQ series in the area of MIG/MAG welding. Following on from the Titan XQ puls, the manufacturer of arc welding technology is now releasing its new MIG/MAG multi-process welding machines – the Phoenix XQ puls and the Taurus XQ Synergic. 

Weld Purging HFT® develop a Dew Point Sensor

Innovators in Weld Purging Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® have recently developed a Dew Point Sensor, an important predication instrument of when water will form on metal surfaces in the welding environment.

Mike elected to Welding Institute Governing Council

TWI announced that BAE Systems Maritime Submarines Welding Manager and Fellow of The Welding Institute, Mike Skyrme, has been elected to the governing council of The Welding Institute.

ESAB offer guidance for welding duplex stainless steels

A team of engineers from ESAB Welding & Cutting Products’ Process Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, demonstrated that the pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) value of duplex stainless steel alloys may lead to a misleading prediction of pitting corrosion resistance in the as-welded material.

Superior Tube secures three Nadcap reaccreditations

Superior Tube has been awarded three prestigious Nadcap reaccreditations for its heat treating, welding, and non-destructive testing programs.

Coherent signs an agreement with II-VI

Coherent and II-VI Incorporated announced that they have entered into a supply agreement creating a collaboration to enable faster process development and streamlined production services for automotive laser welding applications.

Richard Freeman wins International AWS Award

TWI Associate Director and Industrial Membership Group Manager, Dr Richard Freeman has been honored with the International Meritorious Certificate Award by the American Welding Society (AWS).

WirtschaftsWoche honours EWM

EWM AG in Mündersbach has placed among Germany’s top 100 most innovative SMEs for the second time running in a ranking commissioned by WirtschaftsWoche.

CEVISA continues innovating the “J-bevel”

Vitoria SA, a company based in Vitoria-Gasteiz, has been offering industrial weld preparation solutions since 1969. The production is dedicated to the niche of chamfering solutions for sectors such as construction, boiler construction, shipping and defense industry, energy, and transport under the CEVISA brand.


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.