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.

Karl Schäfer retires from Butting

An appreciation by Sjef Roymans of Stainless Steel World

Gasoline engine driven welder

The Lincoln Electric Company is pleased to introduce the Pipeliner 200G, its newest gasoline industrial engine driven welder.

Lincoln introduces TIG 275 and 375

The new Precision TIG 275 and 375 units from the Lincoln Electric Company use Square Wave TIG technology to achieve a smooth, controlled arc and better starting performance.

Piping brochure

Trouvay & Cauvin has produced the 2001 edition of its piping brochure.

AvestaPolarit launches new website

AvestaPolarit launched a new website on 25 February.

New wire coating from Carpenter

A new wire coating for all heading alloys has been designed to perform with high efficiency, improve heading tool life and eliminate the cost and environmental problems associated with the emission and disposal of nitric acid used in copper cleaning operations.

Supermartensitic Stainless Steels 2002 under way

With a scientific committee meting which was held on the 24 January the Supermartensitic Stainless Steels 2002 conference took its next step forward.

Special Metals: correction

The following press release is a correction of an earlier release.Dr Jesse Chen, General Manager of Special Metals Welding Products Company, formerly Inco Alloys International, Inc.’s Welding Products Company, has announced some organisational changes.

Titanium risers

Stolt Comex Seaway, with financial assistance from the EC, has undertaken a project to demonstrate the value of titanium alloy pipes as a practical alternative to current flexible pipe technology for dynamic risers in floating production systems for the recovery of oil and gas reserves.

Special Metals announces new appointments

Special Metals Welding Products Company, formerly Inco Alloys International, Inc. has announced the following organisational changes.


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.