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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Welding technology treading new paths

As a result of employee proposals and consequential internal developments, S+C (Germany) has supplied a product which normally only can be achieved by big forges with an aggregate power of up to 6000 tons, using its own comparatively “weakâ€? 2000-ton forging press.

Double-walled tubes

Siderca has set up field test strings for the development of double-walled tubes to enhance operation of wells in which steam injection is needed.

Integrated welding

Japan’s Nippon Steel Corp. and Sumitomo Metal Industries Ltd have agreed to integrate their welding-materials operations by forming a new company next year.

New yardsticks for welding technology

A remarkable wave of innovation currently characterises the development and the future of welding - as seen at the industry's fair in Essen, with laser-hybrid welding and the digitalisation that is made possible by new technology.

Sandvik offers new welding wire

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

Welding conference: call for papers

On 2–3 October 2003 an international conference will held on “Joining of Corrosion Resistant Materialsâ€? in Opatija, Croatia.

Stainless Steel World 2001: day 2

Lively workshops, fascinating papers, a seminar on market research and of course the traditional conference dinner were among the highlights of the Stainless Steel World 2001 Conference and Expo's second day.

SSW gets off to flying start

Stainless Steel World 2001 Conference and Expo took off on Tuesday 12 November at 8.15am with Chairman Michael Renner's opening speech.

Robotic welding of pressure vessels

At the Eynsham factory of Oxford Magnet Technology, 750 liquid helium-filled vessels are produced each year for housing the superconducting magnet that forms the heart of magnetic resonance imaging systems for body and brain scanners.

Titanium welding purge monitor

What is thought to be the only Welding Purge Monitor designed specifically for the welding of Titanium has been developed by Huntingdon Fusion Techniques Ltd.


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.