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.

Antonius and Kupa plan stainless expo in Slovakia

Antonius Vesselheads, a specialised manufacturer of vesselheads and cones, is organising a conference together with stainless steel producer Kupa AS in Bojnice, Slovakia, on Friday 26 October 2001.

Stolt Offshore wins repair contracts in Norway

Stolt Offshore SA has announced the award of two contracts to the Stolt Halliburton Joint Venture for pipeline repairs in Norway.

Air Liquide America sells store to Industrial Sour

Air Liquide America has sold its Medford, Oregon, retail store to Industrial Source, an independent distributor and customer of Air Liquide America for many years.

Sandvik develops new filler material for 13Cr pipe

Sandvik Steel has developed a super duplex filler metal which matches the properties of 13% chromium super martensitic stainless steel used for pipelines in the oil and gas industries.

Lincoln appoints chief of automation division

Lincoln Electric recently announced the appointment of Christopher A. Bailey as General Manager of its Automation Division.

Lincoln’s new brochure

Lincoln Electric highlights has introduced a new brochure.

Titanium conference

The International Titanium Association (ITA) will hold the 17th Annual Titanium Conference and Exhibition from 30 September 30 to 2 October 2001 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Longer lasting tungsten electrodes

The Multi Strike™ Tungsten Welding Electrodes from Huntingdon Fusion Techniques Ltd were originally introduced to provide the marketplace with non-radioactive and non-carcinogenic tungstens for improved health and safety and increased life. They have now undergone a new development.

New grinding machine from Huntingdon

Stainless steel is mostly welded with the TIG process which uses a tungsten electrode to help transfer the welding arc to the workpiece.

Six-axis articulated-arm robots

Following the successful installation of Motoman systems for robotic arc welding and more recently plasma welding and cutting, W and G Sissons, the European stainless steel catering and sanitary ware equipment manufacturers, has embarked on a programme to automate polishing at its factory in Sheepbridge, Chesterfield, UK.


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.