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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Fronius opens a new prototyping center

Thanks to its new prototyping center, Fronius is the specialist for this and other similar applications. The prototyping center provides sophisticated simulation, welding, and measuring technology.

WSI introduces 12,000 Joule CD Welder series

Weld Systems Integrators, Inc (WSI) announced the roll out of its next generation 12,000 Joule (12kJ) Capacitive Discharge (CD) Welder series.

RD X3 PM welding torch meets welders’ requirements

Welded constructions as big as houses are typical at Ebner, the specialist for heat treatment technology and industrial furnace construction based in Leonding, Austria.

Mike Prokop joins WSI for New Business Development

Weld Systems Integrators Inc. (WSI), Warrensville Heights, OH announced that Mike Prokop is joining its team for New Business Development.

CRP launched in arc-based additive manufacturing

A new TWI members’ Core Research Project (CRP) has been launched, bringing together expertise from three different technology groups in TWI to investigate various integrated additive manufacturing strategies, from feedstock customization to online monitoring techniques, to ensure build consistency and part quality.

Responsive NDT secures a contract with LLWR

A non-destructive testing business has been chosen to carry out quality inspection and testing at the UK's principal facility for the disposal of solid low-level radioactive waste.

Xiris welcomes Dr Patricio Mendez as Special Adviser

Xiris Automation welcomes Dr Patricio Mendez as a special adviser to help the company develop new camera and inspection technologies for the welding industry.

VDM Metals expands portfolio with VDM® Alloy N10675

VDM Metals adds VDM® Alloy N10675 to its product portfolio. The alloy has the material designation 2.4600 – NiMo29C. VDM® Alloy N10675 is a highly corrosion resistant nickel-molybdenum alloy.

MetLase develops Industry 4.0 sensor technology

Engineers at MetLase have been developing Industry 4.0 sensor technology to monitor welding processes within the aerospace industry.

UKAEA selects Jacobs to support nuclear fusion research

Jacobs was selected by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to support research into nuclear fusion and related technologies.


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.