Welding methods for stainless steel

The main types of welding

Stainless steel welding can be done by manual arc welding, welding with fusible and non-fusible electrode, pulsed arc welding, plasma welding and some other types of welding that are not so widely known. Recently one of the new methods of stainless steel welding has become widespread - laser high-frequency welding, which has opened new, broadest prospects in this direction.

Manual arc welding

It is usually used to join stainless steel parts with a thickness of more than one and a half millimeters. The highest productivity in comparison with other welding has a melting arc welding in an inert gas. As a rule, it is used for joining thin stainless steel sheets less than one and a half millimeters thick.

Other types of arc welding

Pulsed arc - performed with a fusing electrode in inert gas. It is most effective for stainless steel of 0.8 mm thickness. Arc welding with metal jet transfer is used if stainless steel sheet thickness is 0.8-3 mm, and plasma welding is used for stainless steel sheet thickness exceeding 3 mm. If there is a need to weld stainless steel with a thickness of more than ten millimeters, submerged arc welding is resorted to.

Method selection

For the right choice of the best type of welding, consider the purpose of the future stainless steel product and the type of steel used. Some secondary considerations such as the resistance of the metal to cracking are also taken into account. If the stainless steel product to be welded is expected to be used in corrosive environments, it must have sufficient resistance to corrosion. In this case, the methods of heat treatment are also chosen particularly carefully.

Final Treatment

Regardless of the welding procedure used, a loose oxide layer will form on the surface of the weld and reduce the corrosion resistance of the welded joint. This layer is sure to be removed and the weld is thoroughly grinded. Etching is the most common method of treatment. Properly performed, this procedure restores the corrosion resistance of stainless steel by completely removing the oxide layer. Resistance to corrosion can be increased even further if, after pickling the metal welds subjected to grinding or polishing.

Buy, price

Evek GmbH has a wide range of high quality rolled metal products of standard and non-standard sizes in stock. We supply stainless steel products in retail and wholesale. All batches of products have quality certificate for compliance with standards and technical conditions of operation. The certificate marks the manufacturer, drawing number and name of parts, alloy grade, mechanical properties of parts, chemical composition and the results of additional tests. Implementation of orders - in the shortest possible time. Preferential discounts are offered to wholesale customers.