Stainless steel is the go-to source for metal fabrications—it is resistant to corrosion, highly sustainable, and in the right hands, it is easy to use. However, stainless steel welding does pose unique challenges. Stainless steel welding has different properties than popular carbon steels. Stainless steel has a higher thermal expansion and a much lower thermal conductivity when compared to carbon steel. It also tends to distort and warp in inexperienced hands. But for the initiated welder, stainless steel welding can be satisfying.

Stainless Steel Welding Tips 

• Choose a filler metal with an appropriate diameter. The thicker the rod, the more heat is required to melt it. It’s recommended that the diameter of the filler be slimmer than the actual base metal. To ensure the integrity of the actual weld, the filler metal and base metal should be chemically compatible with similar characteristics.
• Pick the right electrode size. Tungsten electrode sizes can range anything between 3/32 to 1-1/4 of an inch. The right size will largely depend on polarity, amperage, and base metal thickness. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
• It’s all about your fingertips and foot control. Proper foot control allows for enhanced precision and doesn’t interfere with your torch hand. But keep in mind that when welding on ladders or any sort of awkward positions, fingertip control may be preferred. Regardless of your positioning, start with low amperage and let the puddle form. Pull back several amps and add filler. The puddle size should be the thickness of the base metal. If it is too large, then your foot pedal control or your fingertips should be used to reduce heat input. You can eliminate any craters by lowering the current and appending a bit of metal until the pool solidifies.

About the TIG Method

One of the most popular methods of stainless-steel welding is TIG welding, which is another name for gas tungsten arc welding. During this type of welding, the welder creates an arc linking the base metal and the tungsten electrode. At the location where the arc connects with the base metal, a pool forms. A thin wire of filler metal is then slowly fed into the pool where it melts. This is done while a shielding gas preserves the tungsten electrode and the pool from oxygen contamination. Once done, there is a slag-free weld that shares the properties of the parent metal.

TIG leaves a clean, polished finish to the stainless steel. This allows welders to concentrate on welding instead of cleaning up the metal post-production. 

Expert Welding Services

At Domer’s, we’ve been in business serving the Okeechobee, Florida area since 1926. We specialize in not only stainless-steel welding, but also executing the MIG, TIG, and Stick welding method on a myriad of materials. To learn more about our professional welding services, contact Domer’s today at 863-763-3417.