Stainless Steel Pipe Welding Procedures

Stainless steel pipe is widely used in various industries, which can resist the corrosion of liquids, gases and chemicals. While welding stainless steel pipe is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and skills. Below are basic stainless steel pipe welding procedures.

- Safety First

- Select Joint Design and Fit Up

- Select Joint Design and Fit Up

Thefour most common stainless welding processes are:

SMAW - Shielded Metal Arc Welding or Stick Electrode

GTAW - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or Tig Welding

FCAW - Flux Cored Arc Welding

GMAW - Gas Metal Arc Welding or Mig Welding

- Determine Appropriate Inert Shielding Gas

- Select the Applicable Filler Metal

- Set the Parameters

- Clean the Base Metal

- Preheat if Applicable

- Welding Technique

As welders gain experience, good welding techniques are developed. Here are basic soldering tips:

Use jigs and/or clamps to help keep work in place.

Butt edges should be square. Square butt joints are commonly used in 18 gauge or thinner stainless steel plates. Heavier boards and panels may require edge beveling to ensure full penetration.

Adequate protection is ensured by placing the filler metal in the center of the gas and weld puddle area.

Filler metal should be immersed in the molten pool, but should not drip into it.

Move the torch/gun along the joint at a steady, constant speed to maintain uniformity.

Hold the torch/torch over the weld until the gas stops to protect the work.

- Cooling / Post Weld Cleaning

- Troubleshooting