Stainless steel products are everywhere. From the silverware you eat off of to the bridges you drive over everyday, without steel, we would be limited to our conveniences everyday. We owe a lot to metal. So, of course, while we, as consumers, see the end product, there is a process from raw to finished. This process is called welding, and there are a few different methods which we will discuss further.
Methods for Stainless Steel Welding
There are many variables when talking about the process of stainless steel welding. Don’t even get us started about how many grades and varieties of stainless steel sheet metal there are. That is an entirely different blog for an entirely different day.
The actual process of welding stainless steel varies depending on the thickness and finish of the material. Also, take into account what it’s being utilized for.
The Most Common Welding Methods:
- Tig Welding or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
This is the most common method used for stainless steel welding. It offers high quality, versatility, and longevity. It is best for thinner steel, due to its lower heat input. Several gases, such as helium, argon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and argon, are mixed with each other to create the final steel product.
- Resistance
Also called “spot welding”, this boasts a reputation as the most economical method of welding. It is also incredibly versatile, which makes it feasible to both small and large projects. It uses an electrical current to heat frayed metal edges and seals them together. Metals with a low melting point are at an advantage in this process, preventing distortion for a cleaner end product.
- Mig Welding
Also called “gas metal AC welding”, this is a semi-automatic process, offering a very strong bonding of two pieces of stainless steel. As in previous methods, several gases such as argon, helium, oxygen and carbon dioxide are used to stabilize and improve the quality of the finished product. This may be one of the easiest welding processes, but not for every object.
So, as it goes, it depends on what the intended object is or how difficult the project may be as to which welding method will be best to use. On your next metal fabrication project, consider Megstar Industries.