The welding process in stainless steel varies depending on the material's thickness and finish, as well as the use of the finished product. Although stainless steel welding methods are numerous, there are three that are most widely used by welders in Australia. These methods of welding in stainless steel are TIG welding, resistance welding, and MIG welding.
The welding process in stainless steel varies depending on the material's thickness and finish, as well as the use of the finished product. Although stainless steel welding methods are numerous, there are three that are most widely used by welders in Australia. These methods of welding in stainless steel are TIG welding, resistance welding, and MIG welding.
1. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or TIG Welding
Tig is the most commonly used for welding in stainless steel, providing high efficiency, flexibility, and durability. This welding process produces low input heat, making it suitable for thin material. The argon gas is often mixed with other gases, depending on the requirements of specific projects, including nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium. A single-sided Fabrication process can be used to prevent oxidation & improve the resistance to corrosion, providing inert gas protection between the inner and outer welds.
2. Gas Metal Arc or MIG Welding
MIG Welding is a process where an electric arc is formed between a consumable MIG wire electrode and a metal workpiece. This method utilizes a shielding gas rich in argon and a solid wire electrode. which provides a strong joint of two pieces of stainless steel.
MIG welding is common as it allows the welder to use a pulsed current supply that can make it easier for complicated stainless steel projects to weld those hard-to-reach spots. Other mixtures of gases, including those with oxygen, helium, and carbon dioxide, are often used to stabilize the arc and improve weld quality.
3. SPOT or Resistance Welding
Spot or resistance welding is an economical type of welding. The equipment for resistance welding is extremely flexible, meaning it can be used on large and small projects.
Resistance Welding uses an electric current to heat and weld frayed edges of metal together. This type of welding on metal with a low melting point is exceptionally productive because it can be tailored to prevent metal distortion.
How Does Spot Welding Work?
A form of resistance welding, spot welding is one of the oldest welding processes whereby two or more sheets of metal are welded together without the use of any filler material.
The process involves applying pressure and heat to the weld area using shaped alloy copper electrodes which convey an electrical current through the weld pieces. The material melts, fusing the parts together at which point the current is turned off, pressure from the electrodes is maintained and the molten “nugget” solidifies to form the joint.
The amount of heat depends on the thermal conductivity and electrical resistance of the metal as well as the amount of time the current is applied. This heat can be expressed by the equation:
Q = I2Rt
In this equation “Q” is heat energy, “I” is current, “R” is electrical resistance and “t” is the time for which the current is applied.
Which Welding Method is the best for Stainless Steel?
The right method to weld stainless steel mainly depends on what quality you require. If you want affordable welding, Spot welding is the best for you. but If the metal is thin, then the TIG welding could be the better option.
