[ Welding ]
The welding characteristics of stainless steels
Stainless steels are highly weldable , both to other stainless alloys and to other metals . This article briefly discusses the weldability of the different categories of stainless steel .
By A . K . Vaish , M . K . Mukherjee *, J . Krishnan *, B . J . Chauhan , S . D . Kahar , Ankit Bhojani and K M Bhaisaheb . Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering , The M . S . University of Baroda , India ; * Larsen and Toubro Ltd ., Hazira , Gujrat
Stainless alloys are highly weldable materials with welded joints providing optimum corrosion resistance , strength , and fabrication economy . Stainless steels are non-hardenable on cooling , so they exhibit good toughness without needing pre- or post-weld heat treatment . Stainless steel can be divided into five categories : ferritic , martensitic , austenitic , duplex ( austenitic-ferritic ) and precipitation hardening , based on the crystalline structure of their iron atoms . They have good weldability to other metals such as mild steel , medium and high carbon steel , galvanised steel , aluminium , copper etc .
Welding stainless steels Stainless steel can be welded using TIG , Resistance and MIG welding . 1
• TIG / gas tungsten arc welding The most commonly used stainless steel welding process , TIG creates a low heat input , making it perfect for thin material . It offers high quality , versatility and longevity . To prevent oxidation and increase resistance to corrosion , a single-sided welding process can be used to create inert gas protection between the interior and exterior welds . Argon gas is often mixed with other gases , including helium , hydrogen and nitrogen .
• Resistance / spot welding Resistance or spot welding is one of the most economical types of welding . The welding equipment is incredibly versatile and can be used
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