Three Common Methods for Welding Stainless Steel

Blog | September 9th, 2019

Welding stainless steel is as important of a skill as there is in the industrialised world. With that being said, welding stainless steel can be a complicated process. There are actually three different methods that are commonly used when welding stainless steel. Depending on the thickness of the material as well as the finish, you might need to employ one process over the other. In order to help prepare you for the world of welding, we’ve decided to outline the three core methods used on stainless steel.

Common Welding Methods for Stainless Steel

When we discuss the different welding methods available for stainless steel, we are talking about three specific techniques that are employed for varying reasons. Those three techniques are TIG welding, MIG welding, and resistance welding. If you have never heard of those techniques before, we don’t blame you. Let’s briefly outline what each method does and why that method is so important to welding with stainless steel.

1) TIG Welding – Let’s start by looking at TIG welding. Also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, TIG welding is the most common method used on stainless steel. This welding method utilises low heat which makes it ideal for working with thinner cuts of steel. Argon gas will be mixed with other types of gas depending on the type of project that you are working on.

2) MIG Welding – This is a semi-automatic method that offers the strongest form of joining between two pieces of steel. You’ll utilise a solid electrode and a shielding gas in order to perform your welds. This process is incredibly popular because you can reach into every nook and cranny of your metal. You won’t have the limitations in reach that the other welding methods tend to present. This process is also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding.

3) Resistance Welding – Also known as ‘spot welding’, resistance welding is one of the most affordable welding methods around. Resistance welding equipment is fairly versatile which makes it ideal for both large AND small projects. For this method, you’ll utilise an electrical current that heats your frayed metal seams in order to get the perfect seal. This type of welding method is great for metal that has a lower melting threshold.

No matter what type of welding method you need to utilise, you will want a certified welder on your team to accomplish the job. Make sure you consult with our team at McKean’s Sheetmetal when you need reliable metalworkers on your side! McKean’s Sheetmetal Fabricators has been serving Melbourne and the surrounding area for the past thirty years.

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