How To Weld Stainless Steel Sheet Metal

Mig metal inert gas welding.

How to weld stainless steel sheet metal.

1 for 1 rule. Many fabricators perform gas metal arc welding gmaw of stainless steel with a solid wire. This process is performed by using a non disposable tungsten electrode with a tig welder for striking up the arc. Also known as gas metal arc welding gmaw.

To weld sheet metal with solid wires use electrode positive ep or reverse polarity. This technique produces less beading and offers a better view of your work. The process uses an inert shielding gas and a semi automatic wire feed which acts as the filling material. This is especially useful for carbon steel.

The best way i have found to tack weld stainless steel sheet metal is. Prop your tig cup right on the joint with the sharp tungsten electrode tip less than 1 16 from the joint. Set the tig welder to hit it hot and fast when you press the button or foot pedal. When welding 304 stainless steel er308 er308l and er308lsi wires are compatible but for welding 316l stainless you need a 316l wire.

The best way to estimate the heat input needed for welding is by applying the 1 for 1 rule this means that 1 amp should be used per 1 thousandth 0 001 inch of thickness. If you are working on a stainless steel material using gnaw use a mixture of 98 argon and 2 carbon dioxide. Some things that need to be considered include. Make sure the fitup is tight with absolutely no gap.

A low cost yet highly productive method of welding which can be used on all common metals and alloys. Bracing the joint during welding. Gmaw has moderate equipment complexity and operator skill requirements and for stainless steel welding it can be used in pulse or spray transfer mode. Shielding gas is used to protect the weld from contaminants with the basic idea of having more argon in the mixture.

For stainless 316 use 316 filler for stainless steel 304 use 308 filler metal for carbon steel use 309 filler metal. The team programs a mig welding robot to perform the weld and places the workpiece inside. How to mig weld stainless steel. Weld the stainless steel use the push technique for mig welding stainless steel whenever possible.

With these materials use a tri mix gas 90 helium 8 argon and 2 co 2. This is basically a common and unique process for joining stainless steel. Do this by pushing the welding gun away from the weld puddle instead of pulling it or by using a push pull method. This process also uses shielding gas against contamination but you can weld thinner metals more efficiently with it.