Stainless Steel Weld Parameter Tool
Get recommended starting parameters for welding common austenitic stainless steels (like 304L) with TIG or Stick processes.
Select Process and Thickness
Choose your welding process and the material thickness to get parameter recommendations.
Challenges of Welding Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is prized for its corrosion resistance, but it presents unique challenges during welding compared to carbon steel. The key is heat control.
- Lower Thermal Conductivity: Stainless steel does not dissipate heat as well as carbon steel. This means heat stays concentrated in the weld area, which can easily lead to overheating.
- Higher Thermal Expansion: It expands about 50% more than carbon steel when heated. This combination of localized heat and high expansion leads to a much greater risk of warping and distortion.
- Heat Tint (Oxidation): If not properly shielded by gas, the hot stainless steel will oxidize, creating a colorful "heat tint" around the weld. This tint indicates a loss of corrosion resistance and must often be removed.
Because of these factors, stainless steel is typically welded with lower amperage and faster travel speeds than carbon steel of the same thickness to minimize total heat input.